From Dropout to Frontend Hero: How I Went from Zero to Frontend Hero in Just 7 Months!

I want to share with you a story of grit, determination, and triumph in the tech industry. When I abandoned medical school, I was lost and without direction, until I discovered the world of web development. I threw myself into coding, design, and user experience, immersing myself in the latest technologies and perfecting my craft with relentless dedication.

Lost and Without Direction: My Journey Begins:

It was October 2021 when I finally made the difficult decision to quit my medical studies and pursue a career in frontend development. Little did I know, there were many other people just like me, who were looking for a way to break into the tech industry from completely different fields.

Discovering the Power of Web Development

I felt lost and unsure of what to do next. One day, I stumbled upon web development and it immediately caught my attention. The idea of creating something from scratch, using code and technology, felt exciting and empowering. I quickly became obsessed with learning all I could about web development, and I turned to various resources to help me on my journey.

Some of the YouTube channels I started to follow include Clever Programmer, JavaScript Mastery, Sonny Sangha, Web Dev Simplified, and Traversy Media. These channels provided me with valuable insights into web development, as well as tips and tricks to improve my skills. I also utilized practice sites such as FreeCodeCamp and Codeacademy, which helped me to solidify my understanding of basic web development concepts like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

From Curiosity to Mastery: My Journey into Blockchain and Solidity Development

After gaining confidence in my frontend development skills, I began to explore new areas of technology that intrigued me. One area that particularly caught my interest was blockchain development, and more specifically, the Ethereum ecosystem. I was fascinated by the potential of decentralized applications and smart contracts, and I wanted to learn how to create them.

I started my journey by learning Solidity, the programming language used to write smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. I joined Buildspace, an online learning platform that offers courses in blockchain development, and began taking their Solidity course. I also completed CryptoZombies, an interactive tutorial that teaches Solidity programming by having you build a simple game on the blockchain.

As I delved deeper into Solidity development, I discovered a whole new world of possibilities. I learned how to create and deploy smart contracts, interact with them using web3.js, and even build decentralized applications (dApps) using frameworks like React and Truffle.

My journey into blockchain development has been both challenging and rewarding. It has opened up a whole new set of opportunities for me as a developer, and I am excited to see where this path takes me in the future.

Putting My Skills to the Test: Landing My First Frontend Developer Job

After months of hard work and dedication, I finally had a solid portfolio of 10 projects showcasing my frontend development skills. I knew it was time to take the next step and start applying for jobs.

I scoured job boards and company websites looking for frontend developer positions that matched my skills and experience. I tailored my resume and cover letter for each application, highlighting my projects and skills that were most relevant to the job description.

I also made sure to do my research on each company and the products they were building. This helped me to tailor my application and demonstrate my passion for their mission and vision.

Skillset I learned in 7 months

After 7 months of dedicated learning and practice, I was able to acquire a variety of valuable frontend development skills and tools. These skills included:

• HTML and CSS: The building blocks of any website, I learned how to write semantic HTML and create beautiful, responsive designs with CSS.

• JavaScript: The backbone of any interactive website, I learned how to write efficient, modular JavaScript code and use libraries like jQuery and React to build dynamic, engaging user interfaces.

• Responsive Design: I learned how to design and build websites that look great on all devices, using techniques like media queries and flexbox.

• Version Control: I learned how to use Git and GitHub to track changes to my code and collaborate with other developers.

• Build Tools: I learned how to use build tools like Webpack and Gulp to automate tasks and streamline my development workflow.

• Accessibility: I learned how to design and build websites that are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

• Debugging and Testing: I learned how to use browser developer tools to debug and test my code, and write unit tests to ensure that my code is reliable and bug-free.

Design Principles: I learned about design principles like color theory, typography, and layout, and how to apply them to create beautiful and effective websites.

• HTML

• CSS

• Javascript

• Scss

• Tailwindcss

• Material UI

• Reactjs

• NextJs

• NodeJs

• ExpressJs

• Mongodb

• Firebase

• Sanity CMS

• Git

• Github

• Typescript

• Solidity

Overall, mastering these skills and tools was essential to my success as a frontend developer. By continually learning and practicing, I was able to build a strong foundation of knowledge that enabled me to build beautiful, responsive, and user-friendly websites.

The Road to Mastery in Frontend Development: Embracing the Journey and Reaching Your Destination:

My friends, as I reflect on my journey to becoming a frontend developer, I am reminded of the power of perseverance and determination. It takes true grit to face the challenges and obstacles that come with learning new skills, but when you push through and emerge victorious, the feeling of accomplishment is unlike anything else.

I want to encourage you all to embrace this same mindset as you pursue your own passions and goals. Whether it's in the field of frontend development or any other pursuit, remember that greatness is not achieved overnight. It takes time, effort, and a willingness to learn and grow.

But I know that each and every one of you has what it takes to achieve your dreams. You have the power to learn new skills, to build your portfolio, and to land your dream job. And when you do, the world will be a better place for it.

So let's push forward together, my friends. Let's support one another, share our knowledge and experiences, and make a difference in the world of frontend development. And if you ever need guidance or support along the way, I am always here for you. Let's do this!