I've spent 7+ years building web apps with Node.js + React (mostly CRUD, some real-time features via WebSockets). Looking to pivot into event streaming and real-time data roles.

My current approach:

1. Learning Kafka and Pulsar fundamentals via their docs

2. Building a small side project

3. Reading DDIA and system design materials

4. Reading Confluent docs and blog

Looking to hear from folks who made similar transitions:

1. Beyond Kafka/Pulsar, what should be on my radar (technologies, patterns, tools)?

2. What kind of side projects helped you land your first streaming role?

3. How did you identify companies with meaningful streaming work?

Appreciate any insights, especially from those who switched from web dev to streaming at scale.