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While it is true that apprenticeship can be very fulfilling and meaningful, it can only do so if the individual is ready for it. The linked text mentions the bl

by toxik 12y ago

While it is true that apprenticeship can be very fulfilling and meaningful, it can only do so if the individual is ready for it. The linked text mentions the blasé type people for whom nothing seems important enough -- these would learn or develop much under a mentor. I'm intrigued by your suggestion, as somebody who learned the trade on my own, got a job with very poor terms (which nobody would tell me, because hey wow it's a programming job, amazing) -- and then I woke up, realized where I was, and started pursuing a degree in computer science instead. Best decision I ever made. I think my story isn't very uncommon, but my question is: how would you approach getting a mentor?

martian 12y ago
Yeah, I hear you. My first jobs out of college were also not as inspired as they could have been, partially because I didn't have a great mentor to guide me through the process. My advice for finding a mentor is to look for a job at a company with people you respect and look up to. You want to work with engineers who are better than you and can teach you things. It sounds like you're in school right now, but if this is an option for you: start interviewing at tech companies and see what you find. There are many mediocre companies but also many great ones. If you're in SF (or willing to move here) send me an email and I can help out. If you're not able to get a new job, you can still learn a lot from people around you. I have mentored a few people off and on over the past few years. Some people I've met through friends or through formal mentorship programs like HackBright. I think you'll find that there are a lot of engineers out there willing to meet up and help you learn. And if you're currently in school: well, that's what school is for ;-)