Shahar Avigezer’s journey from a UX/UI designer to a Full Stack Developer at Riskified is nothing short of inspiring. In her first year, she faced challenges head-on and emerged with valuable insights that go beyond the usual developer advice.
Before delving into Shahar’s 5 takeaways, let’s paint a picture of the woman behind the code. At Riskified, Shahar focuses primarily on Typescript, navigating the intricacies of both the front end and back end. Her tech passion lies in writing tests and optimizing developer workflows, ensuring efficiency in the development process.
Off the clock, Shahar manages the beautiful chaos of parenting three kids, shares her thoughts on Twitter, and transforms creative ideas into reality. This dynamic blend of professional expertise and a rich personal life provides the backdrop for Shahar’s unique approach to the world of software development.
Shahar’s advice to junior developers deviates from the typical narrative of seeking a mentor and asking endless questions. Instead, she sheds light on areas often overlooked in the early stages of a developer’s career—topics that can significantly impact one’s success and well-being.
Shahar has some different advice for new developers. Forget the usual “find a mentor” talk. She dives into things like avoiding burnout, learning from other departments, and using visual thinking techniques to solve problems faster.
5 Takeaways for Software Developers
1. Reading Others’ Code
Shahar emphasizes the importance of cultivating the skill of reading and understanding others’ code. Drawing from her own experience, she notes that a substantial portion of her early challenges involved integrating into existing code bases. This required dedicated time to unravel the relevant code base, allowing her to seamlessly blend in, add her code, or refactor existing structures.
Shahar’s insight here serves as a wake-up call for junior developers. The ability to navigate and understand existing code is not just a technical skill but a strategic one. It’s about more than lines of code; it’s about integrating seamlessly into the existing framework and contributing effectively.
2. Visual Thinking Techniques
Shahar’s second nugget of wisdom revolves around the power of visual thinking techniques. For her, sketching the model, algorithm flow, or communication layers became an integral part of problem-solving. These scribbles weren’t mere doodles; they were a tool for rearranging thoughts and ensuring a smooth coding process.
In a world dominated by lines of code and complex algorithms, Shahar’s emphasis on visualizing the problem brings a refreshing perspective. It’s a reminder that coding is not just about typing; it’s about understanding the problem at a fundamental level and visualizing solutions before diving into the code.
3. The Power of Developer Collaboration
Collaboration lies at the heart of Shahar’s third takeaway. Reaching out to other developers is not just a networking strategy; it’s a powerful brainstorming opportunity. Shahar shares her experience of regular coffee meet-ups with developer friends, where challenges are shared and solutions are collectively explored.
The key here is the diverse set of perspectives that such collaborations bring. It’s a chance to get fresh eyes on a problem, hear different approaches, and, in the process of explaining the issue, become more focused on finding the right solution. Shahar’s coffee meet-ups are not just casual gatherings; they are hubs of innovation and shared growth.
4. Know Your Company Inside Out
Shahar’s journey into understanding other parts of the company is a lesson in professional development. By looking into how her work relates to other departments, Shahar discovered a wealth of relevant ideas. When working on a piece of code, she not only knew how it fit into the overall picture but could also think ahead about efficient solutions and out-of-the-box edge cases.
This insight challenges the notion that a developer’s expertise is confined to their specific role. Shahar’s experience suggests that a broader understanding of the company’s workings not only enhances problem-solving skills but also positions a developer as a more valuable asset to the organization.
5. Avoiding Burnout
In an industry known for its demanding nature, Shahar’s fifth takeaway is perhaps the most crucial—acknowledge your limits and find activities that refill your energy. Shahar recognizes the stress and demands of the tech environment, emphasizing the ease with which one can get sucked into the perpetual workload.
Shahar’s approach to avoiding burnout goes beyond conventional strategies. It’s not just about taking breaks; it’s about understanding what truly inspires and recharges you. Whether it’s attending a music concert, hanging out at the beach, or indulging in a TV show binge, Shahar emphasizes the importance of integrating these activities into daily life. Moreover, she underlines the significance of communicating when a break is needed, not just for personal well-being but for long-term productivity—an understanding that benefits both the individual and the employer.
Embracing a Holistic Approach to Software Development
In the tapestry of Shahar Avigezer’s first year as a software developer, these five takeaways stand out as beacons of wisdom. They go beyond the code, reminding us that success in the tech industry requires a holistic approach. It’s about understanding the existing landscape, visualizing solutions, collaborating with peers, broadening professional horizons, and, most importantly, taking care of oneself.
For junior developers embarking on their coding journey, Shahar’s insights provide a roadmap—a roadmap that not only leads to technical proficiency but also to a fulfilling and sustainable career in the ever-evolving world of software development.