Book Image

Developer Career Masterplan

By : Heather VanCura, Bruno Souza
5 (1)
Book Image

Developer Career Masterplan

5 (1)
By: Heather VanCura, Bruno Souza

Overview of this book

Written by industry experts that have spent the last 20+ years helping developers grow their careers, this book offers invaluable insights and guidance tailored to the specific needs of technical professionals. By discovering the secret of continuous learning and adapting in the ever-evolving field of software development, you’ll explore various learning paths with formal and informal methods, as well as gain an understanding of the value of certifications to validate your skills. This book will teach you the significance of building a strong support network, holding crucial conversations, and taking ownership of your career growth. You'll delve into acquiring both soft and hard skills, becoming a well-rounded and sought-after developer. Packed with practical examples, stories of successful developers, and real-world applications, the chapters will equip you with actionable advice on how to push beyond your comfort zone and embracing communities to enhance your teamwork abilities. Additionally, you’ll uncover the benefits of joining open-source projects, speaking at conferences, and building a personal brand to amplify your visibility and reputation. By the end of this book, you'll have a well-laid-out long-term and short-term plan for your career progression, equipping you with advanced technical skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to effectively manage relationships within your organization.
Table of Contents (21 chapters)
1
Part 1 The Basics: Learn and Practice the Technical Skills
7
Part 2 Get Involved: Participate in the Community
13
Part 3 Create Impact: Share and Lead

Soft versus hard skills – the reality

Many technical job listings emphasize the need for “soft skills”; these can be skills such as empathy, communication, or critical thinking. In the world we live in today, why do we call them “soft?”

The term “soft skills” dates back to the US military in the 1960s, when “soft skills” entailed anything that did not require the use of machinery. The term has migrated to the corporate world and is often misapplied to colloquially refer to interpersonal skills or emotional IQ. The demand for these skills has risen in recent years. There is an assumption that these skills are easy to develop or are somehow intrinsic to some individuals. The idea that “hard skills” are more important or valuable than “soft skills” is unfortunate and soft skills are often stereotypically associated with women. Employers look for competencies and critical skills and offer training...