My First Job Switch I need some doubts
Hi everyone,
I have **2 years of professional experience in PHP backend development**, with hands-on experience in **HTML, CSS, JavaScript, databases, and working with servers**.
I’m now planning to transition to the **MERN Stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js)**.
I’m confident about learning the MERN technologies themselves. My main concern is understanding **how companies will evaluate my existing 2 years of backend development experience when I switch technologies**.
For developers or tech leads who have experience with similar transitions:
* If someone has **2 years of PHP backend experience** and becomes strong in Node.js/Express/React, can they realistically apply for **2 YOE MERN positions**?
* Will companies generally consider my previous backend experience relevant, or will they expect me to apply as a junior because I don't have 2 years of Node.js experience?
* How important are **Git/GitHub, testing, CI/CD, Docker, REST API design, authentication, deployment, and system design** for someone making this transition?
* What level of MERN knowledge would make you say, **"Yes, this person is ready for a 2-year experienced developer role"**?
* For interviews, should I focus more on **JavaScript/Node/React fundamentals**, or should I also prepare for **2-year-level backend and system-design questions**?
I’m not looking for someone to tell me whether PHP or MERN is better. I’ve already decided that I want to move toward MERN.
What I’m trying to understand is:
**How do I correctly position my existing 2 years of backend experience while switching from PHP to MERN?**
If anyone has personally moved from **PHP → Node.js/MERN**, I’d especially appreciate hearing how your first job switch went and what you learned before applying or any body have more experience in full stack development can also giveme suggession
Thanks!