@James this may or may not be helpful to you. But just in case here are some things that can help tilt the odds in your favor.
Hackathons
- Check https://devpost.com, Start going to hackathons, even if you think you’re not ready. Some are virtual and others in person. Don’t discriminate. Just get involved. Do an online search for "hackathons in [your area] as well.
Software Developer/Engineering groups
Meetup Groups
- Check Meetups in your area for “Software Engineers”, specifically look for “code review” along with “code and chill” groups. Go to one of each.
Developer Groups
Volunteer
- Look for some local volunteer opportunities. This one is a bit tricky but keep asking and you’ll find an organization to work with
Build Projects That Solve Problems
-
When looking at projects think of your own life. Start looking for problems and thinking about possible solutions. If I remember you’re kinda into metal
Are there any problems you see, little things that annoy you about the local scene that can be solved using your skills? Maybe you traveled to another city and things there aren’t as organized. The bands may be all over social but with odd names and not easy for someone to find. Can you build something to help solve that specific problem? Maybe someone already came up with a solution but it sucks. Can you tweak it a little, make it a little better?
-
Do you forget or know someone who forgets important dates…like an anniversary or birthday? Yes we have Google and smart phone reminders, even so people still forget. Maybe you can build a really simple setup that texts you x days before the date and again the day of. Allow yourself to get in the habit of looking for problems and start thinking of ways you can solve them.
Focus on ways to be of service/add value first. If your focus is on adding value it shifts your whole mindset and energy.
If you’re building simple things that solve real world problems, looking for ways to add value and actively learning people will notice. Those hackathon, code and chill, code review, code and coffee groups all have engineers working at a variety of companies. And here you are hungry to learn [why else would you show up to those events], actively building things to solve problems, getting your code reviewed, being open to feedback from the code review and actively doing the thing - it goes a long way.
Would you hire a guy like that or someone with yet another Instagram clone and is just hungry for a job? This leads us to:
Startup Founder Events
-
Once your skill level increases and you have a project under your belt set up a portfolio and start checking out a few of these events. There are engineers who end up getting their first jobs this way. A technical founder has the skills however they have to keep an eye on finances and as they gain traction they need to hire. Some go the route of hiring one solid engineer and a couple of junior devs or just hire a couple of junior devs and train them up. Also, something to keep in mind those people on reddit may be targeting multiples of what your starting salary.
-
Just focus on being a value add, that comes first. How can you help a founder (non-profit, group etc) get closer to their goal using your skills?
Which brings us back to finding a job.
If you are doing the above or a combination of the above not only will you gain valuable skills, you’ll also a build your network. As your skill level and network grow opportunities are going to come up and you will find a job.