Hello!
Soon I'm planning to start working as a Junior Web Developer in an office. I want to have rapid growth in my skills and a stable income. Since this will be my first job, I am very particular about finding the right employer. I want to join a team that offers growth opportunities, a great work environment, an interesting tech stack, and most importantly, a culture that promotes personal development.
Throughout my time freelancing and researching the web development industry, I've noticed the following pattern: Clients have businesses and to make those businesses more profitable, they either need to automate and optimize internal processes (solution: large-scale information systems) or increase sales/applications/awareness (solution: corporate websites on WordPress, basic SEO optimization, self-written landing pages, or landing pages on platforms like Tilda). I have explored both options to some extent, and I enjoyed working on option A more. However, I've observed that there is higher demand for option B, which makes me apprehensive about landing a job in a type B company. Nevertheless, I would really like to start my career on a positive note by working in a type A company.
Now, here are my questions:
1. Is it reasonable for me to prioritize the company's vision and its role in the business for my first job, or should I focus more on gaining office experience regardless of the company's orientation?
2. If prioritizing the company's vision is justified, how can I determine whether a web studio aligns with my desires? This includes everything from reviewing their website and profiles on job-search platforms to conducting interviews. What should I be cautious of?
Thank you so much!
1. It is reasonable to prioritize the company's vision and its role in the business for your first job. Working in a company that aligns with your personal interests and values can lead to greater job satisfaction and motivation. However, gaining office experience should also be considered because it will help you develop essential skills and provide a foundation for your career growth.
2. To determine whether a web studio aligns with your desires, there are several steps you can take:
- Review their website: Look for information about their mission, values, and the types of projects they work on. Pay attention to whether they mention a focus on automation and optimization, as it aligns with your preference for option A.
- Check their profiles on job-search platforms: Read reviews from current or former employees to get a sense of the company culture, work environment, and growth opportunities. Look for indications of a collaborative and supportive team, as well as opportunities for personal development.
- Conduct interviews: Prepare a list of questions that specifically address your priorities. Ask about the company's approach to automation and optimization projects, their tech stack, and their commitment to employee growth and development. Also, inquire about the work environment, team dynamics, and any mentorship or training programs they offer.
When evaluating potential employers, be cautious of companies that do not seem to value personal development or have a high turnover rate. Look for signs of a stagnant work environment or limited growth opportunities. Additionally, consider asking about the specific projects you would be working on and how they align with your interests and goals.
There are two options available: working as a product manager or a developer. Option B mainly refers to the role of a marketer.
Here are the two options you have:
1. Joining a company where custom development is often in disarray, filled with chaos, and constantly dealing with urgent issues, especially if it is a small company. However, there is an opportunity to build projects from scratch and establish proper architecture.
2. Working with an established grocery company where everything has already been developed beforehand. It is uncertain how effective the improvement process will be there. It could potentially be beneficial, but there is also a possibility that outdated technologies, which are no longer in use, may hinder progress.
Once you embark on your first job, you will soon experience pain and disappointment, especially when it comes to the Junior Web-Developer role. This title encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including front-end and back-end development, among others.
Firstly, there is an abundance of Junior Developers in the job market, all seeking a stable income.
In light of this situation, I would recommend the following:
1. Focus on a specific area of expertise within web development.
2. Seek employment at a company that prioritizes employee growth and development. It may not be easy to find such companies, especially within web studios that utilize outdated technologies like vp or bitra.
After six months of adhering to these recommendations, your perspective on the industry will undergo a significant transformation. And after a year, if you consistently improve your skills, you will find yourself in a thriving and prosperous position.
When researching a web studio or company, here are a few aspects to consider:
- Look for examples of their previous projects and assess their quality. This can give you an idea of the technical expertise and level of innovation they bring to their work.
- Check if the company has partnerships or collaborations with other organizations, as this can indicate their reputation and credibility within the industry.
- Investigate the size and structure of the team you'll be joining. A smaller team might offer more opportunities for learning and taking on diverse responsibilities, while a larger team might provide more resources and specialization.
- Consider the company's approach to employee growth and feedback. Are there regular performance reviews or opportunities for skill enhancement? Is there a clear career progression path?
- Look for any information about the work-life balance and employee benefits offered by the company. A positive work environment and adequate support for employees' well-being can contribute to job satisfaction and long-term growth.
During the interview process, ask specific questions that will help you evaluate whether the company aligns with your desires. Here are a few examples:
- What is the typical project mix in terms of option A versus option B?
- How do they prioritize and allocate resources for different types of projects?
- Are there opportunities for cross-functional collaboration or working on different types of projects?
- Can you connect with potential teammates or colleagues to get a sense of the team culture and their experiences?
- How does the company encourage personal development and learning?
- Assess the company's technology stack: Look into the technologies and frameworks they use for development. It's important to join a team that works with modern and widely-used tools, as this will enhance your skillset and make you more marketable in the future.
- Evaluate the company's client portfolio: A diverse range of clients and industries can indicate the company's ability to handle complex projects and adapt to different business requirements. This can provide you with exposure to different types of projects and help broaden your experience.
- Investigate the company's work process: Understand how they approach project management, collaboration, and quality assurance. Are they using agile methodologies? Do they have clearly defined processes in place? This can give you insight into the company's organizational structure and how projects are executed.
- Consider the company's reputation and market position: Check if the company has received any awards or recognition in the industry. Review their online presence, including social media and forums, to gauge customer satisfaction and overall reputation.
- Look into the company's commitment to staying up-to-date with industry trends and technologies: A forward-thinking company that invests in research and development can provide you with opportunities to learn and grow with emerging technologies.
During interviews, pay attention to the questions the interviewers ask you. Are they interested in your long-term goals and how they align with the company's vision? Is there a discussion around professional development and growth opportunities?
Additionally, trust your instincts during interviews and observe the dynamics within the team. Do you get a sense of camaraderie and collaboration? Are team members enthusiastic about their work?
Finding the right fit is a two-way street. It's not just about the company choosing you, but also about you choosing the company that aligns with your goals and values. Take the time to thoroughly research and evaluate each opportunity to ensure you make an informed decision.
Process optimization is the discipline of adjusting a process so as to optimize (make the best or most effective use of) some specified set of parameters without violating some constraint. The most common goals are minimizing cost and maximizing throughput and/or efficiency.