5 Mistakes I Made As a Software Engineer | FAANG

Summary

The video script features a software engineer sharing insights and lessons learned from their career journey. They start with a personal anecdote about the importance of sticking to plans, even in gloomy weather, before diving into a 10k run. Throughout the run, they discuss common mistakes to avoid in the field of software engineering. These include not asking for help, which can lead to wasted time and missed opportunities for learning; not learning technologies properly, which can hinder understanding and debugging; taking responsibility for one's career without proactively promoting successes or seeking visibility; not maintaining high standards for code quality, which can impact long-term efficiency; and neglecting to improve skills related to operations and maintenance. The speaker emphasizes the importance of documentation, seeking feedback, and continuous learning to advance in the profession. The video concludes with a motivational message about the benefits of running and a wish for a happy New Year.

Takeaways

• 🏃 Don't hesitate to ask for help when stuck on a task or bug; it's a sign of an experienced engineer.
• 📚 Invest time in learning new technologies properly from the start to avoid future debugging pains.
• 🚀 Take responsibility for your career progression by proactively promoting your successes and choosing projects wisely.
• 📝 Document your work, projects, and challenges to help demonstrate your contributions and seek promotions.
• 🔍 Always be open to receiving feedback, especially if it can help you grow and improve.
• 🔨 Maintain high standards for your code quality; it's crucial for long-term success.
• 🛠 Learn skills related to operations and maintenance to become a well-rounded software developer.
• 🧐 Understand the importance of service architecture when adding new features to ensure they fit well.
• 🏆 Recognize the difference between junior and senior developers often lies in their commitment to service maintenance.
• 🌞 Running can be a great way to boost mood, especially during the gloomy winter months.
• 🎉 Celebrate your achievements and use them as motivation to continue improving and growing.

Q & A

What was the first mistake the speaker made as a software engineer?

The first mistake was not asking for help when stuck on a task or bug, leading to wasted time and a misconception that asking for help indicated a lack of qualification.

Why did the speaker initially avoid asking for help?

The speaker wanted to prove their independence and capability to work without relying on others, which was a common mindset fresh out of university.

What is the second mistake mentioned in the script related to learning new technologies?

The second mistake was not learning the basics and fundamentals of a new framework before diving into a task, which resulted in a harder learning curve and potential debugging issues later on.

What is the third mistake the speaker discusses, concerning career progression?

The third mistake was the belief that hard work alone would lead to promotion and career advancement, without the need to proactively promote one's successes and choose projects wisely for visibility.

How does the speaker suggest documenting one's work can help in career advancement?

Documenting work, including the projects worked on and the challenges faced, can help in showcasing one's contributions and achievements, which can be beneficial for promotions and feedback.

What is the fourth mistake mentioned by the speaker regarding code development?

The fourth mistake was not continuously improving and refactoring the first version of the code, which should be done until the developer is satisfied with its quality and architecture.

Why is it important to maintain high standards for code quality?

High standards for code quality are important as they save time in the long run, improve the maintainability of the code, and reflect a developer's commitment to their work.

What is the fifth mistake the speaker talks about, related to skill development?

The fifth mistake was not focusing on improving skills related to operations or maintenance, which are crucial for becoming a well-rounded software developer and distinguishing oneself as a senior engineer.

What does the speaker suggest as a method to boost mood, especially in winter?

The speaker suggests running as a method to boost mood, as it can be an effective way to improve mental well-being during the winter months.

What is the speaker's view on the importance of learning from mistakes?

The speaker views learning from mistakes as a critical part of personal and professional growth, especially in the field of software engineering.

What is the overarching theme of the video script?

The overarching theme is the importance of self-improvement, learning from mistakes, and the proactive approach to career development in the software engineering field.

What does the speaker imply about the relationship between asking for help and being a competent engineer?

The speaker implies that asking for help is not a sign of incompetence but rather a part of being an experienced engineer who knows when to seek assistance for efficiency and problem-solving.