When Black software engineers hold each other accountable for career growth

/dev/color is a non-profit that maximizes the impact of black software engineers. Our members rally to help one another achieve those goals. This means leveraging our collective networks, resources, and expertise to help our fellow engineers.

In addition to this support, they provide one another a sense of accountability. It is not enough to set ambitious goals, one must work towards hitting them.

I talked to multiple /dev/color members and they feel a sense of responsibility to uphold these principles.

New + Expansive Networks

Members I visited discussed their openness to expose each other to new, expansive networks.

I talked to William Hill, Software Engineer at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and member since February 2016. William discussed the role the organization plays in his professional development.

“A member vouched on my behalf to several companies. He was willing to go and put my name out there to his network and got people to take notice,” he said. William was very grateful for the support members provide him with.

“A member vouched on my behalf to several companies. He was willing to go and put my name out there to his network and got people to take notice.” — William Hill

/dev/color is one of a kind because members work at companies across Silicon Valley. I have met members at their workplaces which include Google, Facebook, Robinhood, Pinterest, etc.

Members can leverage an expansive network of black software engineers and utilize a platform that puts their goals within reach.

Invaluable Career Advice

Members provide each other with valuable career advice that they cannot find elsewhere.

I chatted with Grant Oladipo, Vice President of Engineering at Lucid Performance and member. Grant was one of our founding members and witnessed the organization transform over the past year.

Grant spoke on all of the successes enjoyed as a result of a supportive group of members. He felt responsible for helping others achieve their goals and spoke about paying it forward to other members.

“I can provide others with insight on compensation, advice on dealing with administration, and a wealth of knowledge and information on management since I have managed more than most engineers,” he said.

Black software engineers often consider transitioning from engineering to leadership over their careers. Someone like Grant could guide them through that career change.

Black software engineers often consider transitioning from engineering to leadership over their careers. Someone like Grant could guide them through that career change.

Members provide each other with invaluable career advice and help each other overcome obstacles that seem daunting without the right support.

Personal Connections + Emotional Support

/dev/color exists for the professional growth of black software engineers. That being said, many black software engineers discussed how the organization uplifted them on a personal level.

Jaren looked back at an experience he had with a few members after Alton Sterling was shot and killed in his Louisiana hometown.

“I’d been thinking about being young and black. While we were on a /dev/color squad trip — three of us men got our emotions out and were able to bond on shared experiences,” he said.

The community /dev/color creates ends up providing much more than professional support. Members create long lasting friendships and bonds that enhance multiple areas of their lives.

“/dev/color provided me with the opportunity to let go of emotional baggage with people I identify with,” Jaren explained. Members are not only excellent engineers but great people as well.

Everyone benefits when black software engineers hold each accountable for their career growth. There are no limits to the impact black software engineers will have on the industry.

/dev/color is a non-profit organization that maximizes the impact of Black software engineers. We create environments where Black software engineers can learn from one another and hold one another accountable for reaching ambitious career goals. To learn more, check out our website and follow our blog & twitter account.