The power of Open Source in your DevRel Journey - Eddie Jaoude
Let’s dive into this episode, featuring Eddie Jaoude, an experienced DevRel professional and community builder, who shared his journey and provided actionable advice for aspiring DevRel enthusiasts.
Eddie’s Journey into DevRel
Eddie shared his personal story, reflecting on the two major mistakes he made in his career that others can learn from: starting right away without waiting for the perfect moment and being consistent in contributing to the community. His journey began with humble efforts in community engagement, which eventually led to more significant opportunities in DevRel and open-source contributions.
Eddie emphasized the importance of not waiting to gather the best resources or equipment before you begin. He highlighted that you could start with whatever you have—be it a phone or a simple blog—and slowly build your presence by being consistent. Like brushing your teeth daily, consistency fosters community engagement and builds trust.
Key Insights from the Episode
- Start Now, Be Consistent: Consistency is essential to success in DevRel. Start with small, achievable goals like helping one person every day. Don't wait for the perfect setup—start with what you have and build over time.
- Seek Guidance from Multiple Mentors: Eddie suggested that students should learn from many people instead of seeking a single mentor. Clear communication, respecting time, and setting specific agendas for professional calls are essential when reaching out to professionals.
- Overcome Imposter Syndrome: Eddie provided a strategy for overcoming imposter syndrome—be honest about your skills with both your clients and yourself. Trust your support system and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks.
- Get Involved in Inclusive Communities: Eddie recommended participating in inclusive hackathons and open-source communities. These provide a safe space to learn, grow, and contribute without feeling overwhelmed.
- Approach Freelancing Opportunities with Passion: Eddie stressed the importance of being active in the community, sharing your learnings, and being passionate about DevRel. Actively engaging in online communities and sharing your knowledge makes you more visible to potential clients.
Why Freshers Shouldn’t Rush into DevRel
Eddie cautioned against diving into DevRel too early, advising students to first gain a foundational understanding of industry trends, developer challenges, and community-building strategies. Experience and empathy are key to becoming a successful DevRel professional. Freshers should focus on building strong foundations, including product understanding, communication, and people management.
Conclusion
This episode was filled with insightful advice for students eager to explore DevRel. Eddie’s guidance, particularly on overcoming imposter syndrome and building consistency, resonated deeply with our audience. For those starting out, his message was clear—take small, actionable steps, contribute meaningfully to communities, and stay consistent.
As always, keep working, learning, and growing!