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