Skills You Need to Succeed as a Junior Developer

Juhan Aasaru Author

Feb 17, 2025 |

My suggestions to junior developers are based on my 20-year developer and solution architect career.

So, you're fresh out of university or a boot camp, armed with code writing knowledge and ready to conquer the tech world? That's fantastic! The world of software development is exciting and full of opportunities. However, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application requires more than just knowing syntax.

Having spent two decades in the industry as a developer and solution architect, I've seen firsthand what separates those who thrive from those who survive. This blog post outlines the essential skills you need to land that junior developer role and excel in it.

Beyond the Code: Essential Soft Skills

Technical prowess is crucial, but don't underestimate the power of soft skills. They are often the deciding factor in your career trajectory.

1. Communication is King (or Queen!)

In the professional world, communication is paramount. It's not enough to write brilliant code without explaining it or understanding the requirements.

• Active Listening: Listen closely to what your colleagues and superiors say. Ask clarifying questions to ensure you understand the task at hand. This avoids costly mistakes down the line.

• Written Communication: Hone your writing skills. When you communicate via chat, always answer in whole sentences to reflect what you understood, same with emails. When you schedule a meeting, always take time to come up with a good title and add a description so others can prepare.

• Meeting Etiquette: Remember these simple rules: switch on your camera during virtual meetings, minimise distractions, and be present.

2. Practical Application: Breaking Down Tasks

Large projects can be daunting. Learn to break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. This allows for better progress tracking and forces you to think through the task at hand.

3. Building Connections: Networking is Key

• Office Presence: Especially in your first year, being in the office is invaluable. It allows for organic interactions, fosters team spirit, and accelerates your learning. Remote work can come later in your career.

• Informal Connections: Don't eat lunch alone at your desk. Use this time to connect with colleagues. Attend after-work events to build rapport and expand your network.

• Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Everyone gets stuck. The sooner you ask for help, the sooner you can get back on track. Don't let pride hinder your progress.

Technical Skills: Building a Solid Foundation

Now, let's dive into the technical skills that will make you a valuable asset to any team.

1. Git Skills: Your Gateway to Collaboration

Git is the industry standard for version control. Understanding Git is non-negotiable for collaborative projects.

• GitHub: Create a free repository on GitHub and experiment. It's the best way to learn and showcase your coding skills.

Practical Application: Building a Portfolio Website

An excellent idea for honing your Git skills and demonstrating your abilities is to build a portfolio website on GitHub Pages. This allows you to showcase your projects and coding style to potential employers. When you take the extra mile you can configure a CI/CD process to run every time you commit.

2. Understanding APIs: The Building Blocks of Modern Applications

Familiarise yourself with the concepts of offering and consuming APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). APIs are fundamental to how applications interact and exchange data. Learn OpenAPI, it is the most used resource that helps to connect documentation with the code innovacations.

3. Clean Code Principles: Writing for Humans

Clean, well-structured code is essential for maintainability and collaboration.

• Readability: Your code should be easy to understand by anyone, especially during code reviews.

• Collaboration: Clean code facilitates meaningful discussions during code reviews.

• Professionalism: Adhering to coding conventions demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail.

• Structure: Clean code principles help you organise your code logically and efficiently.

4. IDE Mastery: Your Development Powerhouse

Become an expert user of your IDE (Integrated Development Environment). Knowing your IDE inside and out will significantly boost your productivity. Learn keyboard shortcuts, debugging tools, and code generation features.

5. Continuous Learning: The Key to Staying Relevant

The world of development is constantly evolving. Embrace continuous learning to stay relevant and competitive. Read blogs, follow industry leaders, attend webinars, and contribute to open-source projects.

6. Harness AI for Code Understanding and Test Writing

As a junior, I don’t recommend using AI to generate code. Instead, AI can be used to understand the code and write tests. Only after you know the code can you move on to generating it with the help of AI.

Conclusion

Starting your career as a junior developer is both exciting and challenging. By focusing on both soft skills and technical proficiency, you can set yourself up for success. Remember to communicate effectively, build connections, embrace continuous learning, and never be afraid to ask for help.

Note About the Screenshot I Added to the Blog Post

I started studying Java precisely 25 years ago. I found an old screenshot from when I ran my first Hello World program. It is fun to see that I used version 1.2 of Java.

Categories: : First Job, Junior Developer, Skills