Exploring Alternative Methods to Develop Skills for Newly Recruited Software Engineers

Teaching a novice software engineer valuable skills goes beyond the traditional classroom environment. Experience, both formal and informal, plays a crucial role in shaping one's proficiency in coding and software development.

My first experience with a lead developer at my initial job involved a simple maintenance and bug fixing task. While I focused on rewriting graphics systems and creating a User Interface (UI) library, I avoided taking on the game AI, which potentially would have been a valuable learning opportunity. However, a notable instance from my university days provided a stark contrast: our team created a hockey AI that, despite its simplicity, outperformed more sophisticated systems in an ACM competition.

The Power of Practical Experience

Software engineering isn't just about technical skills, but also about taking responsibilities and dispelling the myths we hold. Learning through experience is key to understanding when to use simple solutions or when to develop a more complex system. For instance, sometimes a few if/else statements are all that's needed, while other times building a sophisticated system is necessary. I have to admit, I enjoy the simple approach as it might not be possible in every codebase, but the ability to quickly assess the situation is a valuable skill.

Open Source Contributions and Personal Projects

The combination of open source contributions and personal projects offers a rich and varied learning experience. Open source contributions not only enhance your technical skills but also improve your ability to work with others. This involves learning to use Git, asking well-formulated questions, and navigating foreign codebases. Even if the task seems trivial, such as adding just 5–10 lines of code, the experience is invaluable for new developers.

On the other hand, personal projects allow you to explore different technologies and architectural principles in depth. They provide a chance to write a lot of code and architect an entire codebase from scratch, practicing principles such as SOLID and Test-Driven Development (TDD). It's crucial to choose the right open source projects and personal projects that can drive your personal growth effectively.

Choosing the Right Open Source Projects and Personal Projects

For open source contributions, look for projects that are well-maintained and have a vibrant community. A few recommendations include GitHub Codespaces, TensorFlow Models, and Apollo Client. These projects not only provide excellent learning opportunities but also foster a sense of contribution and community.

For personal projects, pick something new and interesting. Whether it's developing a command-line tool, a mobile app, a backend REST API, or a web application, these projects will challenge you and provide valuable insights. For example, creating a command-line tool can teach you about data handling and script execution, while a mobile app project can introduce you to user interface design and mobile development frameworks.

Conclusion: While formal education is essential, the true magic happens outside the classroom. By combining open source contributions and personal projects, newly recruited software engineers can develop not only their technical skills but also their problem-solving abilities and responsibility. The key is to choose projects that align with your interests and goals, ensuring that each experience contributes to your overall growth.