How to become a Software Developer – Find a Mentor

It can be lonely as a new developer.  In those times when you’re feeling uncertain about your direction or if you even have what it takes you need someone to encourage you and help to move you forward.  We’ve got to surround ourselves with others that have an interest in lifting us up and moving us along.  Friends and family, even co-workers, may or may not be helpful.  You need to find someone that understands your position and can help you take your next steps with clarity, boldness, and confidence.

What is a mentor?

• Coach – A mentor is someone that can pick you up and encourage you when you need it.  You need a mentor that will tell you the truth when you’re not doing something right or falling short in an area.  You won’t get any better if they’re not being truthful with you.  
• Guide – A mentor has already been down the path that you’re starting.   A mentor should have wisdom, not just knowledge around the subject.  This means that they’ve applied what you’re trying to learn, have made mistakes, and will try to keep you from making them.  They should be able to help you determine your next steps with confidence.
• Trainer – They understand the skills needed and know how to monitor your progress.  A mentor should know when you need more work in an area and be able to gauge when you can move one.  They are there to help you increase your performance and push you to the next level.

The Benefits of having a Software Development Mentor

• Accountability
• Guidance
• Encouragement
• Challenge
• Focus

Is it better to already know my mentor?

It could be that you already know someone that might be a good mentor.  Do you respect this person?  Can you be accountable to them?  Sometimes, if it’s a friend, they might be easier on us versus someone that we don’t know.  You want your mentor to have a tough attitude along with dedication to seeing you succeed.

How can I find a Software Development mentor?

In the virtual world we’re in remote work is encouraged so it’s a little harder to build working relationships.  You may not have the option to see someone at work often.

A few sites come to mind when it comes to online resources.

• Online Memberships/Communities – For example, Simple Programmer has launched a membership site to go along with their excellent content.  The membership is growing and would be a good place to get involved with those having similar goals and a plus is that you could find a mentor there.
• CodeMentor.io – Code Mentor is dedicated, as the name suggests, to providing Software Development mentors.
• Coach.me – This is one that I’ve come across before and should provide options, although it’s more a general site.  There are a good number of coaches on there specializing in Software Development.

There’s the old fashioned face-to-face method of finding a mentor as well.  Find a local programming meetup and get involved.  The more that you get involved the more connections you make and that gives you a better chance at finding a mentor.

What’s so special about a coding or Software Development mentor?

You could find a coach with no or little development experience but an effective mentor is going to have the development experience and wisdom around the market.  You’ll want to find somebody that has at least had a software development career but the best case would be that they’re currently coding or maybe leading a team of coders.

Here are a few benefits of finding a mentor specializing in Software Development:

• They can help you choose a ‘stack’ if they’ve got coding experience that is varied or been involved with several languages.
• They’ll know about working with software teams and the dynamics involved.  
• Can see how you might fit in based on personality after learning a little about you.
• Help you identify specific areas that you need to work on along with strength areas that will give you a competitive advantage.
• If you’re just starting, which is an awesome place to be, can gauge your aptitude for coding and help you determine where to start (what language might be best to focus on).
• Can help you determine if you’re a good fit for a remote position.
• May be able to help you through a specific technical topic that you’re struggling with.

The idea is that they’ve been down the path that you’re trying to make your way down or up depending on how you see it. 

Conclusion

A mentor is not only needed while you’re starting but throughout your career.  No matter our experience level there’s always someone who knows more and has more experience.   You’ll likely have several mentors as well given your maturity and skill level among other factors.

Do whatever you can to find a mentor suitable to your needs.  Make sure that the person can coach, guide, and train you as discussed earlier in this post.  Make it a goal to become a mentor, at least in some capacity, as it will make you a better developer and person in general.