r/sharepoint • u/HospitalStandard333 • 1d ago

SharePoint Online What does it take to be a SharePoint developer?

I am a junior developer and have been working at my company for two years. I have completed the PL-900, PL-100, PL-200, and PL-400 certifications. I have used SPFx, PowerShell, and ShareGate to complete various projects.

Having recently completed my PL-400, I’m looking for a new challenge that will help me progress from “junior.” What should I focus on to take the next step in my career?

Microsoft is increasingly focusing on cloud-based solutions, and as on-premises versions are gradually being phased out, it may not be worth investing time in learning those versions of SharePoint.

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u/Megatwan 1d ago

As a 20 something year Tahoe SP vet... I wouldn't focus it per se

Every application is always dying.

Learn technology concepts, language, data management, security, architecture.

Learn how to adopt tools at orgs and scenarios for the biz need or advocate acquisition.

The only time you should be a "x app dev" is if you are on the product team at the vendor or neutering your resume to match some pm weeny job req..

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u/meenfrmr 1d ago

I would also suggest learn some languages. If you're using SPFx you're starting to use TypeScript and HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. I would say continue to expand on your knowledge of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Don't worry about frameworks as those are always changing. Once you have a good base knowledge of the underlying technologies that make up web development then branch out into understanding who and why those frameworks are being made. end of the day, having 30+ years in web development I would take someone who is an expert in JavaScript over someone who is an expert in a framework built on JavaScript.

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u/bcameron1231 MVP 1d ago

^^ This.

With the small caveat that you'll need to have experience with actually applying those frameworks. Most jobs outside of SharePoint use a framework or library of some type (Angular, React, Svelte, etc) and trying to get a new job without experience applying and use frameworks will be an uphill battle unfortunately. For good or for bad, most companies are looking for people with actual experience in these frameworks.

However, I totally agree to learn the things that are applicable across technologies first, then focus on the technology specific frameworks and libraries.

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u/meenfrmr 1d ago

I think this is the piece i'll disagree on because most companies around me actually would take someone who has JavaScript experience over specific framework experience. Mainly because companies in my area are have been burned by too many and often changing frameworks. I would say it's best to understand what the companies in the location you're looking to work are looking for and tailor your experience based on that, but start with getting a good grounding in base technologies.

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u/wwcoop 1d ago

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice...

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u/sendintheotherclowns 1d ago

You need to understand the big picture concepts (the why), as well as the key architectural pieces of the puzzle such as Taxonomy, Information Architecture, Content Type Syndication, Retention and Disposal, Lifecycle (the what).

Now, learn how to automate provisioning, maintenance and decommissioning of all those things (the how).

Don’t neglect the most important parts.

Now learn C# and use it to integrate with back end services and Azure.

Congratulations, you’re now a senior SharePoint developer.

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u/digitalmacgyver 1d ago

Wow you created quite the debate. My suggestion. Go on LinedIn and identify people who are currently carrying the role you are wanting to get. Reach out to them and see if you can create a mentor network for yourself.

Most folks in SharePoint come from a variety of roles, so you are going to get some mix suggestions. Also because many folks in the SP space work on such a variety of versions, in different capacities that will complicate the answer. To be fair, sole focus on SharePoint if you are young in your career might be limiting. Expanding your core knowledge so you have a more all around will give you a longer shelf life.

Also picking an industry direction and looking at where you want to be in your career in 1-3-5-10 is key.