Staying Up to Date as a Software Engineer

As software engineers, there is an overwhelming amount of technologies that we either want to or keep up with. Staying current is not only a competitive advantage but also essential for keeping our resumes relevant. I learned this the hard way. 

To address this challenge, I decided to design a structured methodology to effectively stay updated. The approach consists of the following steps:

  1. Gather Information
  2. Filter the Information
  3. Practice What I’ve Learned
  4. Reflect on the Knowledge
  5. Repeat the Process

On top of these five steps, I developed a strategy over the years and have shared it with coworkers and students. The feedback has always been positive. Here’s a detailed look at my approach:

Gathering Information

I like to gather information from diverse sources such as videos, articles, books, news, and newsletters. However, I prefer to consume information asynchronously, on my own schedule. For this, I use an RSS reader, specifically Miniflux. RSS stands for “Really Simple Syndication” and is a way to subscribe to periodically published content, which is perfect for my needs. I decided to manage the information gathering with RSS instead of email so I have everything in one place and avoid notifications. This provides me with a dedicated space for information gathering that is fed periodically and automatically with my topics of interest.

Filtering Information

Not all information is equally valuable. To avoid information overload, I filter the content I gather. This involves skimming through articles, reviewing videos, and checking book reviews before committing time to them. I focus on the sources and topics that are most relevant to my current projects and career goals.

Once a day, for 5-10 minutes, I review unread links and skim those that catch my attention. I use the Eisenhower Matrix to decide on each link. I either:

  • Add it to “starred” on Miniflux or to my Pocket.
  • Delete it.
  • Add it to my today’s TO DO list(a simple markdown file per day).

I usually quickly check the content and decide to add it to my reading list

by bookmarking it with a tag. I use Firefox bookmarks since it is my default browser on my devices. If I decide to read an article later, I will add it to Pocket.

 A P2K service automatically sends the content I save in Pocket to my Kindle every Friday, along with the 10 most recent links I’ve saved. This feature is fantastic because it allows me to focus on specific topics depending on the device I’m using.

  •  I may use my phone to quickly review my Pocket list.
  • My laptop if I’m doing some code or POCs.
  • My Kindle if I want to submerge in some reading.

Practicing What I’ve Learned

It’s not enough to just read or watch content; practical application is key. I make it a point to integrate new knowledge into my projects as soon as possible. This might mean implementing a new tool, trying out a new programming language feature, or following a new methodology. I introduced Golang and Typescript to different companies by learning and teaching what I have learned.

Every day, I dedicate 30 minutes to actively learning about specific technologies. This time helps me stay updated with the latest trends in the industry. I might spend this time:

  • Reading an article.
  • Working on a proof of concept (POC), or
  • Reading a chapter of a technical book.

 The choice of activity depends on my energy levels and current interest in a topic. I trust the content because it has already been gathered and filtered through a process. Putting this knowledge into practice is crucial. By working on POCs or coding exercises allows me to turn theoretical knowledge into practical skills. This hands-on experience reinforces my learning and helps me understand how to apply new concepts in real-world situations.

Consistently dedicating time to learning and practicing new skills builds on previous sessions, gradually increases my proficiency and depth of understanding. It is compound knowledge.

Reflecting on the Knowledge

Reflection is an often-overlooked step in the learning process. After applying new knowledge, I take the time to think about what worked, what didn’t, and why. This helps solidify the learning and allows me to make changes for future applications. I use my journal for this reflection process.

Repeating the Process

The final step is to repeat the process. Staying updated is an ongoing effort. Technology evolves rapidly, and there is always something new to learn. By consistently applying this method, I ensure I remain current in my field.

Conclusion

Keeping up to date as a software engineer requires a deliberate and structured approach. By gathering information from diverse sources, filtering it, practicing it, reflecting on it, and repeating the process, I stay ahead in my field. This method has been effective for me and has received positive feedback from those I’ve shared it with. I highly recommend trying these tools and methods to see how they work for you.

Bibliography

Written by:

Lester Angulo
Sr. FullStack Engineer
Country: Costa Rica

Beyond Hiring: María Luján’s Impact on Mismo’s Growth

Mismo thrives on the strength of its exceptional team. We provide top-tier remote software development teams that seamlessly integrate with companies worldwide, driving exceptional results. Many organizations have partnered with Mismo to augment their development capabilities and achieve their technology goals.

At the heart of these successful teams are the talented individuals who make Mismo what it is. We’re committed to celebrating our remarkable employees and their invaluable contributions to our company culture. Our employee spotlights showcase the genuine relationships we’ve forged with team members and clients, highlighting their dedication and the positive impact they have on our collaborative environment.

Meet: María Luján Ciommo

Sr. IT Recruiter

Country: Argentina

  • What initially attracted you to engineering and how have you found inspiration in this career? What drew me to a career in recruitment was my background in psychology and a deep passion for helping others. Supporting individuals with their mental health was a fulfilling experience, and I recognized recruitment as another powerful way to make a positive impact—helping people find meaningful opportunities while enabling companies to build strong, cohesive teams. The ability to connect talented individuals with organizations where they can thrive has been an incredibly rewarding journey. Witnessing the transformative impact of my work on both candidates and businesses continues to inspire me to pursue excellence in every aspect of what I do.

  • What innovation or technical advancement have you been a part of that you consider to have made a milestone in your engineering field? I had the opportunity to lead a recruitment project in Japan, which became a pivotal moment in my career. Immersing myself in a new culture not only broadened my professional perspective but also deepened my passion for recruitment. Exploring the nuances of Japanese business practices ignited a profound interest in cross-cultural learning and reinforced my belief in the transformative power of understanding and respecting diverse perspectives. This experience enriched my role as a recruiter, highlighting the critical importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability in creating meaningful connections between candidates and companies across different backgrounds.

  • What made you choose Mismo? What captivated me about Mismo was its nurturing culture, unwavering commitment to mental well-being, impressive client portfolio, and supportive work environment. At Mismo, employees are not only valued but celebrated, collaboration is deeply ingrained in the company’s DNA, and the diverse range of clients offers exciting and stimulating challenges. It’s a place where personal and professional growth blend seamlessly, making each day an inspiring and rewarding journey.

  • How would you describe the work environment at Mismo? At Mismo, the work environment is truly exceptional. The supportive atmosphere not only fosters collaboration but also encourages personal growth. The HR team goes above and beyond to prioritize employee well-being, while strong leadership provides clear direction and cultivates a positive, inclusive culture. Being part of such a dynamic team inspires continuous growth and a commitment to excellence, making Mismo the ideal place to thrive both personally and professionally.

  • What learning and development opportunities have you had at Mismo and how have you utilized these opportunities to grow as a professional? At Mismo, I’ve had the privilege of participating in coaching sessions with both my leader and colleagues, which have been pivotal to my professional development. These sessions offered personalized guidance and constructive feedback, enabling me to sharpen my skills, tackle challenges, and set meaningful goals. Additionally, engaging in peer coaching with colleagues has encouraged knowledge sharing and mutual support, reinforcing Mismo’s culture of continuous learning and growth.

  • What is your personal vision of a future where gender equity is a reality in all organizations, including Mismo? In my vision of a future where gender equity thrives—at Mismo and across all organizations—I see a workplace where women are deeply valued, respected, and empowered. With a female leader guiding our path, there is a profound sense of camaraderie and support embedded in our culture. As we work toward building a more inclusive environment, we remain steadfast in our commitment to equitable and diverse recruitment practices. By actively seeking talent from all backgrounds, we ensure that our candidate pools reflect the rich diversity and vibrancy of our society.

  • What aspects of working at Mismo’s engineering team make you proud and motivate you in your daily tasks? Our collaborative efforts, innovative mindset, and supportive leadership foster an environment where every task becomes an opportunity to drive meaningful impact. The knowledge that our work directly contributes to the organization’s success fills me with pride and motivates me to give my best each day.

  • How do you believe the company and engineering can positively impact the world, people’s lives, and make a difference in their respective industries? As a recruitment company, Mismo holds a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on individuals’ lives while driving the success of organizations. Through our work, we connect talented individuals with opportunities that align with their skills, passions, and aspirations. By helping candidates secure fulfilling roles, we empower them to pursue meaningful careers, achieve their professional goals, and enhance their overall quality of life.
    At the same time, our efforts in helping companies build exceptional teams enable us to support organizations in reaching their objectives and fostering innovation. By sourcing top talent and facilitating successful hires, we contribute to the growth and success of businesses, helping them thrive in competitive industries.


  • What Mismo policies or practices have helped you improve your work-life balance? One of the standout policies at Mismo that significantly enhances my work-life balance is the company’s approach to accommodating holidays and time zones relevant to my country whenever possible. This thoughtful policy acknowledges the diverse backgrounds and needs of employees, enabling me to adjust my work schedule to align with important holidays and time zone differences in my region.

  • What inspiring advice would you give to someone considering a career in engineering or looking to join a company like Mismo? Joining a company like Mismo offers a unique opportunity for both personal and professional growth. At Mismo, you’ll experience a dynamic environment where every day presents new challenges and opportunities to innovate. The strong emphasis on collaboration nurtures a supportive culture, where teamwork is highly valued, and you’ll have the chance to work alongside talented colleagues who are passionate about making a meaningful impact.

Meet Luis Cortés: The Tech Behind His Work

Mismo thrives on the strength of its exceptional team. We provide top-tier remote software development teams that seamlessly integrate with companies worldwide, driving exceptional results. Many organizations have partnered with Mismo to augment their development capabilities and achieve their technology goals.

At the heart of these successful teams are the talented individuals who make Mismo what it is. We’re committed to celebrating our remarkable employees and their invaluable contributions to our company culture. Our employee spotlights showcase the genuine relationships we’ve forged with team members and clients, highlighting their dedication and the positive impact they have on our collaborative environment.

Meet: Luis Cortés

FullStack Engineer
Country: Venezuela

  • Tell us a little about yourself: As a seasoned Software Engineer, I bring years of expertise in developing innovative technology solutions across diverse industries. From healthcare to hospitality, short-term rentals, and AI, I’ve successfully delivered impactful systems that drive results. My technical skills include JavaScript, Ruby, C++, as well as proficiency in SQL and NoSQL databases. I’m passionate about solving complex technical challenges and creating systems that truly make a difference.
  • What initially attracted you to engineering and how have you found inspiration in this career? As a child, my love for video games ignited a deep curiosity about how things work, which naturally led me to a career in engineering. During high school, I began learning programming and quickly discovered my true passion. I’ve always been captivated by how technology can solve complex challenges and create impactful, innovative solutions. This drive to help others and make meaningful improvements continues to inspire and fuel my engineering career.
  • What innovation or technical advancement have you been a part of that you consider to have made a milestone in your engineering field? Working in startups has empowered me to make a substantial impact and drive critical innovations. A standout achievement in my career was developing a billing system for a startup, which transformed the entire billing process. By streamlining operations, this system significantly increased efficiency and speed for the finance team, showcasing my ability to deliver impactful solutions in fast-paced environments.
  • What made you choose Mismo?  I chose to join Mismo because of its outstanding company culture and the thrilling projects it offers. Mismo stands out by providing numerous opportunities for growth and exceptional benefits, making it an attractive choice for professionals like me seeking both personal and career advancement.
  • How would you describe the work environment at Mismo?  At Mismo, the work environment is both collaborative and supportive. Our team consistently demonstrates a willingness to assist one another, and we frequently engage in collaborative activities that strengthen our collective efforts. This dynamic fosters a positive and productive atmosphere, making Mismo an exceptional place to work.
  • What learning and development opportunities have you had at Mismo and how have you utilized these opportunities to grow as a professional? At Mismo, I’ve advanced my career by mastering new technologies and architectures through engaging projects with a diverse range of clients. This experience has not only expanded my technical expertise but also allowed me to focus on enhancing my soft skills, significantly contributing to my professional development and growth.
  • What aspects of working at Mismo’s engineering team make you proud and motivate you in your daily tasks? Every day at Mismo, I feel a deep sense of pride and motivation as I collaborate with our talented engineering team. The opportunity to tackle challenging projects alongside skilled colleagues drives my enthusiasm and commitment, making each day a rewarding experience.
  • How do you believe the company and engineering can positively impact the world, people’s lives, and make a difference in their respective industries? At Mismo, our engineering team is dedicated to making a positive impact by developing innovative solutions that boost efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability across various industries. Our commitment to these principles helps shape a better future by addressing critical challenges and enhancing overall performance.
  • What Mismo policies or practices have helped you improve your work-life balance? At Mismo, several key policies have significantly improved my work-life balance. The Flexible PTO policy allows me to take time off as needed, ensuring I can rest and manage my work effectively. Additionally, policies such as Internet Reimbursement and Home Office Setup Support have enhanced my workspace, making me feel more comfortable and productive.
  • What inspiring advice would you give to someone considering a career in engineering or looking to join a company like Mismo? My advice for aspiring engineers is to follow your dreams and commit to never stop learning. Engineering is a rapidly evolving field, and maintaining curiosity and adaptability is essential for staying ahead. Embracing continuous learning and being open to new challenges will ensure you thrive in this dynamic profession.
  • What tools or technologies do you use most frequently in your daily work as an engineer at Mismo? In my daily work, I regularly utilize a range of advanced technologies, including:
          • JavaScript
          • React
          • GraphQL
          • AWS
          • Node.js
          • Ruby on Rails
          • MySQL

        These technologies play a crucial role in delivering high-quality solutions and driving innovation in my projects.