# Post Bootcamp Mindmap

Original: https://swyx.io/post-graduation
Published: 2019-02-21

> What are all the things you can do to improve as a developer after graduating from college or bootcamp?

What are all the things you can do to improve as a developer after graduating from college or bootcamp?

I made a little mindmap, focused on webdev but also based on surveying student interests in general.
The goal is NOT to do all of these, but to know what's out there -to- be learned and to have some method to our madness.

Some recommended resources and advice are included inline, but always feel free to [ping me](https://twitter.com/swyx) for further recommendations on any topic as this list is not exhaustive.

My golden piece of advice for everything is to [Learn in Public](https://www.swyx.io/writing/learn-in-public/). Seriously, try it. In terms of HOW you should weight these 3 things, it is tempting to go heavy on the learning, but try to be more balanced. See also [my thoughts on specifically what to do after a bootcamp, with specific recommendation on hours spent](https://github.com/sw-yx/ama/issues/1).

## Things to Learn

- Languages
  - Python
  - Java/Kotlin
  - Go, Rust
  - TypeScript
  - C/C++
  - Elm
  - Swift
  - https://www.hntrends.com
  - https://octoverse.github.com/projects#languages
  - https://insights.stackoverflow.com/survey/2018/
  - https://stackify.com/popular-programming-languages-2018/
- Build tools ([Know your tools!](https://www.swyx.io/writing/know-your-tools/))
  - Babel
  - webpack vs rollup
  - Git
  - npm publishing/running/scripting
  - CI/CD
- Backend
  - AWS (Architect, Developer)
  - Serverless framework
  - Security?
  - Machine Learning
  - Firebase
  - Netlify
  - Testing
- Frontend
  - Other Frameworks: Vue
  - Dataviz
    - D3
    - vis.gl
    - Victory
  - CSS
    - [CSS in Depth](https://www.amazon.com/CSS-Depth-Keith-J-Grant/dp/1617293458)
    - [CSS Secrets](https://www.amazon.com/CSS-Secrets-Solutions-Everyday-Problems/dp/1449372635)
  - Web Design
    - https://github.com/sdras/design-for-developers
    - https://medium.com/@erikdkennedy/7-rules-for-creating-gorgeous-ui-part-1-559d4e805cda
    - https://refactoringui.com/
  - Advanced Interaction
    - React DnD, React-beautiful-dnd
    - Accessible Modals (react-modal)
    - Autocomplete/typeahead (Downshift)
  - Testing
    - Jest
    - Mocha/Chai
  - 3D
    - Three.js
    - Aframe
  - Custom Animation
    - popmotion
    - react-spring
  - Simple Animation
    - http://animista.net
    - http://daneden.github.io/animate.css
    - http://tobiasahlin.com/spinkit
    - http://www.transformicons.com/docs.html
    - http://leaverou.github.io/css3patterns
    - http://march08.github.io/animated-burgers
    - react kawaii
  - GraphQL
    - Apollo
    - urql
    - Relay
  - UI toolkits
    - http://material-ui.com
    - https://reactstrap.github.io/
    - https://designsystemsrepo.com/
- Misc
  - React Native
  - Unity
  - Music (Tone.js)
  - Wordpress
  - Bash scripting
  - Computer Networking
    - https://github.com/alex/what-happens-when

Advice

- Dont be afraid to pay, esp Egghead and Frontend Masters, but also books
- Follow people and principles over individual tech
- Open and edit node_modules
- Cover your bases, but [Specialize in something](https://www.swyx.io/writing/specialize-in-the-new/)

## Things to Build

- Personal Projects/Apps
  - Personal pain points
  - dont try too many new things
  - hook into nostalgia/pop culture/comedy
- Open Source Libs
  - https://www.firsttimersonly.com/
  - https://hacktoberfest.digitalocean.com/
  - [Redux](https://github.com/reduxjs/react-redux/issues/1177)
  - Babel
  - start with docs
  - Github issue triage, reproduction
  - make it something you use

Advice

- [Clone Open Source Apps](https://www.swyx.io/writing/clone-open-source-apps/)

## Things to Do

- Interview prep
  - CTCI
  - YDKJS
  - Leetcode
  - Algoexpert
  - Codewars
  - Interviewcake
  - HackerRank
  - Pramp
- Networking
  - Twitter
  - Coffee/Video Chats
  - Meetups and Conferences
  - Slacks
- Answering questions
  - Stackoverflow
  - Github issues
  - Reddit beginner questions
- Writing/Creating
  - Draw
  - Write
  - Youtube

Advice

- [Dont call yourself a programmer](https://www.kalzumeus.com/2011/10/28/dont-call-yourself-a-programmer/)