When Do You Transition from Junior to Intermediate Developer?
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Chapter 1: My Journey as a Developer
Addressing the question of when one ceases to be viewed as a junior developer can significantly impact your career trajectory. In professional terms, it often aligns with achieving specific benchmarks set by your employer for advancement. However, the more profound transformation occurs on a personal level.
The pivotal inquiry is: When do you stop perceiving yourself as a junior? To illustrate this, I’d like to share my own experiences.
My Early Days in Software Development
As I embarked on my career as a Backend Software Engineer, I was engulfed by fear. The dread of making mistakes loomed large. I believed that failure was not an option, which drove me to put in excessive hours in an attempt to "wow" my team during daily stand-ups. Each time a manager reached out, I braced myself for the worst.
Doubt clouded my confidence in the work I produced; all I could see were imperfections. My understanding of the tasks at hand was superficial. I simply coded without questioning the requirements. I assumed that if a task was documented in a certain way, it was inherently correct. I followed instructions to the letter, without seeking deeper insights.
Thankfully, my mindset has undergone a significant transformation since those early days.
Chapter 2: Progressing from Junior to Intermediate
In my current role, I’ve accumulated over a year and a half of experience, during which I've penned a considerable amount of code. Along the way, I’ve encountered numerous failures, each serving as a lesson.
With time, I’ve become more at ease with the technology I work with. Through a multitude of one-on-one discussions and interactions with senior colleagues, I have started to perceive the application as a cohesive entity rather than just isolated pieces of code. I’ve come to realize that programmers craft solutions to address user challenges.
I strive to focus on the product and business aspects during meetings, although it’s still a work in progress. The notion of needing to impress anyone has faded away, allowing me to abandon the habit of working excessive hours. Fortunately, my workplace fosters a culture where deadlines are not overly stringent, enabling me to prioritize quality and learning over pressure.
I no longer shy away from admitting my mistakes or seeking assistance when needed. I’ve developed the confidence to voice my opinions about code that I believe could be improved, and I’m proactive in suggesting solutions or organizing discussions to address issues.
Most importantly, my enjoyment of the work has notably increased. The stress and pressure that once burdened me have dissipated as my mindset has evolved. I now approach my job with clarity, eager to tackle the challenges each day presents.
When Is the Transition Complete?
Over the course of these 17 months, I’ve received a couple of promotions. If we were to standardize my progression, it would be: Intern — Junior — Currently resembling an intermediate role.
In theory, I have transitioned from being a junior developer, as my company has acknowledged this through promotions. Personally, I also sense this shift, even if I’m not entirely sure I’m 100% intermediate. My attitude towards work, my programming style, and my grasp of processes have all matured.
You know you’ve moved past being a junior when:
- You start to view applications as integrated systems rather than fragmented tasks.
- You begin to prioritize user and product considerations over mere coding.
- You notice aspects of the code that don’t sit well with you.
- Ideas emerge about enhancing database queries.
- You execute tasks with confidence and ease.
- You approach new challenges without trepidation, knowing you can learn what you don’t yet understand.
- You participate in meetings, even if just to listen.
- You occasionally take the initiative on tasks.
- Your thought process evolves throughout the development cycle.
Concluding Thoughts
Thank you for taking the time to read my reflections. If you’re interested in technology and development, I invite you to connect with me and share your thoughts in the comments. Your feedback means a lot!
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About the Author
Hello! I’m Jesús Lagares, currently working as a Backend Software Engineer while completing my Computer Science degree at the University of Cadiz. I’m passionate about technology and communication, and I strive to simplify complex concepts for everyone to understand.
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