How to get your first developer job (Part Two): Consider an internship

If you’re struggling to land your first job, internships are a fantastic way to gain real-world experience. It doesn’t matter whether it’s at a big company, a small startup, or even an informal role—the goal is to get hands-on practice and build up your skills in a professional setting.

For me, internships weren’t just about learning technical skills. They taught me how to work in a team, meet deadlines, and understand workplace expectations. These experiences were invaluable when I started applying for full-time roles again.

A full story of me successfully landing a developer job in the Netherlands as a Chinese foreigner.