So, you’re thinking about applying for an entry-level Java developer role, but you’re not sure if your skills are enough? You’re not alone. A lot of beginners wonder if knowing Core Java, OOP, Spring, and DSA is enough to land a job or at least get an internship offer.
I’ve looked into what employers expect from entry-level Java developers, and here’s what you really need to focus on.
The Must-Have Java Skills for Entry-Level Roles
If you’re applying for your first Java job, here are the core skills you should have:
OOP (Object-Oriented Programming) – This is non-negotiable. Java is built around OOP principles, so you need to understand encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction. Many junior devs struggle with OOP, so make sure you can explain and apply these concepts.
Core Java – You need to be comfortable with basic Java syntax, loops, conditionals, and exception handling. Collections (List, Set, Map) and threading are also useful to know.
Spring Framework – A lot of Java jobs use Spring Boot, so knowing how to build a simple REST API and connect it to a database is a big plus. Bonus points if you understand dependency injection and how Spring handles background tasks (like cron jobs or concurrency).
SQL & Databases – Some developers rely too much on ORMs like Hibernate and forget SQL basics. Don’t be that person. You should know how to write queries, join tables, and understand indexing.
Version Control (Git) – Every developer uses Git. If you don’t know how to clone a repo, commit changes, and push to GitHub, learn it now.
Build Tools (Maven or Gradle) – Most Java projects use Maven or Gradle to manage dependencies and build the application. You don’t need to be an expert, but you should understand the basics.
Unit Testing – Knowing how to write unit tests using JUnit or Mockito will make you stand out. A lot of juniors ignore this, but companies appreciate developers who write testable code.
Should You Learn Data Structures & Algorithms (DSA)?
DSA is useful, but most Java interviews for entry-level roles don’t focus heavily on advanced algorithms. Instead, they test basic problem-solving, arrays, hash maps, and recursion.
If you’re aiming for big tech companies, then yes, practice DSA more. But for regular software development roles, having a solid understanding of OOP and SQL is often more important.
How to Get an Internship or Entry-Level Job in Java
If you can build a simple Spring Boot application that connects to a database, you’re already in a good position. The key is to show that you can write working code.
Here’s what you should do next:
Build small projects – A REST API that performs CRUD operations on a database is a great starting point. Add authentication if you want to level up.
Put your projects on GitHub – Employers love seeing actual code. If your GitHub has nothing but an empty profile, start uploading your projects.
Read “Effective Java” by Joshua Bloch – This book will teach you Java best practices. Even though it’s based on Java 8, the concepts still apply to newer versions.
Apply even if you’re unsure – Many entry-level job postings look intimidating, but companies don’t expect you to know everything. If you meet 60-70% of the requirements, apply anyway.
Final Thoughts
If you know Core Java, OOP, Spring, and SQL, you already have a solid foundation. Keep practicing, build a few projects, and don’t be afraid to apply.
Even if you don’t land a job right away, an internship or freelance work can give you experience. Keep improving, and you’ll get there.
