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Ask HN: How Can I Find a Mentor?

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Ask HN: How Can I Find a Mentor?

#1

Post by kremlin »

There was an HN thread a few months back about autodidactic programmers, and many people said that one of the most important things for a developing programmer is to have a good mentor.

I think I'd really like a mentor.

Some things about me: I've been coding for maybe a year, but I have a full time job so progress is not going as fast as maybe I'd like it to.

I've been doing Python (a very small amount of C# as well). I've read an intro book, and now I'm reading a book that goes into more depth with OO. I've solved the first 51 Project Euler problems, many of them with relatively elegant algorithms. I have a love for elegant algorithms.

I'm not sure what to do next. Build a Django app? Learn Java and build an Android app? Learn Haskell? Learn C? Something else entirely?

I'm not locked into any particular field of programming yet - it all interests me.

If anyone feels like they would get any benefit out of mentoring someone like me, looking at my code and giving me pointers, giving me advice about what's wise to learn, I'd really appreciate it.

Re: Ask HN: How Can I Find a Mentor?

#2

Post by mariogintili »

I have the same problem here! I'm looking for a mentor as well. I think getting a mentor in the context of software development is n times harder than in others sector's I'm afraid. Best thing I can recommend you is to pair with people who are more experienced, and maybe in other projects. Maybe give http://agileventures.org/ | http://www.airpair.com/ | http://www.pairprogramwith.me/ a chance? hope it helps.

Re: Ask HN: How Can I Find a Mentor?

#3

Post by hardikj »

mariogintili wrote: post #2

I have the same problem here! I'm looking for a mentor as well. I think getting a mentor in the context of software development is n times harder than in others sector's I'm afraid. Best thing I can recommend you is to pair with people who are more experienced, and maybe in other projects. Maybe give http://agileventures.org/ | http://www.airpair.com/ | http://www.pairprogramwith.me/ a chance? hope it helps.

Attend Meetups and Conferences, meet people and share your thoughts with them. You can also join local groups. That's how you can pair up with people who are more experienced. You can even contribute to any open source project, learn from other collaborators and you will end up learning a lot.

Re: Ask HN: How Can I Find a Mentor?

#4

Post by kremlin »

mariogintili wrote: post #2

I have the same problem here! I'm looking for a mentor as well. I think getting a mentor in the context of software development is n times harder than in others sector's I'm afraid. Best thing I can recommend you is to pair with people who are more experienced, and maybe in other projects. Maybe give http://agileventures.org/ | http://www.airpair.com/ | http://www.pairprogramwith.me/ a chance? hope it helps.

Thank you for these. I will definitely check them out.

Re: Ask HN: How Can I Find a Mentor?

#5

Post by robdoherty2 »

A mentor can be helpful to give you direction on where to focus your auto-didactic abilities.

I switched careers into software development several years ago thanks to the mentoring of several individuals.

Going to meetups in your area is one of the first places to look, and taking online or in-person courses are also helpful to find other like-minded people.

One thing to consider is that there need not be a formal "mentor-protege" relationship; you can get a lot of great one-off type advice from all kinds of people you come across.

Re: Ask HN: How Can I Find a Mentor?

#6

Post by meric »

Before I got good at programming I wanted a mentor too. At various points in my career, at times I've had a person in my life who acted as the role of "mentor" for short periods of time (one to two weeks). IMO a mentor isn't really necessary. If you're motivated to learn enough and to always keep your mind open you'll become good. Keep doing what you're doing. A mentor isn't going to be able to automagically transfer the knowledge and experience in his mind to yours via USB; Looking back in hindsight I wanted a mentor at the time because that was what I mistakenly believed in (that I'll be able to learn faster/better with a mentor). I admit it does feel good when someone with more experience compliments my programs. Did that contribute to how good a programmer I've become today? Not really...

"Build a Django app? Learn Java and build an Android app? Learn Haskell? Learn C?"

I've done all of them, each in my own time, except Android; I created some (toy) iOS apps instead.

Just keep going to where your mind takes you.

I would like to add that I did study software engineering at university several years after I started learning to code, and that it did help me figure out what I wanted to learn. I would not disagree with you too much if you suggested university took the place of a mentor for me.

Re: Ask HN: How Can I Find a Mentor?

#7

Post by greenwalls »

Check out local incubators in your city. The websites usually have a mentor list. If one of these people interests you then try reaching out to them via Twitter, Linkedin, etc... but if you don't yet have a business they may not have the time to help.

Re: Ask HN: How Can I Find a Mentor?

#9

Post by markab21 »

This is a part of a software career where social skills and ability to make new friends help. Be nice, be curious.. be humble and honest with your skill level.

In an open source project that you want to gain some experience with, or someone in your company that will help you with upward movement... the same skills will apply.

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