Anyone looking at embedded needs to learn how to use Espressif's ESP microcontroller range. While the MCU's might not offer the highest value in performance compared to the STM32 line up. The ESP offers WiFi and Bluetooth for around $5AUD, which is amazing and no other MCU's come close to it in that field.
Out of a large range of ESP's, the ESP32-C3 is perhaps the best general chip around. Having the ability for direct serial communication via USB saves time and money, removing the need for a USB to UART bridge.
There isn't too much in making a development board for the ESP32-C3, using their guide offers practically everything you need to know to get it working. The most important part is not forgetting to pull GPIO_08 high, definitely haven't made that mistake in the past.
