Tag: tech tools

Careers Blog, Engineering

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

Careers Blog, Employee Spotlight, Mismo Blog, Talent Spotlight, Women in STEM

Joyce Araujo’s Journey: From Brazil to Global Impact in Technology

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: Joyce Araujo

FullStack Engineer

Country: Brazil

  • Tell us a little about yourself: I am a 31-year-old woman from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with an enduring curiosity about how things work—a passion that led me to pursue Computer Science. I chose this field because it offers endless opportunities to explore diverse areas, and in recent years, it has enabled me to collaborate with people from around the globe. The flexibility of remote work has been transformative, allowing me to engage with dynamic teams and gain unique perspectives.
  • What initially attracted you to engineering and how have you found inspiration in this career? The opportunity to tackle complex problems and develop innovative solutions has been incredibly rewarding. In a country like Brazil, where inequality remains a significant challenge, technology has opened doors to opportunities I might not have found in other fields. The more I work in tech, the more I recognize its transformative potential—not only in reshaping how we live but also in giving us more time to focus on what truly matters, like family and personal connections. Technology holds the remarkable power to democratize information, breaking down geographical and social barriers. While some regions still lack access, it’s inspiring to see how it connects us to global issues and makes the world feel smaller—in the best possible way.

  • What innovation or technical advancement have you been a part of that you consider to have made a milestone in your engineering field? I’ve had the privilege of working on impactful projects, ranging from developing AI-powered diagnostic tools in healthcare to optimizing logistics. Currently, I’m focused on autonomous vehicle technology, a field I believe will revolutionize transportation. It’s deeply fulfilling to contribute to advancements that enhance lives and transform industries.

  • What made you choose Mismo? Mismo values work-life balance, which is my top priority when selecting a company. We regularly hold meetings that allow us to connect on a deeper level, play games, and discuss market trends, among other activities.

  • How would you describe the work environment at Mismo? Mismo values gender diversity and actively considers how it influences our daily work and productivity. I feel supported and appreciated, which makes a world of difference in staying motivated and fulfilled in my role.

  • What learning and development opportunities have you had at Mismo and how have you utilized these opportunities to grow as a professional? Mismo offers the flexibility to dedicate time to learning and growth, whether through formal training, self-directed exploration, or exchanging knowledge with teammates.

  • What is your personal vision of a future where gender equity is a reality in all organizations, including Mismo? It’s a future where women are not only present but are leading, influencing, and shaping decisions at every level. A future where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to grow, contribute, and succeed. Inclusive workplaces, where diverse perspectives are valued equally, and where the barriers that have historically held women back are eliminated.

  • What aspects of working at Mismo’s engineering team make you proud and motivate you in your daily tasks? The environment fosters open communication, allowing me to seek help and share ideas freely, knowing that my voice is valued. Additionally, Mismo’s emphasis on work-life balance and support for gender diversity cultivates an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, which motivates me to contribute with enthusiasm every 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? Creating solutions that truly address everyday challenges and make life easier for people.

  • What Mismo policies or practices have helped you improve your work-life balance? Flexible PTO!

  • What inspiring advice would you give to someone considering a career in engineering or looking to join a company like Mismo? Never give up—ask for help whenever you need it. Happy endings always come from great effort.

  • What tools or technologies do you use most frequently in your daily work as an engineer at Mismo? Lately, I’ve been using tools like Copilot, JetBrains AI Assistant, and ChatGPT to boost my productivity and problem-solving. However, effectively communicating my needs and collaborating with teammates remains a crucial part of the ongoing process of finding solutions.