Chapter 1: My Initial Steps in Programming

At the outset of my programming journey, I focused on crafting websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. I enjoyed this work, but eventually realized that web development wasn't my passion. This prompted me to explore various facets of IT that might captivate my interest.

I dabbled in numerous areas—from creating PC applications to game development and even ventured into graphic design (yes, that counts as IT too!). Ultimately, it was mobile development that truly resonated with me. At that time, I owned a Windows laptop, which limited me to Android development, a path I followed diligently throughout my college years.

During my studies, I achieved recognition in competitions, even winning a cash prize of $350 at one event. It felt surreal to earn money doing something I loved, even if it was a modest sum.

In my second year, while working and saving, I invested in a MacBook and instantly fell in love with it! This device made programming more intuitive and efficient.

My journey continued until I completed college and entered military service. During this time, I resolved to delve into iOS development, as I had a fondness for Apple products. After my military service, I allocated six months to get back on track.

Section 1.1: Diving into iOS Development

Six months flew by, and I began my iOS development journey. I primarily utilized a course on Udemy, being cautious about my expenses since I had previously learned Android development for free. Nonetheless, I gained a solid foundation in Swift, the UIKit, and SwiftUI frameworks, as well as database and API interactions.

The training lasted a month and a half, complemented by two more weeks of free courses on Stepik and Sololearn.

Where would I be without practical experience? Concurrently, I dedicated about a month to building my portfolio by creating personal projects and enhancing my GitHub profile. This step is crucial, as potential employers often want to review your code and applications. Upon completing my courses on Udemy and Sololearn, I obtained certificates to include in my portfolio.

Subsection 1.1.1: Building My Portfolio

Chapter 2: The Job Hunt Begins

After resigning from my previous position, I gave myself a month to land a programming job. This task proved to be more challenging than I initially anticipated. I began with my resume, which I was never satisfied with. The first few weeks yielded nothing but rejections. It was notable that there were very few internships available, and those that existed either didn’t align with my skills or were already filled.

Two weeks in, I finally received my first invitation—not for an interview but to complete a test on the employer's website. Unfortunately, that didn’t lead to an interview either, resulting in more rejections.

I attempted to craft my resume based on a YouTube tutorial that I found somewhat helpful, but again, it bore no fruit. Doubts began to creep in, making me wonder if I would ever find a position I desired. Nevertheless, I persevered, continuing to apply even as rejections piled up.

As the month drew to a close, I was on the verge of securing an interview for a role similar to my previous job. On that very day, however, I received an interview invitation.

I recalled everything I had learned recently and successfully navigated the interview process. I was offered an internship with the following terms: three months of remote work, earning a salary of $600. This was a fantastic opportunity! I knew I needed to seize every chance to gain commercial experience, which is highly valued by employers.

For a deeper insight into transitioning into an iOS developer, check out this video titled How I Went From ZERO to iOS Dev in 7 Months.

Another inspiring resource is the video How I Became an iOS Developer. Beginner to Fortune 10 Company, which outlines a similar journey.