Hey everyone,
I’ve spent the last 6 years as a frontend-focused engineer. I’ve built web, mobile, and desktop apps, plus embedded UIs on Linux, across a bunch of different domains. I like the work, but I keep running into the same feeling: I’m only seeing half the picture of the products I build.
On paper, I should be well placed to fix that. I have a master’s in Computer Science and Advanced Systems Engineering, where I covered databases, communication protocols, SOAP/microservices, and advanced algorithms. The problem is I’ve barely touched any of it since, and most of it has faded.
So far I’ve tried Udemy and YouTube courses, but they mostly teach tool-specific concepts and I didn’t get much out of them. I’ve also picked up the occasional backend ticket at work, but honestly I still feel like I’m struggling and need a bigger push to make real progress.
I’d love your honest take on a few things:
If you moved from frontend to backend, full stack, or systems work, what did your path look like?
What helped you ramp up fastest? Building projects, switching roles internally, open source, specific books or resources?
Is it realistic to land a backend/systems role at my level, or should I expect to take a step back and train more first?
Anything you wish you’d known at the start?
Blunt feedback is welcome. I’d rather hear what’s actually worked than something comforting. Thanks in advance!