In this episode of the Tech Girl Podcast, host Gertrude Chilufya speaks Carly, a seasoned developer advocate, exploring the journey from software engineering to advocacy within the tech space. This discussion sheds light on the skills, challenges, and the rewarding aspects of a career that blends technology with meaningful impact.

The Journey to Advocacy

Carly’s journey into advocacy began as a software engineer, a role she held for over a decade. Despite her extensive experience, she found herself seeking new challenges after returning from maternity leave. In 2020, she took a leap of faith into public speaking, encouraged by mentors and local meetups. This decision marked the beginning of her transition into developer advocacy. Carly recalls, "I wanted to build a skill and I thought, why don’t I do public speaking?" Her newfound passion led her to participate in initiatives like Global Diversity CFP Day, where she learned the ropes of speaking and presenting her ideas.

From Software Engineer to Developer Advocate

Carly’s transition into advocacy was fueled by her desire to connect with the tech community and share her experiences. "I started out mainly online," she explains, reflecting on the virtual nature of events during the pandemic. As she gained confidence and experience, she began speaking at conferences, eventually landing a position at Elastic as a developer advocate in April 2022 and now and now developer relations manager. Her role not only allowed her to continue coding and exploring new technologies but also to manage a team of advocates, blending her love for tech with leadership responsibilities.

Essential Skills for Success:

As a developer advocate, Carly highlights several key skills essential for success in the role:

1. **Technical Proficiency**: A solid understanding of coding is fundamental. Carly notes that advocates at Elastic are expected to have deep technical knowledge to create relevant content and engage with developers effectively.

2. **Public Speaking**: The ability to communicate ideas clearly is crucial. Carly emphasizes the importance of being comfortable speaking at conferences and meetups.

3. **Content Creation**: Writing skills are necessary for producing documentation, blog posts, and other resources that resonate with the developer community.

4. **Problem-Solving**: Advocates must be adept at troubleshooting and finding solutions, often in high-pressure situations.

5. **Curiosity and Adaptability**: The tech industry is constantly evolving, and a willingness to learn and adapt is vital for staying relevant.

Carly also advises aspiring advocates to create a portfolio showcasing their work instead of a traditional CV. This portfolio should include links to talks, blogs, and other relevant projects, demonstrating ongoing engagement in the field.

Conclusion

Carly’s journey from software engineer to developer advocate illustrates the evolving nature of tech roles and the importance of advocacy in bridging gaps between developers and products. Her insights serve as a valuable guide for anyone considering a career in this dynamic field.

Key takeaways from this episode include the significance of technical expertise, the need for effective communication, and the importance of continuous learning in the fast-paced world of technology.

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Connect with Carly:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carly-richmond/

-Website: https://carlyrichmond.com/