Roadmap to 100% Job Readiness: Part-
Time Java Back-End Developer
Goal: Secure a part-time back-end Java developer position and keep it.
Phase 1: Core Java + Git (Weeks 1–3)
Goal: Learn Java fundamentals and version control
☐ Learn Java basics: variables, loops, methods, arrays, OOP
☐ Practice with small console apps (calculator, to-do list, text-based game)
☐ Learn Git and GitHub: commit, push, branch, clone
☐ Build 1 small project repo using Git
Tools: Java All-in-One For Dummies, IntelliJ IDEA, JetBrains Academy, W3Schools Java
Phase 2: Java Back-End Foundations (Weeks 4–6)
Goal: Build your first back-end app using a modern framework
☐ Learn Spring Boot (REST, controllers, services, annotations)
☐ Build a REST API (e.g., contacts list, book library, or student DB)
☐ Connect to a local H2 or PostgreSQL database
☐ Understand CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete)
☐ Learn how to test APIs using Postman or curl
Tools: Spring Initializr, Spring Boot Docs, PostgreSQL or H2, Postman
Phase 3: Deployment + Portfolio (Weeks 7–8)
Goal: Show you can build, deploy, and maintain a working app
☐ Learn how to use Maven/Gradle
☐ Host your app on Render, Railway, or Heroku
☐ Create a README.md with screenshots, usage, and API docs
☐ Build a GitHub portfolio with at least 2 good projects
☐ Build a resume + cover letter tailored for back-end roles
Phase 4: Freelance + Real-World Practice (Weeks 9–12)
Goal: Get your first paid work or internship—build a track record
☐ Apply to local small businesses needing automation/web help
☐ Look on Upwork, Freelancer, Craigslist
☐ Offer free or cheap work to 1–2 clients in exchange for a testimonial
☐ Document everything you do (blog, README, LinkedIn post)
Success Criteria
Milestone Status
Java OOP fluency ☐ Required
Spring Boot API built ☐ Required
GitHub portfolio (2+ projects) ☐ Required
App deployed online ☐ Strongly Recommended
Resume and GitHub ready ☐ Required
Real-world project or client ☐ Makes job offer likely
Job Application Strategy (Weeks 10–14)
• Filter job boards for “part-time,” “junior,” or “contract” roles
• Apply to 10–20 jobs/week
• Follow up personally on at least 3/week
• Be ready for a short coding test or project
Optional Boosters
☐ Learn Docker basics for deployment
☐ Add JWT authentication to one of your APIs
☐ Pair with someone for mock interviews
☐ Post regularly on LinkedIn about your journey