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    How to Go from No Coding Experience to earning $1,000

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    by Michael Beer — 15 minute read

    If you're eager to break into the tech industry but have zero coding experience, don't worry. With dedication and the right strategy, you can earn your first $1,000. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

    Week 1: Learn to Code

    The first step is to gain some basic coding skills. FreeCodeCamp is a fantastic platform for beginners. Their Front End Development Course covers HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which are essential for web development. Additionally, focus on learning React and Next.js, which will be crucial for your projects.

    Steps to Follow:

    1. Sign Up: Go to FreeCodeCamp and create a free account.
    2. Start Learning: Begin with the "Responsive Web Design" certification. This will teach you HTML and CSS, the building blocks of web pages.
    3. Learn React: Instead of the JavaScript Algorithms course, move to learning React. FreeCodeCamp offers a dedicated section on React basics.
    4. Next.js Course: Supplement your React knowledge with this Next.js course. This framework will be essential for building efficient web applications, and is what you will use to make $1,000.
    5. Complete Projects: Throughout the courses, build projects that solidify your learning and can be added to your portfolio.

    Dedicate at least 4-6 hours daily to studying and practicing coding. By the end of the week, you'll have a basic understanding of front-end development with React and Next.js.

    Week 2: Enter Hackathons

    Now that you have some coding knowledge, it's time to apply it in real-world scenarios. Major League Hacking (MLH) hosts numerous hackathons where you can build projects, learn from others, and potentially win prizes.

    Steps to Follow:

    1. Find Hackathons: Visit MLH.io and browse upcoming hackathons.
    2. Register: Sign up for a hackathon that aligns with your interests and availability.
    3. Prepare: Read up on the hackathon themes and rules. If possible, form a team with more experienced coders.
    4. Participate: During the hackathon, work on a project that solves a problem or fits the theme. Utilize your newly acquired skills in React and Next.js and collaborate with your team.

    Winning a prize at a hackathon can earn you up to $500. Even if you don't win, the experience and networking opportunities are invaluable.

    Weeks 3-4: Earn Through Bounties

    With your new skills and hackathon experience, you’re ready to tackle freelance projects. Replit offers a bounty program where you can complete coding tasks for payment.

    Steps to Follow:

    1. Create a Profile: Go to Replit Bounties and set up your profile.
    2. Browse Bounties: Look for tasks that match your skill level and interests. These bounties range in complexity and payout.
    3. Apply: Start with smaller, simpler bounties to build your reputation. As you complete more tasks, you can tackle higher-paying bounties.
    4. Complete Tasks: Deliver high-quality work on time to earn positive reviews and repeat clients.

    By consistently working on bounties, you can easily earn $1,000 in your first month.

    Tips for Success

    • Consistency: Dedicate time every day to learning and working on projects.
    • Networking: Engage with the coding community through forums, social media, and hackathons.
    • Portfolio: Keep a portfolio of your projects to showcase your skills to potential clients. Create a resume and get your resume reviewed for free with our tool
    • Feedback: Always seek feedback on your work to improve and learn.

    Breaking into coding and earning your first $1,000 might seem daunting, but with the right approach and persistence, it's entirely achievable. Happy coding!

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    About The Author

    Michael Beer

    Michael Beer is the founder of CrackedDevs. His passion for helping people find coding jobs led him to create this platform. Michael became a professional software developer at 18 and has won over $20,000 in programming competitions.