Why Junior Developers Should Consider Consulting

Two years ago, when I graduated college, I entered the workforce with little experience on my resume. It mostly consisted of a quality internship and a college diploma vouching for a set of knowledge in my field. It was time to start growing a resume and building a career for myself. I knew I wanted to work in the Twin Cities, so I pulled up the top 100 companies to work for in the area and sent my resume to the HR departments of those companies that had anything to do with software. A few months later, I landed a role working for Black Slate as a consultant. It’s fast-tracked the trajectory of my career into a place I couldn’t have anticipated it would be at in just two years. The experience I’ve gained from consulting is something hard to find with any other job in the industry.

Consulting For Growth

As a consultant, you have the potential to work on a variety of projects over a short amount of time. In my two years, I have worked on three different projects, each providing me with a unique experience in a new development environment. Three projects is actually a relatively low number for that time span, but the benefits of working across a breadth of projects are universal.  This experience is valuable in that it exposes you to many different development and team environments; you’ll learn quickly what you do and don’t like and carry that with you throughout your career.

Additionally, as a consultant, you are expected to perform at a high level. The customer is usually paying by the hour and they want to get their money’s worth. That drives you to be at the top of your game. There’s a constant motivation to stay two steps ahead of what’s going to be asked of you, meaning your skills will grow by the day. Every day you go to work, your value increases.

Perks of Consulting with Black Slate

Paid to learn new stuff. Black Slate prides itself on having top talent, even if it is somewhat inexperienced like myself. To be considered top talent, you have to know a wide range of things in the development world. Breadth over depth is encouraged. Black Slate invests in you by paying you to learn new things and grow as a developer. They reward certifications and provide a week of paid time for you to learn something new every year. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

Work with the best. I’ve come to learn that Black Slate has an expert in nearly every field of development. From mobile to desktop, someone’s done it. If you ever have a technical question, the team is there to lean on. Just throw it in slack and someone is bound to have the answer. Additionally, there is a mentorship program that supports you as your career is getting started. That mentor is usually an industry veteran who’s seen it all.

Join the Fast Track

I am two years removed from college and have been working in a lead front-end developer role for a year and a half of that. My opinion has been sought after and valued. I have built apps for farmers and energy engineers. Consulting has given me that opportunity.  I have been able to grow as a developer and professional while being compensated for it in return. If that’s something you or someone you know might be interested in, check out Black Slate’s career guide.  A consulting career with Black Slate means great assignments and opportunities for professional growth, solid compensation and a work culture routinely recognized as a best place to work.  What are you waiting for?