Getting into the core exercises I thought that as I had: meditated in the past, learned about neurplasticity and growth mindset, worked one on one with other people for two years, and read a few books on the mind and the brain, that I wouldn’t get too much out of it.
Over the course of a few short weeks I was quickly met with the reality that this was not the case. I got, admittedly, quite a bit more out of core than I thought I would.
I discovered that my ability to focus with intent was more limited that I would like. I was jumping ahead to possible solutions/scenarios before I had even finished processing the last thought. This left me with the feeling of starting each thought a thousand times before finally completing it.
I also became very aware of how self-critical I was when my output didn’t meet my own expectations. Which in turn highlighted how much my ego was getting in the way of my ability to learn.
All this lead to limited intake over the first few weeks. However I have been actively working to slow myself down, complete each task before moving onto the next, and giving myself credit where it’s due.
Consequently I’ve been feeling more confident in my abilities, and notably more engaged in any scenario, coding or otherwise.
I’d say my values play an important role in programming in that they help to keep good humour when things are becoming frustrating, and largely help to structure my approach to each problem.
My values coupled with an ever increasing understanding of my own feelings, and ability to communicate them, has led to me staying more calm and less scattered whenever I feel myself becoming stuck.
What has surprised me most about the core learning is definitely that by having a better understanding of myself, and how I process thoughts and emotions, I can tailor how I learn to better understand information as well as apply it.
It seems silly to write that out, of course knowing yourself will lead to learning better. But it wasn’t until I actually took what I got out of core and applied it to how I approach problems that I really got to see notable improvements.
I found the most challenge aspect of the core learning was how it confronted me with my own thoughts, and how I respond to them.
I have done quite a significant amount of mediation in the past. But that was several years ago and I’ve clearly changed a lot since then. The core learning brought to light thought patterns that I didn’t think would be there, thought patterns that were getting int the way of learning. The silver lining however is that as uncomfortable as it was, now I know where to spend my ‘self-improvement’ energy.
I suspect EDA spends such a significant amount of time on developing these core skills as they are both useful in developing us as human beings, and they play a vital role in securing employment.
Every resource you read about employment in the tech industry (and most other industries) will tell you that your technical skills are important, but to really excel and get hired you have to also have to be a genuinely pleasant human to be around. You have to be able to work with others, and you have to be a good fit for the culture of the organisation.
In developing these skills at EDA, they are putting all they can into turning us into employable junior developers within 12 weeks.
Although I could’ve used the time I spent on studying the core material to instead dive deeper into the technical side of things, I don’t think that would’ve been beneficial.
The benefits I gained from working through the core material have allowed me to understand myself better, and to improve my learning process. As a result I’ve been able understand more of what I’ve learned and been able apply what I’ve learned more effectively to problems.
Outside of programming it has undoubtedly made more a more attentive listener. A trait I’m sure those I’ve been engaging with have appreciated.
Overall I think the core material has been hugely beneficial.
Over the next 3 to 5 years I’d like have completed my studies as a developer (here at dev academy) and secured a job as a developer either here or preferably in Melbourne. The plan has been to live in Melbourne for a while now as I prefer the bustling city life and have a lot of good friends over there. Currently I’m in stage one - Study how to be a developer.
Going into bootcamp I think my biggest strengths are still going to be my ability to work with others and my ability to manage my time. My reason why I’m studying at EDA and where I want these skills to take me means a lot to me, and I’ll use that to stay focused.
Over the course of foundations I have discovered some areas for development within myself. I don’t think it will limit me too much during bootcamp, but It will be interesting to see how I can improve my ability to focus and what sort of results doing so will yield.
Additionally I’ve also had the ego kicked down a few notches which I think will only benefit me when working with others. Sometimes having the ego take a few hits is exactly what’s needed.
I’m fairly certain that my biggest challenge will be communication. Speaking in front of groups whilst maintaining my usual thought process is definitely something I struggle with. As much as it will be uncomfortable, at least I’ll be better by the end of bootcamp.
I feel as though working in pairs for pair coding will help me with this as well.
I’m most looking forward to developing my communication sills in a different context to what I’m used to. I think having to do the pair coding and speaking in front of groups will be uncomfortable yet beneficial to improving those areas.
I’d also like to work on my leadership skills. I generally feel more comfortable being in the drivers seat (so to speak). With a bit of work on my communication and leadership skills I feel as if I could be quite good at leading.
I’m planning on sticking to the process I’ve been fine tuning over the course of foundations. I expect that I won’t be able to adhere to quite the same routine given there will be group projects, but still plan on taking regular breaks away from the screen, to let information digest.
I’m committed to making sure I spend enough time to properly relax. I’ve hit burnout in the past and so will be paying attention to how I’m feeling a little more, to ensure I don’t break.
As for working with everyone else. The plan is to stick to the usual of communicating myself and feelings/abilities to anyone I may be working with, and ensuring communication is kept up over the course of any projects. This way anyone I’m working with will know where I’m at and won’t get any nasty surprises if they expect something I’m not yet able to deliver. Facilitators will also be able to tailor my learning experience with this level of open comms so I can get the most out of my study. Of course I plan to always conduct myself with professionalism and respect others at all times, both during study and beyond in the industry.