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Becoming a Software Engineer: Insipring a New Generation of Developers RubyConf AU 2014: http://www.rubyconf.org.au In my wildest dreams, I never thought that I would become a software developer. I thought that I wasn't smart enough, that I needed a computer science degree and to have been writing code since I was young. But, the traditional path to becoming a developer is changing. This talk will focus on alternative and untraditional paths to becoming a developer such as programs like Railsbridge, mentorship and apprentice programs. These alternative paths ultimately foster a more diverse and inclusive community, which drives economic growth and produces more innovative solutions. The objectives of the talk are: to bring awareness to the educational alternatives to computer science degrees to encourage empathy when mentoring a beginner to get the audience to see a different perspective and embrace differences in the industry
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In the presentation titled **"Becoming a Software Engineer"** at RubyConf AU 2014, speaker **Kinsey Ann Durham** discusses the evolving pathways to becoming a software engineer, stressing the importance of **alternative educational routes** in fostering diversity and innovation in the tech industry. Durham shares her personal journey from an advertising major with no background in coding to a full-time software developer, highlighting that many assume a traditional computer science degree is necessary for success in software development. ### Key Points Discussed: - **Outreach Programs:** Durham discusses programs like **Railsbridge**, which aim to lower barriers to entry in tech for underrepresented groups. She shares her success story of attending a Railsbridge workshop, where she built a Rails app in a day and met key mentors, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in increasing participation among women in tech. - **Mentorship:** Emphasizing its significance, Durham argues that mentorship is beneficial for both mentors and mentees, bolstering their skills and confidence. She discusses traits of effective mentors, such as the ability to explain concepts simply and with empathy, citing her need for patience while learning complex coding concepts. - **Apprenticeship Programs:** Durham advocates for intensive training programs that bridge the gap for individuals not yet prepared for full-time roles, mentioning **thoughtbot’s Apprentice IO program** as an example that nurtures coding talent through various stages of learning. - **Developer Schools:** Among the emerging educational alternatives, Durham notes coding boot camps like **G School** and **Dev Bootcamp**, which provide rigorous training and job placement guarantees. She argues that these programs are crucial for increasing diversity in tech by making software engineering more accessible. ### Significant Examples: - **Railsbridge and Testimonials:** Testimonials from successful attendees, including Rachel Meers (GitHub) and Laur Stedman (Quora), illustrate the impact of these outreach programs. - **Personal Anecdotes:** Durham recounts her struggle and growth through mentorship and her experiences in workshops, emphasizing how support and camaraderie in these environments can help individuals succeed against the odds. ### Key Conclusions: - To foster a more diverse tech community, the industry must embrace alternative educational pathways and mentorship programs. - The current landscape shows that diversity drives economic growth and innovation, essential for addressing the skills gap in technology. - Real change can occur through **collaboration and outreach**, bringing awareness to the needs of diverse learners and transforming perceptions about who can succeed in tech. Durham concludes by encouraging individuals to pursue their passions in software engineering, regardless of their background, through the support of alternative programs and dedicated mentors.
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