Breaking into the tech world is thrilling, but let’s face it, it can also be overwhelming. Your first 100 days set the tone for your success, regardless of whether you just changed careers, landed your first developer job, or recently joined the corporate tech industry.
Consider it similar to adjusting to a new country: you must become familiar with the language, the customs, the unspoken norms, and the finest shortcuts. We’ll explore ways to make your first 100 days in tech a solid starting point for your career in this article.
Learn the Culture Before the Code
Yes, your ability to code is important. However, take note of how your team operates before delving too deeply into technical tasks:
• How do they communicate? (Email, Teams, Slack?)
• What’s the culture around meetings and collaboration?
• How are issues resolved or escalated?
🔑 Tip: Be a sponge. The goal of culture fit is to grasp your team’s rhythm so that you may flourish there, not to lose yourself.
Build Your Technical Confidence Gradually
You may experience immediate pressure to prove yourself. Resist that urge. Instead, within the first 30 to 60 days, set small, achievable technical goals.
• Become familiar with the codebase.
• Get familiar with the tools used by your team, such as Jira, GitHub, and VS Code setup.
• Before making a hasty “fix,” get context from senior colleagues.
Keep in mind that no one expects you to be an expert on day one.
Seek Mentors, Not Just Managers
Growth is accelerated through mentoring. A mentor will mould your path, while a manager will access your performance. Instead of waiting for one to be assigned to you, find a person who is personable and whose abilities match your areas of growth.
Soft Skills Are Just as Important as Technical Skills
Technology is more than simply code. Collaboration, time management, and communication are career boosters. Learn to:
• Clearly document your work.
• Provide progress reports.
• Ask insightful questions instead of waiting for instructions.
This positions you as reliable, not just “technical.”
Take Care of Yourself (Yes, Really)
Burnout strikes quickly, particularly when you’re trying to make an impression. Instead of being a sprint, your first 100 days should be sustainable.
• Stick to work hours.
• Stay hydrated and get some exercise.
• Disconnect after hours when possible.
Healthy developers build better code.
The “100-Day Reflection”
Take a moment to consider the following on day 100:
• What have I learned?
• Where do I still struggle?
• Who in my network has given me the most assistance?
• When will I reach my next milestone – six months or a year?
This introspection aids in goal-resetting and demonstrates progress to mentors or bosses.
The goal of the first 100 days in tech is to lay the groundwork for your future self, not to be flawless. Continue to grow, remain curious, and be inquisitive.
👉 Please share your opinions and feedback in the comments section below this page!
About the Author
Great mix of mindset advice and practical steps. This should be required reading for junior devs!
Subscriber here
I got here first. 🙌🙌
Excellent post!
Thank you for sharing.
This is spot on. Ability to control the urge to “impress” is a must-have.
🙏🙏
Super insightful post! The first 100 days can feel overwhelming, and this makes it feel so much more manageable.
Thank you for normalizing the ups and downs of the first few months.
This should be required reading for anyone entering a new industry or starting a new job. Clear, actionable, and reassuring!
Soft skills can be underrated sometimes, great write up, and well done. 👍
Thank you Rapheal
The perfect guide. Thank you
Fully subscribed.
Great work Ifeyinwa.
Take care of myself
Yes
Supported😁😁
Great advice on a head start for the first 100 days, also add learn through observation, not everyone will speak to you, or want to answer you.
Very correct. Thank you for adding such a thoughtful point.