AEM has grown in popularity over the past few years, and AEM developers are in high demand as a result, as they can assist businesses in utilizing the platform to produce compelling digital experiences. This article is for an AEM junior developer who wants to stand out from the competition. I will provide some detail on what I think you should be working on to become a best-in-class AEM developer.
I’d like to share some courses that have greatly benefited me, both in interviews and my daily AEM development work. In my opinion, these courses are the best for AEM developers, whether you’re starting out or have over 2 years of experience. Even today, since I began my AEM career in 2015, this course continues to help me by reinforcing AEM concepts and practices that are not part of my daily routine. You can find more details on how this course has helped me here -> https://sourcedcode.com/blog/aem/aem-developers-courses-2022-that-really-helped-me
In my opinion, writing clear, effective, and maintainable code is one of the most crucial characteristics that distinguish novice AEM developers. Junior developers must have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of the Java language, including data structures, algorithms, and design patterns, as AEM is built on top of Java. Additionally, they must to be familiar with other widely used web development technologies including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Having a strong learning attitude, combined with the drive to become a full-stack AEM developer, sets a junior AEM developer apart. The ability to work with backend services, such as schedulers, servlets, sling models, and integrate with third-party services, Oauth2 services, search engines, data importer services, etc… can make a big impact on the complexity and sophistication of digital experiences organizations can build. In addition to these technical skills, it is also important for junior AEM developers to have proficiency in Adobe HTL, Javascript, CSS, and HTML. Junior developers with a diverse set of technical skills and a strong learning attitude will be highly valued and in high demand. This combination can lead to a successful and rewarding career in AEM development.
It’s also essential to have a strong understanding of AEM’s architecture and the different components that make up the platform. Junior developers should have a good understanding of the AEM building blocks such as templates, components, and workflows. They should also be familiar with AEM’s front-end development tools such as Sightly and Granite UI.
To have a solid technical foundation in the general of web development, junior AEM developers should also have strong problem-solving skills. AEM is a complex platform, and developers will often be faced with challenging problems that require creative solutions. Junior developers who can think critically and come up with innovative solutions will be in high demand.
A junior AEM developer who has a solid understanding of Java, web development technologies (including front-end web development), AEM’s architecture, and AEM’s proprietary platform, has strong problem-solving skills, will be in high demand in the job market. With the right skills and mindset, you can become a valuable asset to any organization that uses AEM. I would like to highlight again that In my opinion, you’d be a more valuable AEM developer if you focus on full-stack AEM development, rather than just focusing on frontend or backend.
In Conclusion
Having a strong learning attitude is critical for junior AEM developers to excel in their careers. A curious and self-motivated mindset drives continuous improvement, leading to a better understanding of the platform and the development process. This, in turn, helps in becoming a best-in-class AEM developer. Staying updated with the latest technologies and trends, experimenting with new features, and seeking feedback from mentors can enhance the skills and knowledge needed to deliver high-quality solutions. Hence, having a striving learning attitude is a vital aspect of success in the AEM development field.
A junior AEM developer should spend some time offline, in their personal time, to learn how to write backend code with backend services as well as AEM front code like Sightly javascript html and css. It’s not just about being good at what you do, it’s about being passionate about it. By taking the time to learn and grow, you will be able to stand out from the rest.
