Every developer wants to stand apart amongst their peers!

What Makes A Software Developer

Steven M. SwaffordRadical Development

• Stand out from the crowd• Character traits• Personal goals• Technology focus

Introduction

• Build your reputation• Find a mentor• Focus on communication• Share ideas• Give credit to the team• Write whitepapers

Stand Out From The Crowd

Seven Areas of FocusCharacter Traits

Take the initiative; find shortcomings and present a solution

This is an example text. Go ahead and replace it

Follow-through - finish what you start

Always keep learning

Own up to your mistakes

Share your knowledge; train those junior to you

✓

7

6

5

4

3

2

1 Listen, listen, listen!

This is an example text. Go ahead and replace itWrite well-tested, robust code

Photo Credit: Alan Dean

• Education– Education should not be just for the sake of

career promotions. You may want to learn new things that can enrich your life which in turn may lead to opportunity.

• Family– Work life balance is important and each

individual has to find that happy medium.

Personal GoalsWhere do you fall?

• Time Management– Many of us really should focus more on this

goal. By doing so benefits may include:• Motivation • Organization• Reduces angst

Personal Goals (continued)

• Technology is exciting and most folks want to play with the latest and greatest– Resist bouncing from tech to tech

• At least until you have mastered a given skill set

• No one wants someone who knows a little about a lot. Think of it this way:“Jack of all trades, Master of none”

Technology FocusFind Your Niche

.NETPHP

Java

Pow

erShell

jQuery

Start with langauges that perks your interest.

Where do you see yourself in say five years?

• You’re in the driver’s seat• No one will do the work for you• Define and work toward your goals• Settle on technology interest• Be humble and honest• Work hard and success will come!

Closing

THANK YOU!