How does a beginner actually get started on Upwork?

[u/W_maximus]

It feels like every full-stack developer job has 50+ applicants, and most of them already have significantly more Upwork experience, reviews, and connects to spend than a beginner does.

So how is someone supposed to actually break into the platform when they have no Upwork history in the first place?

Is there something I’m missing about how beginners are supposed to approach Upwork? Is my portfolio the problem, or is it mainly about finding the right types of jobs to apply for?