Your First Steps to Becoming a Javascript UI Engineer

A simple 6-week plan to learn Javascript, UI basics, and land your first job.

Weekly Hours: 10
Estimated Weeks: 6

Phases

Core Javascript Foundations

Start by learning the basics of Javascript from the very beginning. This phase helps you understand variables, functions, and how Javascript works. You'll practice writing simple code and reading others' code.

2 weeks

Understand Javascript basics
Write simple scripts
Explain data types
Use functions and loops

Reading code
Writing basic Javascript
Debugging simple errors

Introductory Javascript tutorials
Javascript interactive exercises

Write and run 5 small scripts that use variables and loops
Complete a timed quiz on Javascript basics

UI and Web Fundamentals

Learn how webpages work, including HTML and CSS. This phase gives you the basics of how to structure content and style it for users.

1 weeks

Use HTML to build simple pages
Style content with CSS
Understand the page structure
Read and modify sample webpages

Creating basic web pages
Styling with CSS
Inspecting page layouts

HTML and CSS beginner guides
Mini web page challenges

Build one sample webpage with HTML and CSS
Explain the difference between HTML, CSS, and Javascript

Javascript in the Browser

Focus on how Javascript interacts with web pages. You'll learn about events, forms, and how to change content on a page using code.

1 weeks

Work with page elements (DOM)
Respond to user actions
Create simple forms
Update page content with Javascript

Manipulating the DOM
Handling mouse and keyboard events
Debugging scripts in browsers

DOM manipulation exercises
Event handling practice tasks

Create a page that responds to a button click
Finish a timed quiz on DOM and events

Project and Practice

Apply what you've learned by building a small interactive project. Practice explaining your code and showing your work.

1 weeks

Plan a simple UI project
Use HTML, CSS, and Javascript together
Explain your choices
Fix bugs and improve code

Combining web skills
Showcasing a project
Debugging and testing

Small web project briefs
Peer feedback guidelines

Complete one interactive webpage project
Present your project in a short summary

Get Ready for Job Applications

Prepare for real job applications by practicing interviews, making a basic resume, and learning how to show your projects.

1 weeks

Write a simple resume
Practice interview questions
Share your project online
Reflect on your learning

Writing resumes
Communicating about your work
Answering basic interview questions

Resume templates
Interview question lists

Finish a draft resume
Complete one practice interview with a friend

Weekly Plan

Week	Focus	Why	Tasks	Deliverables
1	Javascript Basics and Syntax	Learning the basics is the foundation for all future Javascript work.	Read introductory Javascript materials, Complete at least three practice coding tasks, Take a short quiz on variables and loops	Three working Javascript scripts, Completed basics quiz
2	Functions, Arrays, and Practice	Functions and arrays are key to building any non-trivial code.	Practice writing functions with one or more arguments, Manipulate arrays in code exercises, Debug common errors in example scripts	Two working scripts using functions and arrays, One paragraph summary of your learning
3	HTML and CSS Essentials	UI engineers build and style web pages for users.	Build two sample pages with HTML, Apply CSS stylesheets to format content, Inspect and tweak example layouts	One basic webpage, Self-assessment checklist for HTML and CSS
4	Javascript for Interactive Pages	Interactivity brings life to web pages using Javascript.	Write scripts that react to user clicks, Change text and styles with Javascript, Create a simple form that logs input	One interactive demo page, Completed event handling quiz
5	Capstone Project and Code Explanation	A project shows your skills to potential employers.	Design a mini project using all three technologies, Build and debug your project, Prepare an explanation of your choices	Published project page, Project summary (written or recorded)
6	Job Prep & Interview Practice	Confidence in resumes and interviews helps you get noticed.	Write and edit your resume, Practice common interview questions out loud, Share your project with peers for feedback	Draft resume, Completed practice interview