Pretty decent overview and lots of solid advice, on this point:
> So why should you, as a seasoned software developer, become a mentor?
Early in my career I got some very good advice and mentorship from a number of people that I respect who didn't have to do it but did so anyway. I pay that forward wherever I can and I only ask that others do the same.
We're better as an industry if we support and lift up our fellow developers across the board. There's a number of things that I've seen people struggle with over the years(imposter syndrome, first time breaking prod, difficult organizational issues, etc) and being able to give them the tools to better approach those things is really rewarding. If you approach it authentically with care and a positive intent you can have a real impact that lasts across someone's career and technical journey.
First time I broke prod at a FAANG (sorry y'all) a guy from another team said some nice words to reassure me. Was much appreciated because I felt mighty guilty.
> So why should you, as a seasoned software developer, become a mentor?
Early in my career I got some very good advice and mentorship from a number of people that I respect who didn't have to do it but did so anyway. I pay that forward wherever I can and I only ask that others do the same.
We're better as an industry if we support and lift up our fellow developers across the board. There's a number of things that I've seen people struggle with over the years(imposter syndrome, first time breaking prod, difficult organizational issues, etc) and being able to give them the tools to better approach those things is really rewarding. If you approach it authentically with care and a positive intent you can have a real impact that lasts across someone's career and technical journey.