Code & Conscience #005: The Career Issue

Erica Stanley

Engineering Leader, Community Builder, Speaker, Contributor

Code & Conscience #005

Code & Conscience is my way of thinking out loud with friends (that’s you, btw) about how we as technologists–builders, creators, leaders–impact the world around us with what we choose to build and how we build it.

In this Issue

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Community as a Superpower

How community and networking is the secret recipe to thriving, growing and getting opportunities.

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Building Resilience in Your Career

Here are some tips to navigate the current job market and economy.

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On My Bookshelf

A few personal and career development books on my read or want-to-read list, plus bonus: community and career content from REFACTR.TECH

Community as a Superpower for Growing Your Career

When I first started out, I thought good work would speak for itself. That, if I kept my head down and delivered, the right people would notice and opportunities would come. But what I’ve learned, sometimes have to re-learn, and what I want you to know, is that community matters just as much as your skills.

I still remember being terrified to speak at my first event. I got up on stage, introduced myself with a few quick sentences, and rushed off as fast as I could. That same person now gives keynotes and leads workshops around the world. What changed? A ton of practice to grow those skills? Absolutely. But what made even more impact? Having a community that encouraged me, believed in me, and created space for me to grow.

Building that strong community is less about transactional networking, and more about creating genuine, meaningful relationships. It's a superpower for growing your career, providing benefits that go far beyond just finding your next job.

A supportive community offers crucial emotional reassurance, helping you navigate career challenges and transitions with more confidence. Community members can also open doors to new opportunities through referrals and recommendations you might not find otherwise. Engaging with others helps you gain fresh perspectives and develop valuable skills like communication and leadership. In fast-paced fields like tech, community learning can help you rapidly upskill and stay up-to-date.

The foundation of building community is to create value – share a skill, perspective, or accomplishment that makes you valuable to others. Then, deploy this value by contributing to others' success without requiring anything in return. Being authentic and generous builds trust and strengthens relationships. Here’s how to build community at different points in your career journey:

Starting Out: Focus on participating and learning. Attend local events and conferences (look for student/recent grad discounts). Connect with your alma mater or local alumni chapters. Volunteer to meet people and gain experience. Join activity-based groups around your interests; these can lead to unexpected career connections. Even if you feel you have little to offer professionally, you can provide value by making introductions between people you know.
As You Advance: Get more involved in professional associations – join committees or boards. Leverage social media like LinkedIn, YouTube, and Bluesky to share your expertise and engage in industry conversations. Consider mentoring, teaching, or speaking–all three help expand your network. Continue attending targeted events and look for opportunities to collaborate.
During Career Transitions: Your community is a vital support system during uncertainty. Reconnect with former colleagues. Attend industry events or join job search accountability groups for motivation and leads. Remember, it's about being present with real people who understand your path.

Your community can open doors, offer insight, and remind you of your value when you forget. Whether you are actively looking for a new role or just thinking about what comes next, your network is one of your greatest assets. But it’s not just about asking for help. Show up for others too. Help them shine. That energy comes back around!

And keep in mind, you don’t need a huge following. You need real people who know what you’re about. Join communities with intention. Stay connected. Be the person who makes others feel welcome. Because the truth is, community isn't just how we survive in tech. It's how we thrive.

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Building Resilience in Your Career

Building a career in tech right now takes more than skill. It also takes resilience. The kind that doesn’t always look brave. The kind that shows up even after another rejection email. That keeps learning, keeps connecting, even when it feels like no one is watching.

The market is tough. There’s no easy fix for that.

If you're job hunting, keep your network close. Let people know what you’re looking for, and stay open to new conversations. Also try to upskill, explore, and learn. Whether it’s a new tool, a new role, or a new way of working, this industry is shifting, and you can move with it.

Erica speaking on a panel for Atlanta Black Tech on the state of software engineers in Atlanta.

One way I've found to build a resilient career is to think of the long story arc of your career--the novel, rather than just individual jobs, seasons, or chapters in your story. This has helped me think intentionally and strategically about the story I want to tell, rather than getting bogged down in details.

For instance, I once took a significant pay cut for a role that offered a ton of growth and learning opportunities. I got so much more than I bargained for. Not only did I learn what I set out to learn, and more, from an extremely talented dream team, but that role also became an inflection point in my career--establishing multiple branches that I'm still growing and exploring today. While the pay cut may not be required, how can you tailor your search for your next adventure in terms of milestones in the larger arc of your career?

This season will ask a lot of you. But you're not in it alone. Keep showing up for yourself. Keep showing up for your community. That’s a form of resilience.

What are some other ways you're building resilience in your career? I'd love to hear from you and share with the Code & Conscience community.