🇩🇴 I'm a Technical Program Manager and Content Strategist with an MSc in UXD. I help developers become better content creators and DevRel teams build robust content programs.
I think software companies recognize that off-work activity also counts as experience. The work we do in our free time is meant to facilitate our learning, increase our exposure to different things, and to grow as professionals (at least, as it related to software). Having switched industries almost a decade ago I found this aspect of tech careers refreshing: you could showcase your side projects and continuing education as valuable experience.
I don't think it should outweigh other considerations in hiring decisions, however. There are plenty of people who don't have much time out of work to dedicate to these activities: parents with young children, people taking care of relatives, people with limited means, among others. And some folks don't like giving talks and writing blog posts—things that are perfectly OK.
To your point, I think if you really enjoy code-related activities and like to pursue it on your own time, that shouldn't be discouraged. I really enjoy a lot of tech-related activities outside of work and I don't expect anyone else to. Thanks for the post!
You're putting a great point on the table: accumulate valuable experience in your free time.
This is even more impactful for juniors. You can easily build an industry-standard "2 years of experience" within 6 months just by grinding several side projects by yourself.
Off topic: Your content on tech writing is amazing, btw. I'm on your newsletter already, getting a lot of value. Keep it up!
🇩🇴 I'm a Technical Program Manager and Content Strategist with an MSc in UXD. I help developers become better content creators and DevRel teams build robust content programs.
I think software companies recognize that off-work activity also counts as experience. The work we do in our free time is meant to facilitate our learning, increase our exposure to different things, and to grow as professionals (at least, as it related to software). Having switched industries almost a decade ago I found this aspect of tech careers refreshing: you could showcase your side projects and continuing education as valuable experience.
I don't think it should outweigh other considerations in hiring decisions, however. There are plenty of people who don't have much time out of work to dedicate to these activities: parents with young children, people taking care of relatives, people with limited means, among others. And some folks don't like giving talks and writing blog posts—things that are perfectly OK.
To your point, I think if you really enjoy code-related activities and like to pursue it on your own time, that shouldn't be discouraged. I really enjoy a lot of tech-related activities outside of work and I don't expect anyone else to. Thanks for the post!
You're putting a great point on the table: accumulate valuable experience in your free time.
This is even more impactful for juniors. You can easily build an industry-standard "2 years of experience" within 6 months just by grinding several side projects by yourself.
Off topic: Your content on tech writing is amazing, btw. I'm on your newsletter already, getting a lot of value. Keep it up!
"Accumulate valuable experience in your free time"—yes, this!
Haha and thank you so much, that means a lot! Followed you on here. Thanks for sparking such a great discussion!