Development Mentor: How to Find One, and Why You Should

In the professional field, the mentoring system has long been deeply rooted in people's hearts. Tutoring usually refers to pairing individuals who learn a certain skill with experienced colleagues. A good development instructor is helpful, inspiring, and constructively criticized. So, how does the tutoring system work in the programming world? Is it beneficial? How to find an excellent mentor? Here are some key points:

Key Points

• Finding a development instructor can significantly improve the quality and speed of learning and increase career advancement opportunities.
• A good development instructor can provide valuable advice, challenge their mentors appropriately, motivate them through their own achievements, and guide them through different stages of their careers.
• While it is not a necessary condition, the instructor can provide valuable insights and guidance, especially in the field of programming, where opinions tend to be more than rules.
• To find a tutor, you can attend parties, conferences, seminars, and contact professionals on social media. It is important to respect the mentor’s time and to help their projects where possible.
• Some online platforms such as Codementor, Google Code-in, CoderDojo, Codebar, RookieUp, Mentorcruise, and Exercism can help you find a tutor and get help with programming tasks.

Is it important to find a development tutor?

Alec McGuffey of RookieUp pointed out that some studies have shown that one-to-one learning with tutors has a great impact on learning quality and speed. Mentoring system affects your career trajectory: Sun Microsystems research shows that developers with mentors are promoted five times more frequently than developers without mentors. Programming can be challenging, especially for beginners. Having an experienced guide who overcomes the same problems you are facing provides an inspiring role model. They can be a valuable source of skills – tips on programming and planning career paths in the tech industry. Here are some reasons why a great development instructor is an indispensable asset in your programming journey:

• The instructor can suggest how you achieve your goals faster. With their experience, they know what is worth learning and what can be skipped.
• Excellent mentors know how to challenge their mentors. The learning method requires an educational level that suits students' needs and subjects. If the content taught by the development tutor is too easy, you will think the learning process is irrelevant and boring. On the other hand, if the content is far beyond your ability, you will likely feel frustrated and discouraged, or even give up. A good mentor is able to find the best points that make the experience both challenging and satisfying.
• The mentors who achieve what you want to achieve can motivate you to get there. Whether it’s their professionalism or their role in a dream company, the fact that they have achieved your goals is encouraging because they are a powerful proof that your goals can be a reality. They best show you how to get there.
• The mentors at every career stage can quickly improve your career development. You probably don't need just one development mentor in your career. When you are just starting out, you may need a programmer who is a little more experienced than you. When you find your first programming job, you may need an experienced programmer. Maybe you need another mentor to help you plan your career. Having the right people to provide the right help will greatly increase your chances of success. It also allows you to get to where you want to get faster than you are alone.

Can I succeed without a tutor?

The mentor is not a necessity. In fact, learning methods that work for some people and even most people are not necessarily the best for everyone. People learn differently, and for you, attending an online workshop or course may be the best way to do it. You can become a good developer without a mentor in your life. And, if you happen to run into a wrong mentor, you may even give up programming altogether – this is the worst outcome. As for why tutors are important to learning programming, Jeff Casimir, executive director of Turing School of Software and Design, has an interesting answer:

One of the challenges facing new programmers is finding that there are more opinions than rules. The instructor provides an external perspective, which may be reinforced or may differ from the instructor’s opinion. This is very valuable. It is also unlikely that some instructors can have a lot of one-on-one communication with each student, and external instructors are often more likely to spend an hour or two a week on pair programming. Finally, this is very beneficial for the recruitment process; students in each of our classes work with the tutors.

What can an excellent development instructor do for you

The following are some helpful activities your tutor can do for you:

• Save some time to respond when you need help.
• Send resources to you based on your skills, level and needs.
• Check code review.
• Recommended books, courses and articles.
• Send you brain exercises such as puzzles, games, etc.
• Conduct a live coding meeting.
• Discuss your work-related issues.
• In-depth discussions on technology, language and frameworks, basic concepts, and more.
• Help you plan your career path.
• Help you stay focused. It's easy to get lost in the network ecosystem. New tools, frameworks, or other things appear every week. The instructor is very good at suggesting what the instructor should and should not pay too much attention to.

How to find your development instructor

For an introvert like me, taking the first step to connect with others for help is not easy. However, this is one of the obvious ways you can take when looking for a mentor. You should have a clear understanding of the type of help you are seeking. The person who best helps you plan your career path may be different from the person who best vettes your code. The reason you look for a development instructor will determine who you should look for first. Always pay attention to the precious time of the instructor. Note some discussion points before the meeting, or volunteer to help the mentors complete any projects they may be ongoing. These are great ways to show that you are aware and thank them for the help they provide to improve your future career as a developer. Now, here are some things you can start doing right away to find a great mentor:

• Add to parties, conferences, seminars, etc. These activities are great places to connect with experienced developers and seek guidance from them.
• If you are already a developer, you can ask if your more experienced developer in the workplace is willing to pair with you.
• Follow and connect with professionals you admire on social media. Say hello, post interesting comments and more. Once you have established a connection, ask them if they are willing to guide you. (Show them your work, respect their time, take the initiative to help them complete their projects, etc.)
• Check social media to see if any developers offer their time as a development tutor. For example, the excellent Sarah Drasner has been providing guidance to aspiring developers in underrepresented categories in the tech industry for some time. This is certainly a great opportunity for those who end up working with her.
• Finally, if you decide to attend programming schools and boot camps, you may find that most schools offer mentoring programs for their students. Make sure you explore this avenue and make the most of the opportunities offered by the educational institution of your choice.

Get more guidance options online

There are some platforms online where you can contact developers for help with coding tasks, coding suggestions, and more. Here are some platforms:

Codementor

Codementor is a very popular online resource where you can hire developers to help you solve your problems. The platform allows one-to-one field coding and pair programming.

Google Code-in

Google Code-in is a global online competition designed to engage young people in open source development. Mentors from participating organizations help young contestants engage in real-world open source projects.

CoderDojo

CoderDojo is a global coding club community where young people can learn coding under the guidance and supervision of volunteer tutors.

Codebar

Codebar is a non-profit initiative that hosts free programming seminars and events to promote the development of a diverse community in the tech community. Participating in these workshops will allow you to work with a tutor or coach, where they will observe and mentor students.

RookieUp

On RookieUp, you can participate in design and front-end bootcamps. You can complete coding projects and work-related matters online with your tutor.

Mentorcruise

Mentorcruise is an online platform that provides one-to-one instruction in a variety of programming languages ​​for students, college graduates and professionals.

Exercism

Exercism provides opportunities to solve small and small code challenges, submit results for review, and get feedback from other programmers. You will find a large number of programming languages ​​that are open source and well maintained.

Where else can you seek help?

When looking for a development tutor, consider the following options:

• Contribute to open source projects. The code you contribute will be checked by other dedicated developers who may become excellent mentors.
• Solve problems and ask questions on Stack Overflow. Put your thoughtful questions (or even answers!) on this super useful forum and start learning from the ongoing discussions in the community.

Conclusion

Having a mentor can help you achieve your career goals faster and increase your confidence by a hundred times. Here are some things that Susannah Compton from Jumpstart Lab needs to remember in this post:

The beauty of web development guidance is that it can be done successfully anywhere, just like the actual work. Unless your company/school has a structured mentor program, finding a structured mentor program is not easy. Expanding your professional network by joining party groups and attending meetings will greatly increase your chances of building relationships with potential mentors… Show that you are part of the community by contributing to open source projects and look for opportunities to pair programming. In this type of environment, great coaching opportunities will emerge, but you must also be willing to ask for it. ——Programming Guidance Series: Part 4—How to Start

Frequently Asked Questions about Development Guidance (FAQs)

What are the benefits of having a development tutor?

Development mentors can provide valuable guidance and support to newbies in the software development field. They can provide insights based on their experience, help you meet challenges and provide feedback on your work. This can speed up your learning process, improve your problem-solving skills, and enhance your confidence. In addition, a mentor can help you build professional connections, which can provide you with opportunities for career development.

How to find the right development tutor?

There are several platforms to find development mentors. Websites like Codementor and LinkedIn offer mentoring programs where you can connect with experienced professionals in the field. You can also find mentors through online events, online forums and social media groups. It is important to find a mentor who aligns with your career goals and has expertise in the field you want to improve.

What kind of development mentor should I look for?

A good development instructor should have an in-depth understanding of the field, be willing to share knowledge, and be able to provide constructive feedback. They should also be the ones you respect and feel at ease. It is important to communicate openly and honestly with your mentor, so look for an approachable and helpful mentor.

How to make full use of guidance relationships?

To make the most of the guidance relationship, it is important to be proactive and participate. Set clear goals for what you want to achieve, prepare for your meetings, and be happy to receive feedback. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek advice. Remember, your tutor is there to help you grow and learn.

Can I have multiple development tutors?

Yes, you can have multiple development mentors. Different mentors can provide different perspectives and expertise, which is beneficial to your growth. However, it is important to effectively manage your time and make sure you can devote yourself to every coaching relationship.

How long does the mentoring relationship usually last?

The duration of guidance relationships varies greatly. It can last from months to years depending on the needs and goals of the guided object. It is important to discuss expectations and time frames at the beginning of a relationship to ensure both parties are on the same page.

What is the role of the guide object in the guidance relationship?

As a guide, your role is to be willing to learn and receive feedback. You should be proactive in setting goals, asking questions and seeking advice. It is also important to respect the time and commitment of the mentor, be prepared for your meeting and attend on time for this.

Can guidance help me find a job in software development?

Yes, mentors can provide valuable advice and guidance on job search in the field of software development. They can help you improve your resume, prepare for interviews, and navigate the job market. Additionally, the tutor can introduce you to a professional network, which can provide you with job opportunities.

What if I don’t get along well with my tutor?

If you don't get along well with your mentor, it's important to express your concerns openly and honestly. If the problem doesn’t work out, it’s better to end the mentorship relationship and find a new mentor who is more suitable for you.

Is online coaching as effective as in-person coaching?

Online coaching can be as effective as in-person coaching, especially when using the right communication tools. It provides flexibility and convenience, allowing you to connect with mentors from around the world. However, to make the most of the online coaching relationship, it is important to ensure regular and effective communication.

The above is the detailed content of Development Mentor: How to Find One, and Why You Should. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!