1. Build a Strong Portfolio

Your portfolio is your proof of skill—employers care more about what you can do than where you've worked.

• Start personal projects: Create websites, apps, or tools that demonstrate your skills. Ideas include:
  • A personal blog or portfolio website.
  • A task manager app or a weather dashboard.
  • Clones of popular apps (e.g., a mini Twitter or Spotify).
• Contribute to open source:
  • Join open-source projects on GitHub to collaborate and build experience.
  • Fix bugs, write documentation, or add small features.
• Show variety:
  • Include projects showcasing different skills (e.g., front-end, back-end, databases, APIs).

2. Learn In-Demand Skills

Focus on the languages and technologies employers are hiring for:

• Web development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Node.js.
• Mobile development: Swift (iOS), Kotlin (Android), or Flutter.
• Back-end: Python, Java, Ruby, or PHP.
• Databases: SQL, MongoDB.
• Version control: Git and GitHub.
• Cloud basics: AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud (optional for junior roles).

3. Gain Experience Without a Job

Even without formal work, you can create opportunities to gain hands-on coding experience:

• Freelancing:
  • Take on small gigs through platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Toptal.
• Hackathons:
  • Participate in coding challenges or hackathons (e.g., Devpost, Hackathons.com) to gain team experience.
• Volunteer work:
  • Build or update websites for local nonprofits, schools, or small businesses.
• Internships:
  • Apply for internships, even unpaid ones, to gain experience and industry connections.