I started web development 2 years ago, In my first year, I learned the MERN stack from the curriculum and completed multiple projects from Frontend Mentor to practice my skills.
I became confident enough in my skills to start working on a semi-large project for my portfolio.
It took me three months to complete my first full-stack project. Shortly after, I joined Chingu, where I collaborated with a team to develop a large project.
With only this experience I was able to land 3 freelance projects during my second year, 1 large and 2 semi-large.
During my second year, I started job search after completing the Chingu project, but without success. I decided to pause my search and focus on freelance projects and practicing my skills instead.
I recently completed my last freelance project and noticed that current market requirements are quite demanding. Freelance projects are often not considered professional experience, and many junior roles or internships require a CS degree or active enrollment in one.
Should I pursue a CS degree, which would take at least five years, or continue focusing on job search?
If a degree from a reputable program is a reasonable option, I recommend it.
1 Like
If you’re in USA, going to “best / top ranked” college is mainly to build network and get connected with best minds in industry, professors, VC etc
If you’re in India, 90% of the colleges just produces junk each year as they are mostly run by politicians whose main motivation is to make money rather than providing quality education to society ( source : Narayana Murthy says 80% Indian youngsters not properly trained for any job, blames faulty education system | India News | Zee News )
Neither of those, I’m from Brazil
From what I read in VC world, “Y Combinator” ( one of most respectable VC in USA ) is investing heavily in south american startups since many years.
You can check which are top colleges they have collaboration with for startup programs and enroll so that you can earn degree while being part of startup culture / part time employee as well.
All the very best.
Hello!
Out of curiosity, what’s the source saying “freelance projects are not considered professional experience”?
That’s a puzzling statement to be honest. Getting paid real money by real costumers for active businesses of all sizes - not professional?
It specifically says so in the job ad.
Facepalm
That would also include freelancers on sites like Toptal, that will only accept the best of the trade. It’s astonishing how some people hiring in tech keep finding new ways to sound even more ignorant and stupid.
Don’t let them devalue your work, it’s real experience.
IMO this is wrong, if one has got strong projects on GitHub to showcase; it shouldn’t matter is s/he has worked full time / freelance / part time.
I personally prefer to work with startup founders who are passionate to solve real world problems with software and has got enough money to keep product alive for 2 - 4 years min.
I understand that there are a wide variety of reasons why attending a traditional university might not be accessible, but if it feels like a reasonable option for you then I do recommend seriously considering it. If you can stay goal oriented, a good school can open a lot of doors. Making the most of the experience does require actively pursuing opportunities throughout the entire course of your studies.