As you embark into the industry...

Being an engineer is easy

Being a good engineer is hard

Things I wish I could tell myself 5 years ago

Don't lock yourself to a framework / language

Don't lock yourself to a framework / language

Follow trends with some caution

Follow trends with some caution

• Do your due diligence before adopting some technology
• Some self-questions: is there enough adopters?

Use linters whenever you can

Use linters whenever you can

• Structured code
• Learn to write structured code

Be wary of creating long pull requests

Be wary of creating long pull requests

• Huge PRs usually is harder to review and is prone to lower discovery of bugs. Some tips here.
• Longer turnover for reviews
• Split big PRs to smaller PRs with a descriptive title

Know when to ask for help

Know when to ask for help

• If you are stuck on a problem for too long, ask for help!
• Try to find the solution yourself first
• If needed, talk to your manager/buddy at work and find a good balance

Drop the Arrogance

Drop the Arrogance

• Don't take offense at feedback in pull requests (pride is ok, but not too far!)
• Don't jump to rebutt, but give no action for recourse
• Don't assume that that you know everything

Be a team player

Be a team player

• When in doubt, ask for the reason why the feedback is required, without confronting
• Vocal is good, + Listen is better
• Don't silo knowledge

Use your shortcuts!

Use your shortcuts!

• e.g: CMD + p (or CTRL + p) in code editors to quickly locate a file
• CMD + arrow keys, or OPTION + arrow key, for faster travesal in characters
• Challenge yourself - restrict using the trackpad/mouse for short periods of time

Environment

Environment

• Unix based systems are generally better for development
• Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) can also work

Hiring tips

Hiring tips

• Prepare your algorithms
• Don't oversaturate your resume with details
• Be truthful and yourself

Do your side projects or open source

Do your side projects or open source

• Expose yourself to other working styles
• Learn something that you don't get to do at work

Participate/volunteer in community activities

Participate/volunteer in community activities

• Lots of knowledge sharing comes from community events/conferences
• Another avenue for networking

Teach/coach in boot camps and the likes

Teach/coach in boot camps and the likes

• Hone your coaching / mentoring skills before you become a senior engineer
• Another way to practice your skills outside of work

Public speaking and blogging

Public speaking and blogging

• Recognized as a good engineer
• Get feedback as well

Read, read and read

Read, read and read

• Hackernews + newsletter
• Books

Find a mentor

Find a mentor

• Learn from their experiences
• Network from public events