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In addition to writing Ruby for work, I am also an academic translator, a snowboard instructor, and a drummer in a rock band. I am consistently amazed and inspired by the similarities and connections between software development and my seemingly unrelated experiences. What does translating science articles teach me about effectively using coding resources? How is playing drums in a rehearsal similar to test-driven development? How do I apply snowboard teaching principles to pair programming? Join me as I share my own story and explore ways you can leverage your diverse background.
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In her talk at RubyConf 2022, Sijia Wu emphasizes the value of leveraging diverse backgrounds in software development. She shares her unique journey as a software developer at PayPal/Braintree alongside her roles as an academic translator, snowboard instructor, and drummer in a rock band. Sijia invites attendees to explore the connections between their varied experiences and coding, challenging the notion that only technical skills matter in tech. Key points covered include: - **Insecurity and Self-Doubt**: Many developers struggle with feelings of inadequacy, especially if they don’t code outside of work, leading to insecurity about their roles. - **Transferable Skills**: Sijia highlights how her work as a translator requires quick learning and problem-solving, mirroring the demands of software development. The ability to digest technical information and maintain consistency in style is paramount in both fields. - **Teaching and Pair Programming**: Drawing parallels between snowboarding instruction and pair programming, Sijia explains the importance of clear communication, feedback mechanisms, and empathy in teaching techniques and coding practices. - **Creative Processes**: She compares playing drums in her rock band to test-driven development (TDD) in software, illustrating how iterative practice leads to improvement and skill mastery—a core principle in coding. - **Valuing Diverse Narratives**: Sijia encourages developers from non-traditional backgrounds to recognize the importance of their unique experiences, arguing that they should not underestimate their diverse skill sets. - **Reassessing Competency**: Instead of questioning their coding hours, she urges developers to focus on their effectiveness in delivering results and their enjoyment in collaboration. Sijia concludes with a call to action for audience members to share their own narratives, whether technical or non-technical, fostering inspiration and mutual support. She reinforces that one can be a competent developer not solely because of formal coding experience but also due to the rich perspectives contributed by diverse professional journeys.
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