What I Wish I Had Heard as a Software Developer 3 Years Ago

It’s worth noting that I’ve primarily worked in startups where agile development and product-based thinking were key pillars. However, I believe these points can be generalized, as the ultimate goal of developing software is to create something that people use (even better if you can sell that service). With that in mind, let’s dive into these points:

Don’t Compare Yourself Negatively to Others

You will always find professionals who are more experienced, quicker to grasp processes, workflows, and technical concepts. This is part of the journey. Instead of feeling discouraged, see these people as a goal to work towards. Focus on gradual improvement and learning from them rather than feeling inadequate.

Analyze Everything

The best way to grow as a developer is by analyzing everything around you. Study company processes, workflows, and try to understand how every department in your company works and how they connect. Ask questions and answer them when you can. This constant flow of information will make you increasingly valuable and knowledgeable.

Ask Questions and Understand the Big Picture

Ask as many questions as you can. Understand what you're building and why. Learn about your company's stakeholders, how your product is sold, and the sales process itself. Understand how departments communicate. In essence, if you don’t fully grasp something, take the time to figure out why it happens.

Seek Mentors and Mentor Others

You don’t need to be an expert to mentor someone. Always be willing to help with questions, explain workflows, decision-making processes, and technical concepts. Likewise, find mentors for yourself. Stay in touch and constantly ask for or offer feedback from those involved.

Keep Learning

Continue deepening your knowledge of the technologies your company uses. Aim to fully understand the tools you're working with and maximize their potential in your tasks. If you want to dive into new technologies, build a strong case and sell the idea to your team. Try to integrate that knowledge into your workflow whenever possible.

Be Proactive

If your company doesn’t have a testing culture, and you think it should—take the initiative. Lead by example, spark conversations, and make it happen. Of course, always keep deadlines and priorities in mind, but whenever you can, introduce new ideas, workflows, and concepts. It’s through this initiative that people will recognize your value within the team.