How to Land Your First Job Post Full-Stack Development Boot Camp

7 min readSep 9, 2024

The following is written by Careers in Code’s career coach, Laura Thorne.

Your boot camp journey is coming to a surprisingly fast end. Thus, it’s time to get serious about landing your first entry-level job. In this article, let’s explore where to find them, the differences between internships and apprenticeships, and some tips on how to land them.

Full stack developers are in high demand, and it’s no surprise why. According to Matthew Deery at CareerFoundry, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a remarkable 16% growth in web developer jobs and a staggering 25% growth for software developers in the US from 2022 to 2032. You can find these roles even if you look outside the tech field into areas of your own personal interests, for example, your local TV station. For example, FOX was recently hiring Full stack Developers for their OutKick program who would be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the OutKick website and related applications, ensuring engaging user experiences and strong backend solutions. The wide variety of companies in and outside the industry are all searching for professionals who can do it all. Full stack developers are the tech industry’s Swiss Army knives, adept at handling both front-end and back-end challenges. Their versatility makes them indispensable, as they offer comprehensive digital solutions that keep businesses competitive in an ever-evolving tech landscape.

Understanding the Job Market

As a full stack developer, staying current with trends is key to keeping your skills sharp. Right now, microservices architecture is on the rise, with 85% of organizations adopting or planning to adopt it for its scalability and flexibility. Serverless computing is also gaining momentum, with the global market expected to reach $21.1 billion by 2025, allowing developers to focus more on coding rather than server management. In the realm of mixed reality, the market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 43.6% from 2021 to 2028, revolutionizing industries like gaming and healthcare. Blockchain technology is expanding beyond cryptocurrencies, with the blockchain market predicted to grow at a CAGR of 67.3% from 2023 to 2030, offering secure solutions across various sectors. Low-code platforms are speeding up app development, with 70% of new applications expected to be developed using low-code or no-code technologies by 2025. Finally, AI and machine learning are becoming integral to modern applications, with the AI market expected to grow from $207 billion in 2023 to $1.8 trillion by 2030, driving the development of smarter, more intuitive systems. (Tagline Infotech) (Tech Insights: Synarion IT Solutions) (Arka Softwares).

These developers are in high demand across various sectors because of their ability to build and refine both front-end and back-end applications. To get a clear picture of the job market, start by exploring industry reports and job boards. Websites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed offer insights into current job openings and trends, helping you identify which sectors are actively seeking full stack developers. Industry-specific publications, like those in finance or healthcare, can provide further details on how full stack developers contribute to these fields. You can also check out tech industry surveys, such as those from Stack Overflow, which offer insights into trends and demand across different sectors.

Where to Find Entry-Level Opportunities

Job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Monster are key for finding entry-level jobs. Create a detailed profile with your resume and skills, and set up job alerts based on your preferences. Use filters to focus on entry-level roles in your preferred locations, and apply widely to increase your chances of landing interviews.
Company websites are valuable for finding job openings that might not appear on job boards. Identify companies of interest, check their careers pages regularly, and consider subscribing to job alerts. Tailor your application to each company’s culture and specific role to show your enthusiasm and fit.
Recruitment agencies are useful for recent graduates seeking entry-level roles. Find agencies that specialize in your field, submit a resume highlighting your goals, and work closely with recruiters to refine it and prepare for interviews. Agencies often have exclusive access to job openings not publicly advertised.
Networking is a powerful way to find job opportunities and build professional connections. Tap into your program’s alumni network for advice, referrals, and job leads. Connect with professionals on LinkedIn, join relevant groups, and attend industry events to meet potential employers and discover job openings.
Request meet & greets with professionals in your field can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals or job leads.

How do internships and apprenticeships differ?

Choosing between an internship and an apprenticeship after graduation depends on your career goals and desired experience.

Internships offer broad exposure to various roles, making them ideal if you’re exploring different career paths. Lasting a few months to a year, they allow for flexibility and provide networking opportunities, but they may not offer deep, hands-on experience and could be unpaid or low-paid.
Apprenticeships offer focused, hands-on training in a specific trade or profession, often with a salary or stipend. These are long-term, usually full-time, paid training programs to learn software development skills while on the job. It’s ideal if you want to develop deep expertise and earn while you learn, often leading to formal certifications and a clear path to full-time employment. However, it involves a longer commitment and may limit your exposure to other roles or industries, making it less suitable if you’re not ready to commit to a specific career path.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your career goals and desired experience. If you want short-term exposure to various aspects of a field, an internship may be more suitable. If you’re ready to commit to a specific profession and earn while you learn, an apprenticeship could be the right path.

Fill in the gaps and keep learning

Continuing to learn after completing the boot camp is crucial for landing your first role. Hiring managers not only want to see what you have learned but that you are intentionally adding to your toolkit and staying relevant. t. As industries evolve and new technologies emerge, regularly updating your skills through online courses, webinars, or workshops is essential.

Certifications and courses can enhance your expertise and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth. Pursue certifications aligned with your career goals, such as AWS Certified Developer or Google Professional Data Engineer. Platforms like Coursera, Udacity, and edX offer specialized courses to improve your skills and strengthen your resume. Choosing certifications that match industry demands can boost your qualifications and attract potential employers.
Side projects are excellent for showcasing your skills and initiative beyond formal work settings. Developing a personal website, contributing to open-source projects, or taking on freelance work provides practical experience and highlights your abilities. Include these projects in your portfolio and discuss them during interviews to demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
Leverage your bootcamp’s resources to boost your job search. Take advantage of career services, including resume reviews, interview coaching, and job placement assistance. Connect with alumni for insights and opportunities, and utilize mentorship programs for advice from instructors and industry professionals. These resources can help you craft a standout resume, prepare for interviews, and guide your career path.

What should I do while I’m applying for these jobs?

Keep your resume up-to-date by tailoring these documents for each application by highlighting skills and experiences that align with the job description.
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly, understanding the role you’re applying for, and practicing common interview questions.
Networking should continue throughout your job search. Keep your contacts informed about your job search and seek advice or referrals.
Staying organized is vital for managing your job applications effectively. Use a spreadsheet or job tracking tool to keep track of the positions you’ve applied for, deadlines, contact details, and follow-up actions.
Following up after applying or interviewing is a good practice. Send a thank-you email or follow-up message to express your appreciation for the opportunity and to keep yourself on the employer’s radar.
Continue to enhance your skills. Take online courses, work on personal projects, or gain certifications relevant to your field.
Maintain a positive and persistent attitude. Job searching can be challenging and may take time, so stay encouraged and keep applying.

Bonus Hint: Use ChatGPT to help you research titles that you would qualify for and to research job areas that you may not have thought of by sharing your skill and interests with it.

In summary, transitioning from boot camp to a tech career can be both exciting and challenging. Embrace your new skills and stay updated on industry trends to stay competitive. Securing an entry-level position is vital for gaining real-world experience and building your network. Whether you choose an internship or an apprenticeship, each can shape your career in meaningful ways. With dedication and strategy, you’ll pave the way to a successful and fulfilling tech career.

Laura Thorne is the Career Coach with Hack Upstate’s Careers in Code program which is a bootcamp for women and minorities. Looking to learn full stack development? You may be interested in our 24-week bootcamp. You can learn more and apply for our waitlist here!