I broke into tech about 3 years ago. I changed careers from doing something different than Software Development. I attended a boot camp to learn how to code and become a competent hiring prospect.
After the boot camp was over, I found myself looking for my first role. It was tough trying to find a position with no experience. My strategy was to learn in public—doing kata’s every day and picking up some freelance work to build my resume. Eventually, I landed my first job in tech.
But I didn’t stop there. I wanted to keep the same work ethic and momentum. That’s when I leaned into side projects. Not only were they fun and rewarding, but in my opinion, they played a major role in my first promotion.
Why Side Projects Work
Side projects are like a cheat code for developers. You learn faster because you’re hands-on. There are no deadlines, no red tape, and no one telling you what tech stack you can or can’t use. That freedom means you can:
- Tinker with new frameworks
- Fail fast (and learn even faster)
- Follow your curiosity
- Build something real (and show it off)
They’re also great for building confidence. The first time I pushed a plugin to GitHub or launched a simple React app, it gave me a sense of ownership I didn’t get from just watching tutorials.
Projects That Shaped Me
1. Project Case Studies Plugin (WordPress)
This was my first plugin built from scratch using object-oriented PHP. I integrated the Block Binding API and made it compatible with full-site editing themes. It also uses custom fields via CMB2 and dynamic block templates. I learned how to make a plugin scalable and extensible, and how to think like a product owner.
Key Skills:
- OOP in PHP
- Block Binding API
- Plugin architecture
- Editor sidebar UI with React
2. Omega Blocks
Omega Blocks is my custom WordPress block plugin. I created blocks with rich editing experiences by tapping into @wordpress/data and @wordpress/components. This pushed my understanding of Gutenberg deeper and taught me how to develop reusable design systems.
Key Skills:
- Custom Gutenberg blocks
- Editor controls and panels
- Block registration and serialization
- Modern JS with JSX
3. NBA Highlight Reel (React App)
This is a React-based app that fetches NBA highlight videos using the YouTube API. It started as a curiosity project during the playoffs and turned into a fun way to practice component architecture, API integration, and state management.
Key Skills:
- React fundamentals (useState, useEffect)
- External API integration
- Pagination
- UX/UI design thinking
What Makes a Good Side Project?
A good side project doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be intentional. Ask yourself:
- Does it help me learn something new?
- Is it small enough to finish?
- Would I be proud to show this to someone?
It doesn’t have to be perfect. But it should solve a real problem (even a small one), scratch your itch, or allow you to explore an idea in public.
From Side Project to Career Growth
Here’s how side projects helped my career:
- They gave me real things to talk about in interviews.
- They showed hiring managers that I take initiative.
- They got me noticed internally at work.
- They became portfolio pieces and blog content.
When you document your work on GitHub, your blog, or Twitter/X—you’re not just building a project. You’re building a signal that you’re engaged, resourceful, and leveling up.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re fresh out of a bootcamp or a few years into your career, side projects are one of the best ways to grow as a developer. Don’t wait for permission. Build something weird, useful, or just fun.
Start with one small idea. Scope it. Ship it. Talk about it.
The results might surprise you.
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