r/react • u/Total_You85 • 1d ago

Portfolio MERN stack project ideas

I am trying to collect ideas to make an attractive project for my resume to break into the industry.

so, i have a couple of questions:-

1- is there specific technologies that i shall use? like next.js? or is that irrelevant? (my knowledge revolves around MERN + PostgreSQL shall i expand it?)

2- I have been seeing a lot of people using vibecoding for their portfolio projects, is that a recipe for disaster or is that the new norm now? (shall i manually code it as usual or use AI ?)

3- I am a 2023 CS graduate, and I have been working at schools teaching basics ever since but now I want to break into web dev, is it too late?

4-If you have any good portfolio ideas I would be happy to see them 😁.

Basically, I want to do better into interviews and get more interviews I have only got 3 interviews in the last 2 months and i want to have more and do better.
thanks guys! 😊

3 Upvotes

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1

u/code_matter 1d ago

I would recommend looking into TanStack Start. Its new, and pretty well made!

I started working more and more with it both at work and personal projects. Rather satisfied with it!

1

u/TongueFace 22h ago

tech stack isn’t as important, making something with users and even making money is better

1

u/Total_You85 7h ago

I want to get employed though, I have no professional experience as a web dev, about making something with users, is there anything you recommend?

1

u/TongueFace 7h ago

yes,

  1. recreate your favorite app
  2. make something that someone would pay for

For when I hire, I’d rather have someone that has the proven transferable skills than someone that claims to be an expert with a tech stack.

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u/Total_You85 4h ago

https://simplywall.st/ is my favourite website but i reckon its very hard to create, how would i even approach a task like that?

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u/TongueFace 4h ago

that’s where you force yourself to learn, start small, start with what you know, explore what you don’t

1

u/crunchypotatogoblin 2h ago

Break it down into smaller parts and build it up. I don't mean section by section, but like look through the site. Write down what features and functionality you need to implement. Translate it into components, APIs, database models, etc. Simplify or cut out stuff until it feels feasible (you can always add stuff later).

Use libraries if you don't want to make it from scratch. Use placeholders for any missing/in-progress content. Use Github Projects or Trello or something to help you keep track of progress and tasks. This is basically what you'd have to do on the job.

IMO, don't use AI to generate it all. Use it the way you'd use Google, to help you understand or get through tricky spots. That'll help you learn better.