Should established programmers make an effort to help young programmers establish their careers?

Question

Many companies require a programmer to have a couple of years of experience before they will consider them for a position. With that in mind what role should experienced/established programmers play in lobbying and "opening doors" for younger developers to help them build experience and grow in their careers? While everyone is in competition for jobs, is it beneficial to the industry and/or just a "nice thing to do" to provide an "apprentice" like culture to develop young talented programmers?

Answer 1

I don't think there's any obligation. However, given the extreme shortage of competent developers I think this will happen anyway if a young developer shows promise.

Answer 2

It is good to teach, it helps cement things I've learned recently in my mind at least. If you've got a strong team then you should be looking to have a learner or two for the advantages it passes both ways

Answer 3

I think they should:

1. Someone probably helped you at some point to get where you are
2. You'd be surprised at just how much you can learn from young developers

Answer 4

G'day,

I'd say a definite yes to this.

By helping younger programmers you also get the chance to learn something new from them at the same time. I have learnt quite a bit from actively interacting with programmers "fresh from the farm".

It also gives you a chance to improve your own presentation skills because you are in effect, teaching them.

HTH

cheers,

Answer 5

All great programmers had to start somewhere. Getting a very bright person and showing them the ropes is almost as rewarding as shipping. :) Almost.

As for mentoring junior developers, it only makes sense. It benefits you in that teaching is a great way to cement your knowledge. I find that I understand things better after (trying to) explain things to other people. It is a win-win there. The other benefit is you get a better developer on your current project. That can do nothing but make everybodies life better.

Answer 6

The role of fresh-out programmers is completely different depending on the company and the industry. In some situations, having interneship programs nad investing in recent graduates is a great way to build a future of well trained developers for a company.

However, there are other companies or industries ... consulting, for example ... in which the nature of the business makes having inexperienced developers impractical.

So, lobying for interns or recent grads within a company isn't something that is globally good or bad - it depends.

On the other hand, contributing to the advancement of new blood in an industry can be taken on as a personal responsibility for those that are interested. There are a number of mentorship programs, ways to become involved in local universities, sponsordhip of college projects, etc. This is often a great way to help get new developers some knowledge needed to get past that first interview.

Whether a senior level developer should feel obligated to open doors for young programmers is going to be a matter of personal preference, always has been, always will be. For those that are interested, there is a way to contribute that will work for you, work for your company, and work for the new blood.

Answer 7

I agree with most authors that learning a young programmer is profitable for both sides (for senior and junior). This should not be only an obligation of senior programmers. Companies that need programmers, need to have a politics that will help young people to learn in education centers, create summer coding camps etc.

Answer 8

Absolutely. For one thing, you have to work with this person. A competent coworker who looks up to you is going to make for a much more pleasant work environment than an incompetent coworker whom you do your best to ignore. Not to mention that teaching is one of the best ways to learn - I've improved my understanding of a lot of fundamentals by answering "newbie" questions over the years.

Probably the most important reason in my mind, though, is that when given the choice between being a jerk and trying to help people, everybody involved (including you!) will almost always be happier in the long run if you're nice to each other.