Why MOST Developer Portfolios are Worthless

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses how to build a strong coding portfolio that will impress employers. They emphasize the importance of avoiding basic, irrelevant apps like to-do lists and weather apps. Instead, they recommend focusing on more complex, unique projects that showcase your skills and problem-solving ability. The speaker also advises on the value of guided projects for learning, but stresses the importance of creating your own from scratch for true growth. Ultimately, the key to a successful portfolio is developing real-world solutions and keeping the focus on quality over quantity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on building a strong developer portfolio, as it is often the weakest link for new developers in the job search process.
• 😀 Avoid adding basic apps (e.g., to-do app, weather app) to your portfolio, as they signal to employers that you're a beginner with no real experience.
• 😀 Pre-portfolio apps are important for learning the fundamentals of coding but should not be included in your final portfolio.
• 😀 Guided apps, like those from Udemy or other tutorials, are useful for learning but are not your own creations and should only be included temporarily.
• 😀 Strive to build a unique, from-scratch app after completing guided projects. This shows your ability to independently build a meaningful app.
• 😀 The process of creating a unique app will help you gain a deeper understanding of the technology you're using and improve your problem-solving skills.
• 😀 Focus on apps that showcase your ability to handle real-world problems, making them both useful and portfolio-worthy.
• 😀 Don't just follow tutorials—challenge yourself by building apps without step-by-step guidance to demonstrate your growth as a developer.
• 😀 The final stage of a strong portfolio involves building apps that solve real problems, either for yourself or others, which will impress employers.
• 😀 By creating useful apps or contributing to open-source projects, you can build a portfolio that positions you as a developer capable of creating impactful solutions.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is how to build a developer portfolio that effectively showcases your skills and increases your chances of landing a job, moving through stages from simple beginner projects to complex, real-world applications.

What are 'Pre-Portfolio Apps' and why shouldn't they be included in your portfolio?

Pre-Portfolio Apps are simple projects, like number guessing games or basic calculators, that beginners often create during their early learning stages. While they help in understanding basic concepts, they do not showcase advanced skills and should not be included in a job-seeking portfolio as they don't reflect a developer's growth or expertise.

How do 'Guided Apps' differ from 'Pre-Portfolio Apps'?

Guided Apps are projects built during online courses or tutorials where an instructor leads you through the process. They allow you to build more complex apps, but since they are completed with a teacher's help, they don't fully reflect your individual capabilities. While useful for learning, they should not be the primary focus of a portfolio.

What is the next step after building 'Guided Apps'?

After building Guided Apps, the next step is to create unique, from-scratch projects. These projects require you to independently make decisions about the app's design, tech stack, and functionality, offering a true test of your skills and creativity.

Why are 'Unique From-Scratch Apps' important for a developer's portfolio?

Unique From-Scratch Apps are important because they demonstrate your ability to solve problems independently and showcase your skills in building applications without external guidance. These projects are the first true representations of your capabilities and should be the cornerstone of your portfolio.

What types of apps should developers focus on as they mature in their portfolios?

As developers progress, they should focus on building apps that solve real-world problems. These could be applications that address personal needs, improve daily tasks, or provide solutions to problems encountered by others, showing both practical value and technical proficiency.

What makes a project stand out to employers according to the video?

Projects that solve real problems or provide meaningful solutions stand out to employers. These projects demonstrate initiative, creativity, and the ability to think beyond just coding, showing that a developer can deliver practical, impactful results.

What is the significance of contributing to open-source projects?

Contributing to open-source projects, like building popular libraries or tools, significantly boosts your portfolio. It shows that you're not only capable of coding but also engaged in the wider development community, creating solutions others can use, which is highly valued by employers.

What are some examples of projects that could be considered 'Apps That Benefit Yourself or Others'?

Examples include building tools to streamline your work processes, like a custom budget calculator for business expenses or a tool to automate repetitive tasks. These projects provide real, practical value, whether for your own use or for others facing similar challenges.

How can building an app for personal use lead to professional opportunities?

Building an app for personal use can lead to professional opportunities when the app solves a common problem or has the potential to help others. By sharing such projects on platforms like GitHub and receiving feedback, it can garner attention from potential employers or collaborators, demonstrating both your technical and problem-solving abilities.