The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Junior Developer / Associate Developer
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Mastering a primary programming language, understanding core data structures, becoming proficient with Git, basic debugging, and learning to work effectively in an agile team.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivering assigned tasks on time with minimal supervision.
- Proactively identifying and fixing minor bugs in your own code.
- Actively participating in code reviews and incorporating feedback effectively.
- Demonstrating a solid understanding of our codebase and system architecture.
- 2
Coding Bootcamp Graduate + Industry Experience
2-3 years post-bootcampSkills to master
- Applying bootcamp knowledge to real-world, complex systems. Deepening understanding of software architecture, cloud platforms, and production-grade coding practices. Building experience with CI/CD and observability tools.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully delivering multiple features end-to-end in a professional setting.
- Comfortable working independently on medium-complexity tasks.
- Demonstrating strong problem-solving skills beyond academic exercises.
- Receiving positive feedback on code quality and collaboration from peers and managers.
- 3
Self-Taught Developer with Strong Portfolio
3-5 years of active, demonstrable project workSkills to master
- Building a robust portfolio of projects that demonstrate professional-grade coding, testing, and deployment practices. Understanding team dynamics, version control, and modern development workflows.
You're ready to move on when
- Having several substantial projects live, with clean code, tests, and clear documentation.
- Demonstrating an understanding of software engineering principles (e.g., SOLID, DRY) through your work.
- Ability to discuss technical trade-offs and design decisions in detail.
- Experience collaborating on projects, even if open-source, and handling code reviews.