Roadmap to First Software Development Job

A beginner-friendly plan to become a Software Developer with a strong project.

Weekly Hours: 10
Estimated Weeks: 8

Phases

Foundations

Learn programming basics and get comfortable with tools. Start with the building blocks required for any development job.

2 weeks

Understand programming basics
Set up a coding workspace
Write and run simple code
Use version control (track code changes)

Variables and loops (e.g., print numbers 1-10)
Functions (e.g., create a greeter function)
Git basics (e.g., commit your code)
Data structures (e.g., use a list to store items)

Beginner Programming Tutorials
Interactive Code Platforms
Git for Beginners
Simple Text Editor

Finish 5 basic programming exercises
Push first code to remote repository (GitHub)
Set up coding tools on your computer

Core Web Development

Build basic web development skills. Learn how websites work and start making simple web pages.

2 weeks

Learn HTML basics
Style a page with CSS
Write simple JavaScript
Understand how web pages load

Create and style a basic webpage (e.g., personal info page)
JavaScript for interactivity (e.g., make a button show a message)
Read and edit HTML and CSS
Debug simple browser errors

HTML and CSS Guides
JavaScript Tutorial
Code Playground Website
Browser Developer Tools

Deploy a live simple personal webpage
Show a styled HTML form with buttons
Add basic page interactivity using JavaScript

Build the Showcase Project

Work on a deeper project to apply what you have learned. Focus on core features, saving user data, and testing your code.

3 weeks

Design a simple project (To-Do App)
Use routing and manage state
Build forms for user input
Write basic automated tests

Build multi-page app with navigation (e.g., Home and Tasks pages)
Handle user input with forms (e.g., add new to-do item)
Store data in browser (e.g., localStorage for tasks)
Write and run tests (e.g., check if tasks add correctly)

React Beginner Guide
Testing Libraries Overview
State Management Tutorials
Deployment Step-by-Step

Demo project with routing (e.g., Home/Tasks/About pages)
Pass 3+ tests on main features
Deploy app and share online link
Write a short project README

Polish and Demo

Test and improve your project. Create a public demo. Write short docs and prepare for job applications.

1 weeks

Test all project features
Write simple documentation
Create a public demo link
Summarize project improvements

Find bugs by testing project (e.g., fix form errors)
Write clear readme (e.g., steps to run the app)
Deploy project using free service (e.g., Vercel)
Show a CI badge on repository (e.g., from GitHub Actions)

How to Write Readmes
Open Source Deployment Guides
Bug Tracking Sheets
CI/CD 101

All main features demoed without bugs
README with setup and feature list
Live public link to project
CI badge visible in project repo

Apply and Prepare

Get ready for job applications. Prepare your CV, portfolio, and simple interview answers.

1 weeks

Write a beginner CV
Submit first applications
Answer simple coding questions
Share project portfolio

Make a one-page CV (e.g., list skills and project)
Write application emails
Solve basic coding puzzles (e.g., reverse a string)
Talk about your project in plain words

Free CV Templates
Common Coding Interview Questions
Online Job Boards
Portfolio Examples

Send 5+ job applications
Link portfolio in applications
Practice 10+ interview questions
Get feedback on one application

Weekly Plan

Week	Focus	Why	Tasks	Deliverables
1	Programming basics	You need a solid base for all software jobs.	Finish Python or JavaScript beginner course, Write basic programs (print, add, loop), Install code editor (VS Code), Sign up for GitHub and create a repository	First programs completed, First repository created
2	Learning version control and data structures	Version control is needed to work with teams.	Learn Git basics (add, commit, push), Practice lists and dictionaries (e.g., make a contacts list), Share code to your repository, Review other sample projects online	Code history in repository, One code example using lists
3	Core web development (HTML, CSS, JS)	Web basics are key for modern software roles.	Create a simple webpage (HTML), Add style with CSS, Add a button with JavaScript action, Test page in browser	Live webpage with basic style, Button with click response
4	Web app basics and deployment	You need to know how to share your work.	Gather free hosting options, Deploy your page on Netlify or Vercel, Share your page link, Try adding a contact form	Live public page, Simple contact form
5	Start To-Do App: Project setup and core pages	Deepen skills by making a real project.	Set up a new React app, Create Home and Tasks pages (routing), Add navigation links, Commit initial code	Project with two pages and working navigation
6	Add features: Forms, state, storage	Projects must handle user input and save data.	Create form for new tasks, Store tasks with useState or localStorage, Show and delete tasks from list, Write tests for adding/deleting a task (Testing Library)	Task list with add/delete, Passing feature tests
7	Polish and test project	A bug-free demo stands out to employers.	Test all features and fix bugs, Clean and comment code, Write a README with setup and features, Add CI workflow for tests (GitHub Actions)	Bug-free project demo, README and CI badge
8	Job preparations and applications	Now you need to showcase and apply.	Make a simple CV with project link, Practice talking through project demo, Apply to 5 entry-level jobs online, Practice 10 easy interview questions	Submitted job applications, Portfolio link shared

Daily Plan

Monday

Read or watch tutorials for 30 minutes
Work on coding tasks for 1 hour
Reflect on progress and note questions

Tuesday

Practice coding exercises for 1 hour
Review and improve yesterday’s code
Share progress in online forum

Wednesday

Explore new feature or topic (30 minutes)
Work on project or exercises for 1 hour
Commit updates to repository

Thursday

Focus on bug fixing or code review (1 hour)
Update documentation or README
Ask a peer for feedback

Friday

Polish this week’s work (1 hour)
Prepare demo or application materials
List next week’s improvement goals