Reading List 2021


New year, new book list! I keep this portion of my blog updated with what I've been reading and what my thoughts were for each book. Have a suggestion for what I should read next? Get in touch!

## The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet - David Mitchell

In progress! I picked this one up because I enjoyed his more recent novel 'Cloud Atlas'. This book is about Dutch VOC merchants in Japan.

## Normal People - Sally Rooney

I was interested in reading this book initially because it's received a ton of acclaim, but ultimately I was disappointed in how superficially the two main character's personas were developed. For some background, this book is about two people who fall in love and are implied to be soulmates, yet continuously break up due to meaningless arguments and get together again out of habit. I enjoyed Rooney's concise writing style and undoubtedly consider her a great writer, but felt that some depth of character could have supported the plot and her characters' relationship. Banging Spotify playlist, I must add.

## On Chesil Beach - Ian McEwan

I read this cover to cover the day I finished Obama's memoir because I simply could not stop reading it. This book is about a newly married couple's falling out on their wedding night, encompassing their preceding relationship and ultimately detailing how the aftermath of a single night can influence you for a lifetime. I think this is a movie with Saoirse Ronan and I will definitely be watching it. Sublime.

## A Promised Land - Barack Obama

I received 'A Promised Land' for my 25th birthday in December, it was the only item I had on my wishlist and, wow, it did not dissapoint. Obama uses this rather thicc book (ie. 700 page chonker) to walk the reader through his senate and presidential campaigns and the first 3.5 years of his administration. As a politics junkie and the US being one of the countries I grew up in, getting an inside look into his decision-making was a delight. It took me a month to read this due to its length and the holidays, but I recommend it to everyone.

## The Crucible - Arthur Miller

This is a play about the Salem witch trials and, wow, what a thriller. I really liked the story, depth of characters.

## The Triffids - John Wyndham

I'll never look at a large plant the same way again. I read this in the middle of the first 2020 lockdown because it had a slightly apocolyptic blurb on the back which was definitely relevant the way the streets of my city were empty. Basically, aggressive, blinding and mysterious plants called Triffids take over central London, then the world, and we're taken on a wild ride as the protagonist navigates his battle against them. It's an instant classic and I really recommend it.

## Shoe Dog - Phil Knight

To be reviewed.

## Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell

To be reviewed.

## A Moment of Lift - Melinda Gates

To be reviewed.

## Under the Banner of Heaven - John Krakauer

To be reviewed.

## Unsheltered - Barbara Kingsolver

To be reviewed.


Advice for New Grads


Hi reader,

This Q&A-style blog post stems from a conversation I had with a new grad at American Express earlier this month. Hopefully it will shed some light on how best to approach a new job and community in technology.

## What advice would you give to a new engineer?

My advice would be to find a mentor, a community and take time to learn about every area in tech. At the start of your journey as an engineer you’ll fall into a role that you’ll work in, and it’s important to stay curious and realise that there are many areas you could go into over the course of your career. You can do this at internal events in your workplace, like attending workshops and talks outside of your scope of expertise, but you can also attend external network events online.

## How can I improve my programming skills?

Your skills will grow in time as you take on more responsibilities at work. A great way to learn is by pair programming with more senior engineers. You can see how they approach problems, debug and release features - this as helped me a lot in the past as I learned new programming languages and processes. In addition, I would take advantage of any subscriptions to learning platforms you may get through work.

Another great place to learn is Free Code Camp’s learning journeys and places like HackerRank and Leetcode for quicker challenges.

## I am interested in public speaking, where can I find new speaker opportunities?

A great way to become a speaker is to join a local or online tech interest network such as the BCS, Ladies of Code or a community that specialises in a technology that interests you. These groups have regular meetings in which members come forward to do quick talks about topics of interest, both technical and non technical. Ladies of Code in particular are a great place to start.

I also recommend applying for calls for speakers at conferences that interest you. <https://www.globaldiversitycfpday.com/> Global Diversity CFP (call for paper) day is also great!

Finally, most workplaces have informal speaking or presentation opportunities that you can take part of.

## I wanted to give back to the tech community through teaching, which organisations can join?

My favourite place to volunteer is with Code First Girls, who I’ve been with for over five years. I teach women how to code through 4 and 8 week web development or Python courses. You can sign up to be an instructor on their website and join a local course, or set one up at your workplace with the help of other engineers. GirlCode is another group that you can be an ambassador for if you’re interested in creating digital content to get more women into the industry.

There are also likely opportunities to teach in schools near you, in person on online. This is a great way to give back to your community.

## Technology is a male-dominated industry, where can I meet other women?

This sounds like quite bold advice, but just try to not let it get to you that much. From my experience, I’ve benefited from joining women in tech networks to be able to interact with a huge number of women in the industry and that’s been very uplifting in times I’ve needed guidance in a situation. There are lots of male and female allies and mentors in tech ready to lend a helping hand, you just have to know where to find them!


The Importance of Community


My first diversity in tech gathering was teaching web development for Code First Girls at the start of my second year of my undergraduate degree at the University of St Andrews. I had been one of few female students taking introductory computer science courses the year prior and had seen enough ‘tech bro culture’ to seek solace elsewhere - the first opportunity being lecturing a crowded lab filled with women like me wanting to learn how to code. Helping other women build confidence and excitement for coding and tech careers was cathartic and fulfilling for me and still is five years on.

Attending network events outside of my company allows me to learn about topics and technologies outside of my focus at work, and lets me meet people I otherwise would not cross paths with whether they hold far more senior positions or live outside of my city.

It goes without saying that you can’t be what you can’t see - it’s really hard to dive into the deep end of a new career without an idea of what your goals are. From my women in tech groups at university like CFG and SHE++ to the broader networks I joined such as BCSWomen Scotland, I learned to pick out which skills and qualities I needed to develop to become the professional I wanted to be from those who attended each meetup, lecture and workshop. Networks are a great place to meet future mentors, role models or people that will guide you to your next role in a more informal setting.

The benefits of joining a network early in my career seemed straightforward - accelerate my growth as a young professional, build a network and learn from lots of interesting people. What I hadn’t expected was to be embraced by my new communities on a more human level, that they would reassure and encourage me when I struggled and cheer me on when I took exciting chances in my life and career.

With most working or studying remotely, there has never been a better time to join your local diversity in tech or technical networks. Joining and contributing to a network allows you to grow your career and expand your horizons to new opportunities, skills and opinions.

Men should also consider attending diversity in tech events to help push the gender equity in tech agenda forward. At BCSWomen we believe that diversity of thought is only possible when everyone’s voices are allowed to be heard, and we encourage men to join our conversations so that we can improve how we discuss and achieve diversity and inclusion in the workplace. In turn, male attendees could find it rewarding to be able to learn about and champion this movement when they return to their workplaces.

Joining a network has increased my awareness of the setbacks that minority groups in tech experience in education and the workplace. When I attend events in my networks, whether it be at work or externally, I listen to how other women have overcome challenges to achieve success in the arcs of their careers. Sharing my story with others and hearing theirs made me realise that I was not alone in my experiences, which in turn fired me up to make the changes I wanted to see in my community.

I want to add that I agree with the adage that turning up is 80% of being successful. Absorbing the wealth of technical knowledge, local market insights and career wisdom from the amazing people that attend network events is priceless. Even as an early career woman in tech or first time attendee you’ll be welcomed with open arms. Surprise yourself with a new experience and turn up to your local women in tech network!

## Footnote

This blog post was originally a case study I wrote for the upcoming British Computer Society book about Women in Technology. I am a reader and working team member for this publication.


How to get into tech: the big guide


A guide from zero to hero

The tech industry is incredibly broad, exciting and overwhelming. The job description ‘software engineer’ is only one of many, many roles needed to keep designing, creating and maintaining code and projects. Here are some paths that may appeal to you!

## *What jobs can I get?*

The tech industry is incredibly broad, exciting and overwhelming. The job description ‘software engineer’ is only one of many, many roles needed to keep designing, creating and maintaining code and projects. Here are some paths that may appeal to you!

### Frontend Engineer

Structures, codes and tests the user interface elements and functionality of the website
Involved in design process.

### Backend Engineer

Structures, codes and tests the server side processes and services of the website

### Fullstack Engineer

A mix of frontend and backend engineering, spans all steps of the software development lifecycle

### Web Developer

Someone who works on developing applications and programmes for the web

### Product Designer

Takes both customer and business requirements in mind when designing applications. Often the link between the engineering team and the UX team

### User Experience Designer

Primarily involved with the customer’s journey. Strong user advocate.

## **Your Learning Journey**

One of the first things I was taught was “don’t learn everything at once”. Choose one of the following that you naturally gravitate to and immerse yourself in it before branching out. I’m focussing on self teaching here.

### Programming (backend)

* Python: useful for data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, object-orientated programming
* Java: the most popular and widespread object oriented programming language in the world
* SQL: managing data

### Design

* Figma (free pro account for students!)
* InVision
* Sketch
* Webflow University (university.webflow.com)
* Fun resource guide! Choose your own adventure! (<https://designresourc.es/>)

### Web development (frontend) & Python (backend)

* [Code First: Girls](https://www.codefirstgirls.org.uk) (free course for female/non-binary students aged 18-25. Paid for female/non-binary identifying outside of that range)
* CodePen
* [FreeCodeCamp](https://www.freecodecamp.com)
* Udemy

## **Beginners ‘Learn to Code’ Resources**

“Where do I start?” is the most common question I get asked. These links are great places to start, to help you define your interests and get hands-on. Most are free, but the paid links are well worth the investment and won’t break the bank.

### Free

* [Code First: Girls](https://www.codefirstgirls.org.uk) student courses
* How to automate the boring stuff Python (Python only)
* Codecademy (free courses cover the start but paid will teach you way more)
* [FreeCodeCamp](https://www.freecodecamp.com)
* Quick questions on HackerRank and LeetCode

### Paid

* Code First: Girls Career Switch courses
* SuperHi
* Udacity
* CodeClan (paid bootcamp in major Scottish cities, replacement for masters degree)

## **Tool Pack**

Get set up with the right tools! Here is the software I use on a daily basis. Pick one of each. All downloads are free and secure.

1. Download a text editor (Atom, IntelliJ, Visual Studio Code)
2. Make a version control account (GitHub, Bitbucket)
3. Choose a browser (Chrome, Firefox)

## **Helpful tech communities**

Having a community you feel at home in is the absolute key to success in the tech industry. These can be local to you, niche tech groups online or generalist meetups. Here are a few in some locations I spend time in or know about.

### Online

* [Code First: Girls](https://www.codefirstgirls.org.uk) (lunchtime talks + free/paid coding courses for women)
* [Codebar](https://www.codebar.io/) (online ‘learn to code’ meetups)

### London

* Rails Girls London

### Scotland

* Women in Technology Scotland (women in tech events)
* BCSWomen (monthly women in tech events)
* Data Science Scotland (Meetups)
* Ladies Of Code (monthly meetup - Glasgow)
* Codebar (various locations, regular ‘learn to code’ sessions)
* Code Craft UK

### Nottingham

* Women in Tech Nottingham

## **Job Boards**

Job boards are a great way to quickly find relevant jobs for your area of interest or find vetted options from your community.

* [She Can Code](https://www.SheCanCode.io)
* [Code First: Girls](https://www.codefirstgirls.org.uk)
* [GirlCode](https://www.girl-code.co.uk)

## **Hackathons + Conferences + Tech Events**

These days everything is online, free and accessible. Attending extracurricular events are part of the developer experience. You’ll learn new skills and technologies, discover new career opportunities and grow your network.

## Hackathons

A fast, timeboxed event where software developers and designers come together to complete one project from concept to finish. It usually has nothing to do with hacking and is almost always accessible for people from all technical skill levels and backgrounds. They’re really exciting and valuable because you get to plan, design, code and present your own project from start to finish. Some hackathons are a working day, but they can last up to 48 continuous hours (sleeping bags included!). Hackathons are an industry staple and most engineers participate in a few a year to get the chance to work on something new and with different people. Hackathons are usually themed by industry (eg. cyber security, health tech, fintech, climate change etc.) and can also be targeted at specific demographics (students, women, internal hackathons). It’s a great way to expand your network and your portfolio, travel to new cities or company offices, and win some cool prizes!

## Conferences

Similarly to other industries, conferences are THE way to improve your craft, learn from the best and make new connections. The tech industry is really good at offering a wide range of local and international conferences. Some are more like festivals! Best part is the free swag.

My favourites: Web Summit (Lisbon), Turing Fest (Edinburgh), Code First: Girls Conference (London), Dublin Tech Summit (Dublin), CodeLand (New York City + digital), CogX AI Summit (London + digital), WeAreTechWomen Conference (London + digital), React Summit (Amsterdam), Women of React (Toronto), Slush Conference (Helsinki)

## **Tech News + Inspirational Content**

I check these pretty much daily and pick out an article here and there to read during the day.

* <Dev.to> (blogs + how to’s + day in the life posts)
* CodePen (web development creative space + sandbox)
* Hacker News (Y Combinator news)
* Wired

## **People I Admire**

Community is EVERYTHING. Learn and be inspired by the best. Here are some accounts I follow on Twitter (my corner of the internet for happy techies). Check them out!

* Cassidy Williams (@twitter)
* Pauline Narvas (@twitter)
* Femke (@twitter) (YouTube)
* R Nabors (@twitter)
* Tiny Keycap Maker (@twitter)
* Alexandra Radu (@twitter)
* Jennifer Opal (@twitter)
* Beverly Newing (@twitter)
* Tanjie (@twitter)
* Mia (@twitter)
* Naia (@twitter)
* Holly Boothroyd (@twitter)


Hello, world!


Hey everyone! My name is Sjoukje and I'm an engineer based (remotely!) in Amsterdam. Usually I'm living it up in Glasgow but COVID-19 had other plans this year. 2020 was racing along at a speed I could almost not keep up with (events! panels! public speaking!) and when lockdown started and my holiday plans were dashed in March, I had some proper burn out symptoms. So I took a break! I finished teaching the Code First: Girls course I was doing at Strathclyde, took a step back from event organising with BCSWomen, and tried to focus on myself and my family.

The pandemic hit my community hard. I saw friends lose their jobs, recent grads not find jobs - people I'm close to were (and still are) very worried for the future that had previously seemed within reach. People I knew and didn't know started reaching out to me for advice on courses they could take, books they could read, companies I thought were cool and were still hiring, local tech communities that they could join to get them out of stressing about employment and in a career they enjoy and feel secure in. One night I put out a post asking if anyone was interested in this, and it received attention from 11 countries. This pandemic is a gamechanger for young people and they've known a long time that coding is a futureproof skill.

The reason I started this space was to provide resources for people who want to start long and happy careers in technology. I will aim to provide connections to communities, organisations and job boards I admire and have benefited from myself. I will also help demystify some common terms that fly around in the industry (what the heck is a hackathon? a sprint? a unicorn?)

I'm also starting something called Office Hours. If you would like my time, please book a slot for us to chat in the 'Let's Talk' tab! I've had lots of advice sessions and this is a way for me to streamline.

Sjoukje

PS. I've also added a wee option to give me a coffee. If you feel you've enjoyed my content, make my day! I may develop some stickers or something soon!


Sjoukje Ijlstra

Harvard Tech Education Grad Student & Fullstack Software Engineer ✨

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