🔧 How I Switched from Chemistry to Front-End Development

At the beginning, I would like to introduce myself.I am currently a front-end developer at NetEase Games, mainly working on process management systems.
My tech stack includes React and TypeScript, and I also have some experience with micro-frontend architectureand performance optimization.

However, I am not a computer science major. I earned my bachelor's degree in Inorganic Chemistry and my master's degree in Nano-Chemistry.Switching from chemistry to front-end development was not an easy decision for me.In this blog, I want to share why I chose this career path and what I did to make the transition.

Why I Chose to Switch to Front-End Development

In China, it is very difficult for students majoring in chemistry to find a good job unless they pursue a Ph.D. and become a teacher.
But honestly, I was not very interested in scientific research.
Research is a long journey with slow rewards, and at that time, my experiments were not going well.I failed again and again, and gradually, I lost my confidence in continuing research.

At the same time, I needed a salary. I wanted a job that could support my life.So I decided to change my direction and move into programming.I didn’t know whether it was the right decision or not — I just did it, and I hoped for the best.

How I Switched from Chemistry to Front-End Development

1. Learning Basic Front-End Knowledge (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
At the beginning, I learned the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
I tried to create simple static websites, such as personal homepages for my labmates.However, I still didn't fully understand what front-end development really meant at that time.I was just trying to do something — anything — to ease my anxiety, because I felt that chemistry was not the right fit for me.

2. Building Projects Using Frameworks (Vue/React)
After talking with some friends and labmates, I decided to seriously try to find a programming-related job.If I failed, I could still return to finish my Ph.D.
Fortunately, I received some nice offers.During this period, I started learning Vue and React by following online tutorials.
I built several small projects, including a simple component library and a basic blog system.I also found some study partners online, which made learning much more enjoyable!

3. Preparing for Interviews
Following advice from online guides, I started preparing for interviews.I realized that algorithms were a key part of the process.
At first, solving LeetCode problems was extremely difficult for me — I didn’t even know what algorithm really meant.

But I pushed myself to learn step by step, studying basic data structures and algorithms.At the same time, I also learned about computer networks and how front-end developers connect with back-end systems.

In addition, I reached out to people who were already working as developers to understand what companies expected from junior front-end developers in China.

Finally, I got an offer from NetEase!
It was one of the happiest moments in my life.

Even though I am now planning to leave the company to find a better work environment,
I am still grateful for everything I've experienced so far.
I don’t know what the future holds, but I will do my best.

Looking back, it was a difficult decision, but one that allowed me to discover a new path for my career. I don't know what the future holds, but I will continue to try my best and stay true to my goals.