Tips and tricks for choosing your first job as a developer
Introduction
Developers should discover their passions before chasing financial gain. Since 2018, I have prioritized growth over higher-paying opportunities at other companies, and I advocate this approach for junior developers entering the field.
Money
Financial compensation, while initially appearing critical, should not dominate your first job decision. Earning money is not the most important part of your life.
Discovering what fulfills you professionally offers greater long-term value than immediate salary increases. Your inaugural role provides a low-risk environment to explore your interests and capabilities without significant consequences.
Personal Development
When evaluating positions, prioritize companies offering either clear advancement pathways or training budgets aligned with your role. This investment in your growth yields greater returns than marginally higher wages as a junior developer.
Atmosphere
Research workplace culture by speaking with current employees rather than recruiters. A healthy environment where colleagues feel comfortable sharing concerns matters significantly. If employers won't arrange employee conversations, consider this concerning.
Development Process
Growth accelerates in teams with experienced developers who conduct code reviews and quality checks. These practices strengthen foundational coding abilities essential for long-term development.
Don't Expect Everything
Prioritize strategically since no position offers everything:
- Personal development
- Technologies utilized
- Development process
- Atmosphere
- Money
Your Time Is Valuable
Working consumes approximately 22% of your annual hours. Poor job satisfaction wastes substantial life energy. Selecting positions aligned with your values maximizes overall life satisfaction.
Conclusion
Knowing your priorities increases likelihood of finding a fulfilling first role. While perfection remains elusive, matching positions to your checklist significantly improves outcomes.
