Yes, you can! Cracking the international market as a software developer is no easy feat, but it can be done. Hey, that’s kind of our thing , remember?! In this blog, we share 12 tips to help you set your growth path to success across the border.
Cracking the international market as a software developer is no easy feat, but it can be done. In this article, we share 12 tips to help you set your growth path to success across the border.
1. Your foundation: tech skills
Your tech career starts with your tech expertise. Work on your coding skills. Focus on one language, and excel. Learn to write the cleanest code you ever saw. Only when you've truly mastered your language may you have a peek at another one. Be patient and don't expect quick results — it takes a tremendous amount of practice.
2. Keep developing yourself
Developments in IT go crazy fast, so make sure you stay on top of your game. Keep studying, keep upskilling. Own your learning. Don't let your know-how become obsolete.
3. Work on your soft skills
Your programming skills are pretty much useless if you lack decent soft skills. They include critical thinking, problem-solving, public speaking, professional writing, teamwork, digital literacy, leadership, professional attitude, work ethic, and intercultural fluency. If you want to get hired by a company abroad, speak clear and concise English, excel at teamwork, and learn to look at issues from other people's perspectives.
4. Build a great portfolio and make sure everyone can access it
By developing your online portfolio, you can showcase your skills to the world. It could feature an API tool, a front-end application, and your documented code. Be critical about what you include — some visitors will not spend more than two minutes browsing your portfolio. Keep updating and improving it so you always have a current business card.
5. Master the standard business tools
Dive deep into the Google Docs Editors suite. Get comfortable with Zoom and MS Teams. Slack is an incredibly popular tool for professional communication. Familiarize yourself with Jira, Microsoft Azure, Shortcut, Linear, and GitHub.
6. Prep your interviews
Do your homework. Prepare your pitch very well, but keep it natural. Know the requirements and talk about how you meet or exceed them. Read up about the employer and what recent developments they are going through.
7. Know what is expected
The demands of the international market are challenging. Many employers expect you to come with input and solutions, both solicited and spontaneously. Accountability matters — own your wins and your mistakes. Be honest, open, self-motivated, and learn from your errors. Ask questions: they show you're eager to learn.
8. Create a great working environment
You need a decent computer, a stress-free area where you can work in peace, a suitable desk and chair, good lighting, stable internet. Keep your work area tidy and without distractions. Tunga created co-working spaces in Kampala and Lagos with stable internet and electricity for developers who prefer not to work at home.
9. Join a community
Networking is so important. Developer communities give you support and inspiration. By sharing knowledge, you expand your expertise. As an active community member asking and answering questions, you increase your visibility. Recommended communities include SheCodeAfrica, forLoop, Meta Developer Circles, DevCenterSquare, DevCongress, and Google Developer Groups across Africa.
10. Find a mentor
A mentor's role is to encourage, support and empower you. They help you identify and reach your goals, giving feedback and holding you accountable. The developer communities mentioned above are good places to start your search.
11. Compete in a hackathon
Hackathons offer real-life practice for developers at any stage of their career. You work in a team, usually in sprints, to find a solution for an existing technical problem before a set deadline. They contain many components you'll encounter in your tech career: agile work, teamwork, working against the clock. And at the end, you have a new product for your portfolio.
12. Make sure you enjoy your free time
Once you start in tech, there's always something to finish. But we want to help unleash your talent — not chain you to your computer. So get out there and enjoy what the world offers. It will make you a better professional.
