What are some good ways to gain real-world software project experience?
I am a software newbie who wants to become a full-time software professional. The biggest challenge I have faced is the lack of real-world project experience. Boot camps, online courses, freelancing, and GitHub contributions are some of the options I can pursue. Any comments on the pros and cons of each of the solutions above?
Start an open source project. Look for a problem and create a solution for it that is better than alternative solutions. Work with contributors, to build something that is useful to others.. You'll be surprised how much real world experience you'll gain.
Join a game jam with a team looking for contributors. You'll learn new skills, both technical and managerial, and you'll have something to show at the end of it.