Growing as a developer after bootcamp/uni

KellyMore·Feb 19, 2021

Posted in:Advice Early Career Tech Career Growth

Hi, Elpha fam.After graduating bootcamp last year, in a program where I was always "on" mentally, learning, and growing what felt like 14 hrs/day, I landed my first FT role in DevRel. Super awesome role at a super awesome company.That said, I have now entered the phase of my journey where I feel like I am no longer learning and growing. I don't expect to learn and grow at the same speed and intensity that I was at bootcamp (I know that is unlikely to happen at any job), but I do want to have that "on" feeling again.I feel like I've plateaued. Wondering if there were any communities or graduate-school-like programs you may have done to continue growing as Software Engineers? I get my energy from tackling problems in a group environment, but solo growth advice is also welcomed 😊

britishpandachick·Feb 19, 2021

Have you thought about contributing to more open source projects? Open source is a great way to tackle problems in a group style while applying what you learned at a bootcamp. You can look on Github to see what projects you can contribute too. You can google open source for beginners and find lists of open source projects which are good for those getting started in open source. You could also create one yourself if you like. Another good way to continue growing is building projects. You can build certain passion projects you have. This can be building an app, blogging, mentoring, etc.

KellyMore·Feb 19, 2021

Yes, I've been doing this. But thank you for your ideas, @britishpandachick!

RobinW·Feb 20, 2021

Congratulations on the role! Definitely the first one after a bootcamp is the toughest. I understand that feeling as a bootcamp graduate myself a few years ago.For that "on" feeling, I'd recommend attending hackathons! Great way to meet people, test your development skills, and solve random problems in general with groups. The other recommendation, that I'm focusing on myself, is writing tutorials and blogging about technical topics. It's a way to deeply understand a topic you find interesting and build on it and start a portfolio that proves your skills. Also prepares you for your next position and opens conversations with others interested in the topics.Or join a startup. Then you have that "on" feeling everyday. :)

KellyMore·Feb 21, 2021

Thanks, @RobinW!