Episode 208 - Why most new developers struggle: The missing skills you need
Sep 2, 2024
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Join Ryan Burgess, expert in developer growth, Jem Young, seasoned coder, Brian Holt, advocate for continuous learning, and mentor Dan DiGangi as they explore the struggles new developers face. They discuss the crucial role of curiosity and non-technical skills in bridging the gap between education and real-world success. Insights on tackling 'LinkedIn-itis,' the importance of mentorship, and the value of accurate work estimates take center stage. Plus, personal experiences and a focus on meaningful connections in the tech community add depth to the conversation.
Many junior developers suffer from 'LinkedIn-itis,' focusing on trendy skills over deep understanding, hindering their technical interview readiness.
To sustain growth after securing a job, developers must engage in personal projects and continuous learning, maintaining relevance in the tech industry.
Curiosity drives career advancement, as developers who ask questions and seek to understand their technologies can solve complex problems more effectively.
Deep dives
Common Gaps in Junior Developers
Many junior developers often exhibit what is referred to as 'LinkedIn-itis,' where they focus on acquiring the latest, most popular skills in a shallow manner instead of developing a deep understanding of their chosen technologies. This tendency leads to a superficial grasp of multiple topics, making them ill-prepared for technical interviews where deeper knowledge is crucial. As an illustrative example, when reviewing GitHub profiles of aspiring developers, one frequently finds projects that are merely tutorials rather than original contributions, showcasing a lack of depth and personal initiative. Thus, building genuine expertise and focus is essential for success in the competitive tech industry.
Importance of Continuous Learning
Once individuals secure a job in the tech field, many stop pursuing personal projects or learning new concepts, which can hinder their growth. Despite the importance of work-life balance, it is crucial for developers to maintain a growth mindset by continuing to read and build on the side, as this leads to improved skills and knowledge. Engaging with resources such as books on software design or architecture can provide valuable insights that are often lacking once a developer lands their first position. This ongoing dedication to learning helps sustain their relevance and competence in an ever-evolving industry.
The Power of Curiosity
Curiosity plays a significant role in the growth of junior developers; those who possess a genuine desire to understand their work tend to advance more rapidly in their careers. Rather than simply completing tutorials, developers should ask probing questions about the technologies they use and investigate how various systems interconnect. This intrinsic motivation leads to a deeper comprehension of software engineering, enabling them to solve complex problems effectively. Developers who approach their work with curiosity often find themselves better equipped to tackle challenges and innovate, distinguishing them from their peers.
Navigating Feedback and Code Reviews
Receiving feedback is an integral aspect of professional growth, yet many junior developers struggle with accepting criticism. Embracing feedback becomes easier when individuals recognize that constructive criticism is aimed at enhancing their abilities rather than diminishing their worth. To navigate this process effectively, developers should seek to understand the intent behind feedback, particularly from those who genuinely wish to help them improve. Building relationships with colleagues and engaging in open dialogue allows junior developers to leverage the experience of senior engineers, ultimately fostering a culture of learning and collaboration.
Non-Technical Skills Matter
While technical skills are crucial for developers, non-technical skills such as communication and relationship building are equally important, especially for junior engineers. Mastering the art of effective communication enables individuals to articulate their ideas clearly, facilitate collaboration across teams, and establish rapport with stakeholders. Understanding the needs of customers and the value of visibility within an organization can significantly enhance a developer's contributions and career prospects. As junior developers grow, cultivating these soft skills will enable them to advance and thrive in leadership roles.
In this episode of Front End Happy Hour, Ryan Burgess, Jem Young, Brian Holt, and Dan DiGangi dive deep into the challenges faced by junior developers as they embark on their coding journeys. From the importance of curiosity and continuous learning to the often overlooked non-technical skills, our panelists discuss the common gaps that new developers experience. Whether you’re a beginner looking to navigate your first job or a senior engineer mentoring others, this conversation offers valuable insights to help bridge the gap between education and real-world success.
Guests:
Brian Holt - @holtbt
Dan DiGangi - @dandigangi
Panelists:
Ryan Burgess - @burgessdryan
Jem Young - @JemYoung
Picks:
Ryan Burgess - Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life https://www.amazon.com/Ikigai-Japanese-Secret-Long-Happy/dp/0143130722?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=frontendhappy-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=e062900575dea0ba9cf089cbcf0633eb&camp=1789&creative=9325
Ryan Burgess -
Jem Young - Scaling People: Tactics for Management and Company Building https://www.amazon.com/Scaling-People-Tactics-Management-Building/dp/1953953212?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=frontendhappy-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=e062900575dea0ba9cf089cbcf0633eb&camp=1789&creative=9325
Jem Young - Movement, Before All Flowers - Max Richter https://open.spotify.com/album/1HrFsljwk4wUHrPPOGkSbN
Brian Holt - Minnesota State Fair https://www.mnstatefair.org/
Brian Holt - Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers https://store.steampowered.com/app/2400510/Dungeons__Degenerate_Gamblers/
Brian Holt - Electric SQL https://electric-sql.com/
Dan DiGangi - Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion https://www.amazon.com/Waking-Up-Spirituality-Without-Religion/dp/1451636024?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=frontendhappy-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=e062900575dea0ba9cf089cbcf0633eb&camp=1789&creative=9325
Episode transcript: https://www.frontendhappyhour.com/episodes/why-most-new-developers-struggle-the-missing-skills-you-need
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