1. They Are Unafraid to Appear Inexperienced

Regardless of their training, entering the workforce presents challenges that differ significantly from boot camps or academic settings. Junior developers must navigate various elements, including:

• Understanding the domain (how the business operates)
• Familiarity with the tech stack
• Managing stakeholder relationships
• Delivering features within set timelines and constraints

No junior developer excels in all these areas right away. So, how do they cope? They ask questions. They prioritize learning over the fear of looking inexperienced because the only way to gain insight is through inquiry. In the professional world, knowledge isn’t handed out freely; asking questions is vital for clarity and understanding.

This video discusses valuable habits learned from senior software developers that can help you navigate challenges effectively.

2. They Don’t Take Feedback Personally

In the workplace, most people are focused on their own tasks, promotions, deadlines, and meetings. When a successful junior developer seeks assistance and doesn’t receive an immediate response, they don’t feel discouraged. They recognize that their colleagues may be swamped with their own responsibilities. It’s not personal.

The same principle applies to code reviews. A competent junior developer understands that critiques are directed at the code, not at them personally. Coding can be complex, and in a supportive environment, pull requests are thoroughly examined. Many juniors may need to resubmit their work multiple times before getting approval. Those who take feedback personally may struggle to improve, while those who view it as a learning opportunity tend to thrive.

3. They Welcome Mistakes

“It is better to start as a fool and learn from your mistakes than to fake being a genius and ignore your errors.” — James Clear

Mistakes are an inevitable part of the learning process, especially for junior developers. Those who fear making errors tend to learn at a slower pace compared to those who embrace them. Each mistake serves as a powerful lesson, firmly embedding knowledge in our minds.

A struggling junior developer may:

• Avoid challenges to sidestep mistakes
• Believe that errors will reflect poorly on their performance

In contrast, a successful junior developer will:

• Embrace discomfort as a pathway to learning
• Recognize that mistakes are integral to the learning process
• Understand that it’s acceptable to err, provided they learn from those errors

By reflecting on their mistakes, they ensure those experiences never repeat.

4. They Take Active Notes

Passive note-takers jot down information without engaging further, while active note-takers do so with the intention of revisiting the material to deepen their understanding. Whether noting a technology mentioned during lunch or while shadowing a colleague, a successful junior developer revisits these notes to reinforce their learning.

Unsuccessful juniors may take notes merely for appearances, ultimately forgetting the lessons learned and progressing at a slower pace. Making a conscious effort to consolidate and revisit notes can significantly enhance learning outcomes.

Advice for Aspiring Junior Developers

Embrace your status as a beginner. This is the perfect time to ask questions without hesitation, seek guidance from colleagues, and learn from your mistakes. Everyone on your team has experienced being a junior developer and understands the challenges you face.

Don’t retreat into the background; no one will be there to guide you every step of the way. What your colleagues can offer is the freedom and time to make mistakes, inquire boldly, and explore unfamiliar topics.

So, take the initiative, make some errors, and don’t shy away from the learning journey ahead.

This video shares crucial insights for junior developers to establish a solid foundation in their careers.