How I Became A Successful Software Engineer

Recapping Outco’s Alumni Panel

Preface

An important part of Outco’s program is being able to learn from other people’s experiences in the community.

Whatever circumstances or background you come from, our experiences are rarely completely unique. A lot of folks who are entering the tech industry, or looking to pivot within it, probably have something in common with you. Whether it’s a passion for a particular sector, similar majors, shared hometowns, or universities, usually, you’ll be able to find something in common with your peers.

To me, this has two potential major impacts. The first is that it can help provide practical advice for navigating the job search. People who’ve had to walk a mile in your shoes can give you tips on how to travel the road ahead. And while some of the value comes from being able to answer questions you have, the real value comes from them being able to answer questions you haven’t even thought of yet.

The second impact of listening to others’ stories is that it helps humanize the industry and the process of finding a job. These are your peers. They are potential co-workers, managers, interviewers, competitors, mentors, and friends. But most importantly, they are people like you and me. They have their individual…