Dav Hojt: Tips for success and maximizing your experience at kood/Jõhvi
Welcome back to the second part of our series on navigating your year at kood/Jõhvi. In the previous post, we explored what to expect and the significance of peer reviews. Now, let’s dive into actionable tips that will help you make the most of your time here and set you up for a successful career in tech.
Do the work
It’s tempting to rely on tools like LLMs (e.g., ChatGPT) early on, but it’s crucial to build a strong foundation first. Understanding the fundamentals deeply will make you more proficient and independent in the long run. Remember, when you interview for your first role, you’ll likely need to demonstrate your skills without the aid of such tools.
Network, network, network…
The connections you make here can become your professional network. Your classmates will eventually find tech jobs, and these relationships can lead to job opportunities or collaborations in the future. Building a network starts now, so engage with your peers and instructors.
Be discoverable
Make it easy for others to learn about you and your skills. Create a LinkedIn profile, contribute to GitHub, and share your projects. A well-crafted online presence can open doors and make you stand out to potential employers.
Participate in extracurricular activities
Beyond the curriculum, engage in activities that enhance your skills and personal growth. Attend hackathons, participate in mock interviews, and seek job shadowing opportunities. These experiences help you become a well-rounded professional, ready to tackle various challenges in the tech industry.
Stay unstuck
Everyone hits roadblocks, but the key is to recognize when you’re stuck and take action. Ask for help, use resources, and if you see a peer struggling, offer your support. Progress is the goal, so keep moving forward.
Work together
Collaboration is a powerful tool. Even if a project is individual, discussing your work with others can provide new perspectives and solutions. Accountability can also be a motivator – share your goals with a friend and check in regularly.
Your time at kood/Jõhvi is a unique opportunity to develop not just your technical skills, but also the mindset and habits that will serve you throughout your career. Embrace the challenges, support each other, and be proactive in your learning journey. Remember, this is the beginning of a rewarding career in tech. Make the most of it.
Our curriculum team lead Dav Hojt has an impressive service design and product management background. His journey into software engineering was driven by a desire to understand the technical side of product development better. Not satisfied with merely coordinating with engineers, Dav took the plunge into learning software engineering at 42 in Paris. This experience not only enriched his understanding but also led him to pursue a career in this field.He moved through various roles from software developer to technical product manager, engineering manager, and eventually, Chief Product Officer. Now, he’s channelling his passion into contributing to the growth of students at kood/Jõhvi, helping them prepare for a successful career in tech.