Updated: August 10, 2024
Chances are that you have heard that programming is a lucrative career. I’ve been employed in the industry for the past few months, and I’ve loved it. All the years of hard work have paid off for me, and they can for you too. One place to start learning is through FreeCodeCamp.
FreeCodeCamp is an open-source community that helps you learn to code, for free. It’s got a range of resources, from tutorials to exercises, all aimed at making tech education accessible to anyone, anywhere.
When I started learning to code in 2016, I used freeCodeCamp to learn more concepts and to supplement my learning. But Is freeCodeCamp Enough To Get A Job?
Curriculum
There is also over 1,400 hours coding challenges and at the end of the curriculum there is interview prep code challenges. If you want to you can binge program, even though, I don’t think that’s the best.
I find that these code challenges are easier to understand than a lot of the other platforms for code challenges, like Hacker Rank.
After the first unit, I especially loved the fact that you had to make your own portfolio website as a project. I would recommend that after you are done with this part, save it in VS Code or another Integrated Development Environment (IDE) so that you can add even more projects to it that you complete in the course.
The units have a nice drop down of sub units in it. The topics cover popular languages and frameworks that are in high demand in the real world. If you want to get into Responsive Web Design, JavaScript, React, Redux, Mongoose, MongoDB, Python, and Node you are in luck, because they are all taught here.
Success and Struggle in the Job Market
I’m going to level with you: the journey from learning to earning is rarely a straight line, especially in tech. While FreeCodeCamp provides an excellent foundation in web development and programming, the answer to whether it’s enough to land a job isn’t a simple yes or no.
This isn’t just about completing lessons and building projects; it’s also about understanding the tech industry’s current landscape. Employers are looking for candidates who demonstrate problem-solving skills, adaptability, and the ability to learn new technologies quickly.
In my opinion, what FreeCodeCamp does exceedingly well is it gives you the tools and the know-how to start building things. That’s a huge part of getting a job in tech, but it’s not the whole picture. Today’s job market demands not only expertise but evidence that you can apply that expertise.
If you want to boost your chances of getting hired, don’t worry too much about relying solely on any single platform or course. Combine what you learn from FreeCodeCamp with networking, seeking feedback, and potentially contributing to open-source projects. You’re going to find out that these additional experiences speak volumes to potential employers.
You can always adjust your approach down the road. Remember, your first attempt doesn’t need to be your last. If one strategy isn’t working, pivot and try another. The tech industry values the kind of resilience that comes from experimenting, failing, and succeeding.
The curriculum is great but some stuff may be outdated.
So what are you waiting for? Learn learn how to be a great web developer, and earn a lot of money
FreeCodeCamp is a great stepping stone with many of its learners finding work. However, these successes don’t come without relentless effort and occasionally supplementing FreeCodeCamp with other learning resources or networking opportunities.
This screen shot is taken from the freeCodeCamp forum.
Here are some more testimonials, many of them saying the freeCodeCamp is a big contributing factor. The keyword here is contributing. You may still need outside resources.
Read more testimonials on reddit
Complementing FreeCodeCamp with Additional Skills
Now, don’t get me wrong, FreeCodeCamp does a stellar job equipping you with essential coding chops. But I’m going to let you in on a little secret: It’s often not JUST about coding.
You’re going to find out about why soft skills matter just as much as those tight loops and clean code.
Let’s talk about what the employers are after. It’s not just someone who can bang out code. They want TEAM players, excellent COMMUNICATORS, and people who can solve problems with a cool head. The good news is, these are all skills you can build, and doing so can make a HUGE difference.
Moreover, the tech industry never stands still. It’s always moving, always rolling out something new. A lot is happening very quickly, and you need to stay on top of trends, frameworks, and tools to stand out. That means diving into other courses, attending workshops, and maybe even contributing to open source projects to sharpen those skills.
Choose something that resonates with you and aligns with your career goals. Maybe build that app you’ve always thought could make a difference, or jump into game development if that’s your jam. The point is, by stepping out of your comfort zone, you’re showing potential employers that you’re proactive, ambitious, and always learning.
Recommendation
By accomplishing FreeCodeCamp’s curriculum, you will gain at least beginning mastery of programming skills and concepts. I think for what you don’t pay for you get great quality 🙂
If you are stoked about the field, this is a great place to start. Quincy Larson did a phenomenal job making a curriculum where you can master beginning skills and concepts.
Although, please use supplemental resources to master what you are learning if you need to.
So take risk on FreeCodeCamp, what do you have to lose? Literally nothing more than your time.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading my post. Leave your comments below to participate in this engaging community. Be sure to sign up to receive updates of more incredible articles.
If you have any questions or want to leave any comments, do so below. Before I leave, I would like to hear from you.
- What experiences have you had with the FreeCodeCamp’s curriculum? What do you like most about it?
- What other platforms have you investigated?
- Was this review helpful to you?
Thank you for reading my post. Leave your comments below to participate in this engaging community. Be sure to sign up to receive updates of more incredible articles.
I have been in the web development industry since 2016. It is my desire to guide aspiring and seasoned developers alike through the complex landscape of web development and software engineering. I combine my academic prowess, with degrees from Western Governor University and a Boot Camp certificate from Bloom Tech, with real-world experience to educate and inspire.
As the force behind DevTuneUp.com, I offer a treasure trove of tutorials, how-tos, and insights into the ever-evolving tech industry. With a sharp focus on demystifying technology and a goal to make DevTuneUp.com a cornerstone for tech enthusiasts, I leverage my expertise in SEO optimization and social media marketing to reach and empower a global audience. Join me on this journey to navigate the digital world with confidence and skill.
Jordan, your insightful review of freeCodeCamp and its effectiveness in job preparation is incredibly valuable, especially for those of us guiding individuals towards fulfilling tech careers. As a career coach, I constantly encounter clients eager to break into the tech industry but often find themselves overwhelmed by the multitude of learning paths available. Your emphasis on complementing freeCodeCamp’s curriculum with additional skills, particularly soft skills, resonates deeply with the holistic approach I advocate for in career development.
Given the dynamic nature of the tech industry and the unique blend of technical and soft skills required to thrive, I’m curious about your perspective on the most effective ways to integrate these soft skills into a self-taught curriculum. Specifically, how do you recommend learners on platforms like freeCodeCamp actively work on their communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities in a remote or isolated learning environment? Are there particular strategies or resources you’ve found beneficial in fostering these critical competencies alongside technical proficiency? Your advice could greatly enrich the guidance I offer to clients navigating their tech education journey.
Your right that a self taught curriculum is harder to develop soft skills like communication due to being alone. I recommend open source project to accommodate.
Coding bootcamp also help, due to the collaboration among your cohort, but they require money. I do realize that in this world no one wants to spend money yet they want to make the most they can.
You have to come to the conclusion that free anything probably means a sacrifice in quality.
Hi, I actually tried freecodecamp about a year ago and it was a good introduction to the world of coding. Honestly I got stuck after a little while though and I couldn’t find a solution. I kinda just gave up after that and figured oding was not for me. But if you can get through it I would say your could probably get a good job with it.
Platforms that guide you through are a good additional resource like pluralsight or a udemy course
Hi Jordan,
Thank you for sharing your insights on freeCodeCamp and its impact on getting a job in programming.
I enjoyed reading your post and I agree with most of your points. I think the pivotal point that you discussed was that freeCodeCamp is not enough by itself to land a job, but it is a great stepping stone that provides a solid foundation in web development and programming.
You also emphasized the importance of complementing freeCodeCamp with additional skills, such as soft skills, networking, and learning new technologies. I think these are very valuable tips for anyone who wants to pursue a career in tech. I appreciate your honest and balanced perspective on freeCodeCamp and its benefits and limitations.
Keep up the good work!
Martins
Your article provides a comprehensive overview of free Code Camp, discussing its curriculum, success in the job market, and the importance of supplementing it with additional skills. You share personal experiences, highlighting the platform’s strengths and suggesting ways to enhance employability. Your emphasis on the need for continuous learning, networking, and soft skills is a valuable takeaway. Thank you for sharing!
In navigating the job market landscape, there’s a growing emphasis not only on technical proficiency but also on soft skills and adaptability to industry trends. How do you effectively balance the foundational coding skills acquired through freeCodeCamp with the supplementary requirements sought by employers, including effective communication, teamwork, and staying abreast of emerging technologies?
Furthermore, could you share specific strategies or experiences in integrating these diverse skill sets to enhance your employability and career advancement prospects?
You can use the skills learned to contribute to open source. Just go to GitHub or Google open source projects, you can also find organizations where you could volunteer your time making a product with other people.
You have to utilize Version Control with other people in these instances, and that requires putting all the soft abd technical skills into practice.
To enhance your résumé you can put these projects in your portfolio. You can make a portfolio website like I did, and store all your projects there in a JSON object , or external database
For my portfolio website, I have all my projects’ information stored in JSON format