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General Discussion

Posted by Kristian Woods
Kristian Woods
23,414 Points

Whats the next step after college?

I'm about to finish my Web Development course at college, and over the last few months, conversation regarding the next step has come up a lot.

I know there are so many variables involved. All I know, is that I want to work as a Front-End Developer, and perhaps specialise in JavaScript.

I'm not sure which route to take - I've considered trying to get work as a junior front-end in a design studio, build my skill set, and after I feel confident, work for myself as a freelancer.
Thats my ideal plan. However, there are guys in my class that are far more skilled than myself, and still find it impossible to find a job at a studio. They only manage to get the occasional freelance work. Which, yeah, is still work at the end of the day. But if those guys cant get hired, I'm starting to freak out.

I know that in the meantime, I can create my own projects, work for friends/family etc. to build my portfolio. But I guess my question is - if I can't get a job in a studio after a few months after graduation, should I just focus my efforts on freelance? Does having studio experience make or break you?

Thanks