How software developers grow: top 10 recommendations

It is a well-known fact that companies these days struggle with employee retention. Stories about tech companies setting up ping pong tables and video games or hiring onsite chefs got viral. However, it doesn’t really help. Based on many researches, what actually really works is – opportunity to grow professionally. Therefore, more and more companies start setting annual self-improvement training budget that each developer can spend on his or her own growth. The ability to learn new skills is important for everyone. New skills are an asset.

So, today, I would like to discuss 10 recommendations by software developers on how to grow professionally.

How software developers grow: top 10 recommendations

1. Events

Many developers go to meet-ups and conferences to learn something new that they could apply in their software projects. Most of the time, speakers and attendees are people that have been working with a specific technology for a while and have experienced the good and bad. Learning in this environment is very different because everyone is there to learn or share their knowledge with each other. You also find people sharing different ways of using a specific technology that maybe the speaker didn’t mention and many new amazing ideas and techniques are developed in these kind of environments. In person communication is something awesome and helps any developer grow.

Networking is what brings so many benefits to developers at these events. Networking is where software developers talk about what they do, problems they might be having with some technology, or even just making new friends that do similar work as you do. This is where they share ideas, learn from each other and help each other grow. 

Btw, if you are interested in software architecture, I highly recommend you to go to Global Software Architecture Summit in Barcelona ( October, 1 -2 ). 

2. Presential hands-on courses

It’s hard to beat in-person training. With in-person training programs, you receive individualized attention and the ability to ask as many questions as you need. You can also benefit from collaboration with your peers as well as the fact that you’re a lot less prone to distraction when you assemble in a place specifically to learn and practice. And this is a great way to do a deep dive into something that will be important for your work in the future.

If you are interested in taking Software Architecture courses in Barcelona, let me recommend you Apium Academy. 

3. Hands-on Workshops with industry experts 

Attending workshops have positive impacts on professional growth. They offer an opportunity to develop new professional relationships, meet new friends, gain knowledge and become more successful in career. Learning about new and more effective ways to accomplish things from the best in the industry and gaining more knowledge and concepts and best practices are all benefits of attending hands-on  workshops. They enable you to gain more expertise in your field and develop new ideas on ways to improve in your job. Also, meeting new people and learning new things often leads to great feelings of inspiration. 

If you would like to attend hands-on software architecture workshops, visit Apium Academy. 

4. Online material: master classes, courses, videos

Also, you can opt for a live, online training program or simply watch educational youtube videos. And do it when and where it is convenient for you. You literally go at your own pace and learn from industry experts. 

Subscribe to GSAS youtube channel and get notified when new videos are uploaded. 

5. Books

Books are a great source of knowledge. You can always go the traditional route by picking up a how-to book or discover new trends or proven practices. Major publishers like O’Reilly produce tons of these and they are of a high quality. Here you may find a list of software architecture books we recommend to read. 

6. Blogs & Articles 

You may simply save your favourite blogs and read new articles on a daily or weekly basis. Or you can also write your own ones, sharing what you have learnt. Based on experience of many developers, it is a great way to learn something new as well. If you would like to take a deeper dive into a niche area, just write about it. 

Follow Apiumhub blog, where you will find weekly articles about software architecture and development 

7. Pair programming

Pair programming from the start is one of the quickest and most effective ways to learn and grow. We have recently posted an article about it, click here to know more.

8. Public Speaking

It is a great way to get really good at a skill to explain it to a room full of people. Speaking gives you security in your field. 

In Apium Academy we organize monthly Lightning Talks, where everyone is welcome to propose a topic and present it, if you are interested in it, click here! 

9. Community

Your choice of software communities will often determine the pace of your career growth. Communities provide a one of a kind learning experience. Software communities may give you up-to-date information and problem-solving, insightful answers and new perspectives, tips and tricks for all-level programmers, links to resources, talks and research papers. But also, what is very important to highlight is that communities reunite like minded people. 

Here you may find main software development communities in Barcelona. 

10. Social media 

Every subject has experts and influencers. People who inspire us and motivate us. From software developers to software architects, the software world is full of influential people, many of whom have active social media presence. Following these guys will help you stay up to date with best practices, tools, and methodologies, as well as innovative projects and many more!

 Follow Apiumhub and Apium Academy to stay updated with software architecture trends and best practices. 

I hope this post was useful, let’s grow together!