Vladimir Cherny: 'How can a beginner IT specialist find their first job?'

Interview with CEO of digital agency Appomart

When attempting to land your first job, it is important to realize that the IT field is responsible and technically complex, where developer mistakes can be costly. I recall the joke about the serial programmer John

- What would you advise a beginner IT specialist to do in order to find their first job?

It would be beneficial for a beginner IT specialist to consider internship opportunities at a company. This allows them to gain necessary experience working on real projects in a real company. For example, the online platform students.superjob.ru not only offers internships for students, but also for beginner IT specialists. One can engage in a part-time internship and successfully combine it with studies or other projects. After the internship, the beginner IT specialist will have an understanding of how work is organized in an IT company. If a person fits into the team and their talent is recognized, there is a higher chance of being hired. Additionally, one should not forget about traditional job search methods. Registering on the online platform hh.ru and posting a job vacancy is an option.

- Do you hire beginner IT specialists in your company?

Yes, at Appomart, we do hire beginner IT specialists from ITMO, Polytechnic University, and other technical universities. We provide a three-month internship, after which we either issue a certificate of successful completion of the internship and part ways with the candidate, or immediately offer them a position in our team. The most important thing is not to be afraid of becoming a team member, to strive for results, and not to expect high salaries in the beginning.

- If a young specialist doesn't have the opportunity to get an internship at a company, how can they gain experience and increase their chances of finding a job?

There are several options for gaining experience. One can try to find freelance projects on international and Russian freelance platforms, such as upwork.com and fl.ru. This allows the specialist to gain practical experience and expand their portfolio. They can also participate in open-source projects on GitHub, where they can contribute to the development of various software products and collaborate with other developers. Moreover, there are various online platforms, such as Stepik, GeekBrains, and Coursera, where one can find courses and tutorials on different IT topics. Completing such courses and obtaining certificates can demonstrate knowledge and dedication to potential employers.

- How important is knowledge of programming languages for a beginner IT specialist?

Knowledge of programming languages is crucial for an IT specialist. Depending on the chosen field (web development, mobile development, data analysis, etc.), there are specific programming languages and technologies that are in demand. It is important to choose a programming language based on personal interests and job market trends. For example, if one is interested in web development, they should consider learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It is not necessary to learn all programming languages, but having knowledge of the popular ones and being able to quickly learn new ones is beneficial.

- What programming languages would you recommend a beginner IT specialist to learn?

For web development, it is important to learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Additionally, frameworks and libraries such as React and Node.js are in high demand. For mobile development, learning languages such as Swift (for iOS) and Kotlin (for Android) would be beneficial. Python is widely used in various fields, including data analysis and machine learning. It is also worth considering learning SQL for working with databases. Ultimately, the choice of programming languages should be based on personal interests and career goals.

- Are there any specific resources or platforms that you would recommend for learning programming?

There are many resources and platforms available for learning programming. Some popular ones include Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, Udemy, and Coursera. These platforms offer a wide range of courses and tutorials on various programming languages and technologies. YouTube is also a valuable resource, as there are many programming tutorials and educational channels. It is important to choose resources that provide high-quality content and interactive learning experiences.

- Are there any specific online job search platforms that you would recommend for beginner IT specialists?

There are several online job search platforms that I would recommend for beginner IT specialists. Some popular platforms include hh.ru, SuperJob, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. These platforms allow users to search for job vacancies, create a professional profile, and connect with potential employers. It is important to regularly update your profile, showcase your skills and projects, and actively apply to relevant job postings. Networking is also important, so attending industry events and connecting with professionals in the field can open up additional job opportunities.