Embarking on a career in tech, especially as a woman in engineering, can be both exciting and challenging. Programs designed to support early career engineers are invaluable, offering a unique blend of skill-building and community engagement. One such standout initiative is Twitter’s #DevelopHER, a dynamic program aimed at second-year women pursuing computer science degrees. This program isn’t just another workshop; it’s an immersive experience that includes hands-on activities, insightful workshops, and the chance to connect with inspiring women from across North America who share your passion for technology. While that description provides a snapshot, it barely scratches the surface of the incredible journey #DevelopHER offers, particularly its engaging Twitter Early Career Engineering Coding Challenge.
Like many, I once held the misconception that applying for competitive programs was often a shot in the dark. However, driven by a flicker of hope, I decided to apply to #DevelopHER. To my delight, a few months later, an acceptance email landed in my inbox. This experience taught me a crucial lesson: if you’re contemplating applying for an opportunity, especially one that resonates with your career aspirations, take the leap. You never know the doors it might open. This program is a testament to the power of taking chances, particularly for aspiring engineers eager to dive into the world of twitter early career engineering coding challenge environments.
Group of women at Twitter DevelopHER event
The #DevelopHER experience commenced with an evening reception, a relaxed mixer designed to foster connections among participants and set the stage for the intensive day ahead. It was truly inspiring to hear the diverse stories of my fellow attendees, each with unique backgrounds and perspectives from different corners of the continent. Over shared meals, we forged bonds, exchanging experiences navigating the tech landscape. Adding to the enriching atmosphere, we had the privilege of meeting Twitter interns and full-time employees, gaining firsthand insights into their professional journeys at Twitter and the vibrant culture of a leading tech company. This initial interaction highlighted the supportive community aspect of the program, crucial for navigating the twitter early career engineering path.
The following day unfolded at Twitter’s headquarters, kicking off with breakfast in their bustling cafeteria. The morning was dedicated to team-building activities, setting a collaborative tone for the day. A panel discussion featuring Twitter employees who had begun their careers as interns offered invaluable advice and perspectives on navigating the tech industry and thriving within Twitter. We were also treated to a tour of Twitter HQ, providing a glimpse into the innovative workspaces that fuel the platform. The program was thoughtfully structured with workshops aimed at bolstering our professional toolkit, including resume reviews and mastering elevator pitches. A particularly engaging session was the twitter early career engineering coding challenge, where we put our problem-solving skills to the test by decoding a secret message. The day was packed with activities, each contributing to a comprehensive and fast-paced learning environment.
However, the most impactful takeaway from #DevelopHER was the sense of community it fostered. Connecting with a network of motivated peers who are also passionate about pursuing careers in tech was incredibly empowering. Despite coming from varied locations across North America, we found common ground in our shared experiences and the challenges inherent in starting out in computer science. Monique, the driving force behind #DevelopHER at Twitter, meticulously curated workshops and activities to ensure we maximized our two days. Saying goodbye to this newfound community at the end of the program was genuinely difficult. I left feeling more inspired and equipped, carrying with me a wealth of knowledge and a renewed sense of purpose. #DevelopHER stands out as one of the most supportive and inclusive communities I’ve been fortunate to be a part of. We’ve maintained these connections through a group chat, and those of us in the Bay Area have continued to meet up at various tech events throughout the summer. Adding to the excitement, our cohort even made it into a tweet by Jack Dorsey!
If you are reading this and are considering applying to a program like #DevelopHER, I wholeheartedly encourage you to do so. Experiences like these, especially those that incorporate a twitter early career engineering coding challenge, are instrumental in shaping your early career and providing a strong foundation for future success in the tech industry. Consider exploring similar programs such as: [List of similar programs – to be added based on original article if available].
-Adapted from a 2018 Rewriting the Code Fellow experience.
