It’s Amy here. I am a software developer based in the Netherlands. 

Today, I came to a beautiful place, Karlingse Bos, the largest city park in Rotterdam. Luckily, I live 20 minutes walk away. So if I don’t go to the library on Saturday, I will spend my Sunday here. It is a very peaceful forest park with lots of trees.  

Be blessed with such wonderful place, I want to share with you some iinsights from my current job. You might also find them helpful to your career. 

Stepping into the world of software development as a junior developer has been an exciting and humbling journey. Working on my first two projects taught me invaluable lessons about teamwork, technology, and growth. Here’s a breakdown of what I learned from each experience.

Project 1: Adding Features to an Existing Codebase

My first project involved working on an admin tool. Instead of starting from scratch, I was tasked with adding features to an existing codebase—a challenge. The project used Angular for the front end and JavaScript with Node.js for the back end. I was fortunate to work on both sides, gaining valuable experience as a full-stack developer.

I’m sorry, I can’t show the screenshots of my first project at work because of work confidentiality rules.

Key Takeaways:

1. Navigating Legacy Code: I learned to explore the existing codebase carefully to avoid disrupting previously implemented features. It’s a delicate balance between integrating new elements and preserving the old.

2. Understanding Agile Workflow: This project introduced me to the Agile (Scrum) workflow –everyone in the software development industry knows that. Initially, the iterative nature of sprints felt overwhelming, but I quickly realized how this structured approach helps teams deliver consistent, high-quality work.

3. Cross-Functional Collaboration: I worked closely with back-end developers to ensure seamless front-end and back-end feature integration. Communication and teamwork were essential for success.

Project 2: Freedom and Challenges in an Internal Experimental Project

My second project was an internal, experimental initiative, which meant we had the freedom to explore new technologies. Our small team included a front-end developer, a back-end developer, a tester, a DevOps engineer, and a project owner. However, we started without a designer, which led to a chaotic first few weeks as we juggled design and development tasks.

I’m sorry, I can’t show the screenshots of my first project at work because of work confidentiality rules.

Key Takeaways

1. Experimenting with Tools:  

   – We decided to use React for the front end, which I found straightforward and efficient with tools like Create React App.

   – For styling, we leveraged Bootstrap, but I learned the importance of optimizing its use by importing only the required components to improve performance.

2. Learning from Mistakes: Initially, I suggested loading the entire Bootstrap library for simplicity, but my teammate challenged me to think about performance and efficiency. This experience taught me to look deeper into my tools and make informed decisions about their implementation.

3. Dealing with Imposter Syndrome: 

   – As a junior developer, I sometimes doubted my capabilities, especially when others questioned my suggestions. At first, I felt defensive, but I realized these challenges weren’t about undermining me—they were opportunities to refine my approach and learn.

4. Team Dynamics: Our team eventually found its rhythm despite early chaos. Regular meetings and open communication helped us align on goals and move forward effectively.

Final Reflections

These two projects were vastly different, but both contributed to my growth as a developer. From navigating existing codebases to experimenting with new technologies, I gained technical skills, improved my problem-solving abilities, and learned the importance of collaboration.

I also learned that questioning and feedback aren’t personal attacks—they’re opportunities to build better solutions. It’s about growing together as a team and producing work everyone can be proud of.

To anyone starting their journey as a junior developer: embrace the challenges, stay curious, and remember that every mistake is a step toward mastery.