Get your first job as Associate Trainee (Software Engineer)

This plan guides you step by step to become job-ready for a trainee role. Build skills, make a solid project, and prepare for interviews.

Weekly Hours: 10
Estimated Weeks: 8

Phases

Foundations

Start by learning basic programming and web fundamentals. Build comfort with tools you need. Practice solving small coding problems.

2 weeks

Understand programming basics
Write simple code in one language
Understand how websites work
Use basic developer tools

Variables and loops (write a calculator in JavaScript)
Using functions (sort an array)
Web browser basics (open Developer Tools)
Version control (save code with Git)

Online tutorials
Beginner programming book
Code playground
Version control guide

Submit a working calculator (demo link)
Push first code to an online repo (GitHub link)

Frontend Development

Learn to build web pages and interact with users. Practice using layouts, forms, and online libraries.

2 weeks

Build simple web pages
Work with forms and input
Use a UI library
Understand routing between pages

HTML/CSS (make a registration form)
Handling events (button click shows alert)
Routing (navigate between About and Home pages)
Using UI libraries (style with Bootstrap)

Web development tutorials
UI component library docs
Sample project templates
CSS reference

Deploy a multi-page site (Home, About, Form)
Show working forms (submit and validate a form)

State, Logic, and Testing

Handle user data, connect parts of your site, and check your code works. Add logic that reacts to users.

2 weeks

Manage web app state
Validate form data
Write simple tests
Fix bugs

Form validation (prevent blank submissions)
App state (remember logged-in user)
Testing (write a test that checks button text)
Debugging (find and fix broken logic)

App state tutorials
Testing starter guide
Debugging tools
Online forum for questions

Write a test that passes (test script output)
Submit app with state management (demo with login flow)

Project Completion and Deployment

Finish your showcase project. Add polish, check for errors, put it online, and make a clear readme.

1 weeks

Clean up codebase
Write clear documentation
Deploy project publicly
Make a demo video

Documentation (write a README file)
Code review (fix warnings and errors)
Deployment (publish to Netlify or Vercel)
Demo recording (make a 2-min screen video)

Deployment platform docs
Sample readme
Free screen recorder
Peer feedback group

Share deployed project link (live site URL)
Readme and demo published (URL and video link)

Job Preparation

Get ready to apply for jobs. Practice interviews and update your resume. Collect feedback from others.

1 weeks

Prepare a basic resume
Create a portfolio with your project
Practice common interview questions
Get feedback from peers

Resume writing (list education and project)
Portfolio building (add project link and details)
Interview answer practice (explain a bug you fixed)
Feedback handling (revise resume with suggestions)

Resume template
Mock interview guide
Peer review site
Portfolio examples

Share resume and portfolio with feedback (Google Drive link)
Complete a mock interview (feedback notes)

Weekly Plan

Week	Focus	Why	Tasks	Deliverables
1	Programming basics and tools	Building strong foundations makes later steps easier.	Set up code editor (VS Code), Complete beginner tutorials (JavaScript Basics), Write and run sample scripts (addition calculator), Save first project to GitHub	Calculator code on GitHub, Short learning notes
2	Web fundamentals and version control	Websites are built from HTML, CSS, and versioned code.	Read HTML/CSS guides (MDN Web Docs), Build a basic web page (personal bio), Add styles using CSS, Commit code changes to GitHub	Personal bio page online, Styled example on GitHub
3	Multi-page sites and forms	User input and navigation are key in web projects.	Build multiple web pages (Home, About, Contact), Learn page routing (React Router or basic anchor links), Create a registration form, Add simple form validation (check empty input)	Multi-page site demo, Registration form code shared
4	UI library and responsive design	Modern sites use libraries and adapt to all screens.	Install UI library (Bootstrap), Style pages with library components, Test layout on phone browser, Refactor messy code blocks	Styled site review link, Screenshots showing mobile view
5	State management and logic	Keeping track of user state improves app experience.	Implement login/logout flow (store username in state), Add protected page (Visible after login), Validate form with rules (password must be 6+ chars), Test login with fake users	App shows login/logout, Protected page working
6	Testing and debugging	Testing and fixing code gives confidence in your app.	Write simple unit tests (Jest or Vitest), Test form validation works, Find and fix a bug (broken button), Add comments for tricky code parts	Passing test screenshot, Bug fix report
7	Deployment and documentation	Sharing your work online makes it real to employers.	Deploy app to Netlify or Vercel, Write project documentation (README with setup, features), Share deployed link for feedback, Record a quick project walkthrough video	Live deployed site link, Readme file and video
8	Job prep and interview practice	Being ready to present yourself helps you get hired.	Write and review resume (Google Docs or Canva), Add project to a portfolio page, Practice answering 5 common interview questions, Ask a peer to give feedback on resume, Revise any issues found	Resume and portfolio link, Mock interview feedback

Daily Plan

Monday

Review last week's learning
Set up tools needed for the week

Tuesday

Read a section from a tutorial
Try sample code from the lesson

Wednesday

Work on your main project
Commit progress to GitHub

Thursday

Experiment with a new skill (e.g., form validation)
Write notes on what you learned

Friday

Test code for bugs
Ask a friend to review your work