Transition from Academic Advisor to Django Developer

A simple 3-week plan to gain Django skills and build your foundation for your first developer job.

  • Weekly Hours: 18
  • Estimated Weeks: 3

Phases

Learn Python Basics

Start by building a solid understanding of Python, the main programming language used with Django. This foundation is essential before diving into web frameworks.

1 weeks

  • Understand variables and data types
  • Write simple functions
  • Work with lists and dictionaries
  • Handle errors
  • Python syntax
  • Problem solving
  • Debugging basics
  • Introductory Python tutorials
  • Practice coding exercises
  • Complete at least three simple Python exercises
  • Explain how lists and dictionaries work

Web Development Fundamentals

Get familiar with how websites work, basic web structure, and moving data. Learn how the internet connects different parts of web applications.

0.5 weeks

  • Understand HTML structure
  • Know what HTTP is
  • Create simple web pages
  • HTML basics
  • Simple page layout
  • Explaining web requests
  • HTML introduction lessons
  • HTTP basics overview
  • Build one basic HTML webpage
  • Describe what happens when loading a webpage

Django Framework Basics

Dive into Django and learn how to build simple web applications. Cover main concepts like models, views, templates, and how pages are created.

1 weeks

  • Install Django and set up a project
  • Create basic pages using views
  • Work with templates
  • Store and display simple data
  • Django project setup
  • Connecting pages and data
  • Reading error messages
  • Official Django getting started guides
  • Simple sample projects
  • Start a Django project locally
  • Show simple data on a Django page

Apply Skills through Projects

Practice what you have learned by building a small Django project. This hands-on phase will help you build confidence and have something to show employers.

0.5 weeks

  • Plan a simple Django app
  • Create a basic CRUD app (add, update, delete content)
  • Use templates to display data
  • Project planning
  • Connecting database with pages
  • User input handling
  • Step-by-step Django project walkthroughs
  • Templates for beginner apps
  • Finish a simple Django app from start to finish
  • Explain what each part of the app does

Prepare for Your First Job

Learn how to talk about your skills, create a basic resume, and practice interview questions related to Django and web development.

0.5 weeks

  • Write a clear resume with your new skills
  • Review common interview questions
  • Practice explaining projects
  • Job application basics
  • Interview communication
  • Portfolio presentation
  • Simple resume templates
  • Practice interview question lists
  • Have a first version of your resume ready
  • Practice answering five common interview questions

Weekly Plan

Week Focus Why Tasks Deliverables
1 Learning Python and basic web concepts A strong Python base helps in all future Django work. Complete Python practice exercises, Write and test simple Python programs, Read about how websites work Three working Python scripts, A summary of how web pages load
2 Starting with Django framework Begin making your first web pages using Django. Set up a Django project, Build pages with views and templates, Display and store data in Django A working Django app that shows data, Notes on Django concepts learned
3 Developing a mini project and job preparation Apply skills and get ready to show them to employers. Finish a Django CRUD app, Write your resume with your new project, Practice interview answers about your app A finished mini Django project, A draft resume highlighting your skills