Cracking my first DevRel Job - Harshil Agarwal
In this episode, we welcome Harshil Agarwal, a full-time Developer Advocate, who shares valuable advice for students exploring DevRel as a career option. Harshil sheds light on the common misconceptions about the field and the essential skills required to succeed.
Key Insights from Harshil Agarwal
- DevRel Beyond Talks and Travel: Many believe DevRel is just about conference talks and traveling. However, Harshil emphasized that it requires a strong technical foundation, content creation, effective communication, and community engagement.
- Passion for Learning is Key: Harshil shared how his passion for learning helped him land his first DevRel job, even without prior professional experience. Passion and curiosity can open doors for aspiring DevRels.
- Network in Online Communities: Harshil highlighted the importance of building connections within online tech communities. He encouraged freshers to connect with others in their field, attend online events, and engage meaningfully with peers and professionals alike.
GitHub Campus Experts Program
Harshil also discussed the GitHub Campus Experts Program, highlighting the benefits of networking, learning about community building, and event organization. He reflected on the key modules in the program that helped him grow as a DevRel professional and provided insights into how the program can help students gain experience.
Takeaways for Students
- DevRel is Multifaceted: It’s not just about public speaking. DevRel involves writing content, answering questions on forums, and live streaming, alongside technical proficiency.
- Be Honest About Your Skills: When applying for DevRel roles, be transparent about your strengths and areas for growth.
- Apply, Even if You Don’t Meet All Requirements: Harshil encouraged students to apply for programs and roles even if they don’t meet every requirement—learning and growth happen along the way.
- Adapt Your Communication: Understanding your audience’s background is crucial. Tailor your communication style to suit both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Build Relationships: Networking in online communities and building long-lasting relationships are vital components of DevRel. These relationships can extend beyond the professional realm and become collaborative opportunities.
Conclusion
In this episode, Harshil Agarwal shared deep insights into what it takes to succeed in DevRel, providing students with actionable advice on breaking into the field. From overcoming imposter syndrome to the value of networking and community engagement, this episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to build a DevRel career.
Catch the full episode here, and stay tuned for the next one!
As always, keep learning, growing, and contributing!