I'm a full stack web developer, graduated a little over 7 years ago but really only 5 years into my career, where for personal reasons that no longer apply I was restricted to opportunities in a small city. In other words, working at small custom web development shops - using modern frameworks but nothing that scaled beyond a single server.
I've reached out to the few people in my network working at the types of companies I'd like to get into, but the response has always boiled down to "we don't think you have the relevant experience." And when I don't have an inside connection, silence.
So, figuring I don't have the strongest resume, what are my options with the highest chances of improving my career trajectory?
Do I work on brushing up my algorithms and data structures knowledge in a lower-level language (and blog about it)? Or do I spend time on MOOCs (and blog)? Or build a ridiculously over-engineered side project with distributed micro-services just to prove I can do it (and blog)? Or maybe the above and simultaneously pack my bags and move to a more opportunities-rich location, networking on the ground? Or try to get into something like the Recurse Center or the Bradfield School and hope to piggy back on their networks? Something else entirely?
Have you been in a similar situation? What did you do? Thanks!
I've reached out to the few people in my network working at the types of companies I'd like to get into, but the response has always boiled down to "we don't think you have the relevant experience." And when I don't have an inside connection, silence.
So, figuring I don't have the strongest resume, what are my options with the highest chances of improving my career trajectory?
Do I work on brushing up my algorithms and data structures knowledge in a lower-level language (and blog about it)? Or do I spend time on MOOCs (and blog)? Or build a ridiculously over-engineered side project with distributed micro-services just to prove I can do it (and blog)? Or maybe the above and simultaneously pack my bags and move to a more opportunities-rich location, networking on the ground? Or try to get into something like the Recurse Center or the Bradfield School and hope to piggy back on their networks? Something else entirely?
Have you been in a similar situation? What did you do? Thanks!