Get Ready for Your First Java Developer Job in 3 Weeks

Step-by-step plan to learn Java basics, build a web app, and prepare for real interviews.

Weekly Hours: 24
Estimated Weeks: 3

Phases

Java Foundations

Start with Java programming basics. Learn to write, run, and test simple Java programs. Practice problem-solving and use core tools.

1 weeks

Understand Java syntax and structure
Write basic Java classes and methods
Use a code editor to run Java (e.g., VS Code)
Debug and fix common errors
Solve problems using loops and conditions

Write a 'Hello World' in Java
Create and use classes (Person, Book)
Work with variables, loops, and if-statements
Read input from user (Scanner)
Handle simple errors (try-catch)

Java beginner tutorial
Online Java playground
Official Java documentation
Intro programming videos

Run simple Java program on your computer
Submit a Java file with one working method (add two numbers)
Take screenshot of passed outputs from test cases

Web Development with Java

Learn how to create simple web applications with Java. Explore web frameworks and build small modules. Work towards your own mini project.

1 weeks

Understand how a website works (browser, server)
Set up local web server (Spring Boot)
Build web routes and pages with Java
Handle form input and display output
Connect to a small database (H2)

Create web endpoint (GET /hello)
Make HTML form (login page)
Store and fetch data (H2 database)
Read and respond to web requests (Spring Boot)
Debug server errors

Spring Boot getting started guide
HTML and web basics tutorial
Sample Spring Boot project code
Web development basics course

Build a web app with two routes (e.g., home, profile)
Display data from form on a result page
Save form data to H2 and retrieve it
Demo project locally and share link/screenshots

Testing, Deploying, and Showcasing

Focus on code testing, documenting your project, and preparing to show your work to others. Practice interview skills and set up your portfolio.

1 weeks

Write and run Java tests (JUnit)
Document code with clear comments and a README file
Deploy your app to an online service (Render or Heroku)
Prepare a portfolio on GitHub or similar
Practice with common interview questions

Write unit test for Java method (addUser)
Describe project in README (features, steps)
Push code to GitHub
Deploy app online for demo
Answer Java interview questions out loud

JUnit testing basics
How to use GitHub
Heroku/Render deployment guide
Java interview question list

Show DEMO link of deployed web app
Include unit test with passing badge (CI badge)
Share a full README with steps and screenshots
Complete mock interview with a friend or online tool

Weekly Plan

Week	Focus	Why	Tasks	Deliverables
1	Java basics and simple programs	You need a strong foundation before building web apps.	Write 'Hello World' in Java (VS Code), Practice classes and methods (Person, Book), Solve 5 basic coding problems (loops, if, input/output)	Submit 3 Java files and screenshots of results
2	Build a Java web app (Spring Boot, forms, database)	Web projects show practical skills to employers.	Set up Spring Boot starter project, Create web routes (GET /home, POST /submit), Connect and store data in H2 database	Working mini web app with two pages and saved data
3	Test, deploy, and present your project	Testing and showcasing build confidence for job search.	Write and run unit tests (JUnit), Write project README (steps, screenshots), Deploy web app and push code to GitHub	Demo link, README, and CI test badge

Daily Plan

Monday

Read Java basics tutorial
Write a simple class and method in Java

Tuesday

Solve two coding exercises (loops, if-statements)
Test code and fix errors

Wednesday

Set up Spring Boot starter project
Run and open app in browser

Thursday

Build web routes and HTML form
Collect form input in Java code

Friday

Connect and test H2 database
Display saved data on a web page

Saturday

Write and run unit tests (JUnit)
Write project README and take screenshots