Migrating to the USA as a Frontend Developer with Abdón Rodríguez

Summary of episode #51 of the Angularidades podcast

Listen to the entire conversation in Spanish with Abdón Rodríguez Davila on Spotify, YouTube, and other podcast platforms.

Episode #51 on YouTube

This episode welcomes Abdón Rodríguez Davila, a Frontend Developer originally from Vigo, Spain, and now a tech lead at IBM Quantum in New York City. Abdón brings over a decade of experience in front-end development and has held the GDE (Google Developer Expert) title in Web Technologies since 2016.

The episode centers on Abdón’s experience migrating from Spain to the United States, focusing on the technical and cultural challenges he faced. Abdón explains that his transition was somewhat smoother due to his prior remote work with the same team, but he still had to adjust to early work hours and office visits in New York. He also shares how adapting to the English language, particularly in professional settings, remains an ongoing challenge.

Topics covered

1. Technical and cultural challenges in migrating to the USA.
2. Adapting to the language and cultural differences in the workplace.
3. Impact of migration on professional opportunities and growth in the tech sector.
4. Communication and adaptability skills for frontend developers in the USA.
5. Importance of professional networks in career growth.
6. The role of tech communities in professional development.
7. The importance of enjoying the adaptation process.
8. Evolution of the job market and the importance of adaptability in the tech world.

The discussion touches on the significant differences between the software development ecosystems of Spain and the USA, with Abdón noting that the New York tech scene is much larger and more fast-paced, often driven by business-oriented interactions. He contrasts this with the more community-focused and collaborative tech environment he experienced in Galicia, Spain.

Abdón also reflects on the importance of in-person interactions for career growth, emphasizing how being physically present in the office allows for more spontaneous communication and stronger professional relationships. He highlights the value of communication and adaptability as critical skills for front-end developers, particularly in dynamic and competitive environments. This is crucial for collaborating across diverse teams and navigating the ever-changing tech industry.

The conversation further explores the role of tech communities in Abdón’s professional development, particularly his involvement with Google Developer Groups, which helped him build a strong network and gain valuable opportunities.

Abdón also shares his thoughts on the evolving tech landscape in the United States, noting the impact of AI and the recent trend towards more cautious hiring practices, especially for junior roles. He remains optimistic about the future, viewing AI as a tool that enhances, rather than replaces, human capabilities in software development.

Takeaways

• Migrating to another country can present technical and cultural challenges, but working with a team you already have a relationship with can ease the transition.
• Adapting to the language and cultural differences in the workplace can take time, but improvement comes with experience.
• The software development ecosystem in cities such as New York is larger and more diverse than in other regions, offering more opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.
• Communication and adaptability skills are crucial for a frontend developer who wants to work in the United States, as you need to collaborate with diverse teams and face constant changes in the work environment.
• Professional networks, such as Google Developer Groups, can be valuable resources for professional growth and connecting with others in the industry. Tech communities can be very helpful in professional development and in adapting to life in a new country.
• The transition to living in another country can be complicated, but it’s important to enjoy the process and seek support from local programs.
• The job market in the tech sector is experiencing rapid changes due to technological advances and remote work policies.
• Artificial intelligence will continue to have a significant impact on the job market and how we communicate with diverse teams. It’s important to stay adaptable to technological changes and be open to learning new skills.

Stay tuned and check out who is being interviewed for future episode releases at x.com/angularidades or LinkedIn.

Screenshot of episode #51