If you're a programmer, you should begin writing on Medium immediately. As a software engineer myself, I started, and the benefits are immense. Once you dive in, you'll swiftly see its advantages. There's so much to gain.
Many software engineers overlook the value of writing articles, assuming it's a waste of time.
However, there's a scarcity of articles on crucial tech topics like testing and domain-driven design. Quality content in these areas is in high demand, and software engineers play a pivotal role in providing it.
While writing might not be top-of-mind for developers seeking career advancement, it's an overlooked skill that can significantly boost their professional standing in the tech industry. Amidst the rush to learn new languages and frameworks, honing writing skills could be a game-changer.
In our exploration, we connected with Serhat Ozdursun, a seasoned QA tester and lead with 12 years of experience within Index.dev's network of high-performing developers. He shed light on how writing articles propelled his career forward, securing him not just a high-paying job but an engaging project at Poq Studio Ltd in the eCommerce sector, facilitated by Index.dev back in August 2013.
Let’s delve into Serhat's story and the impact of writing on his career!
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A bit about Serhat
I’m from Turkey and I have 12 years of extensive experience within software testing as both a QA Tester and QA Lead. I specialize in automation (UI, API, and Mobile) and excel in delivering quality outcomes across various domains.
If you’re new to engineering, you might think software development happens in quiet rooms with developers writing code independently. Software engineering isn't just individual coding; it's a team sport.
My leadership skills have been finely tuned over nearly four years, allowing me to mentor and guide teams effectively. Throughout my career, I've crafted test automation projects with Java, worked extensively on API automation, and delved into mobile and UI testing, including performance testing. As a Quality Assurance Team Lead at Apsiyon (my previous project), I restructured testing processes, initiated automation projects from scratch, and trained the entire test team.
My tech expertise spans Java, C-sharp, RestSharp, Appium, Selenium, CI/CD in Azure, Cucumber, Node.js, Gauge, and Cypress.io, applied across insurance, property management, banking, payment systems, e-commerce, and fintech sectors.
I've become an adept instructor in test automation, sharing knowledge with QA professionals worldwide for six years. My remote career started in 2020, enabling me to refine communication, ownership, and teamwork skills across three tech companies.
- Technologies: Typescript, Java, C-sharp, RestSharp, Appium, Selenium, CI/CD in Azure, Cucumber, Node.js, Gauge, and Cypress.io
- Sectors worked in: Insurance, smart property management, banking, payment systems, e-commerce, and fintech.
Also read: The FinTech Revolution: Transforming Finance with Technology
Additionally, I've been writing on Medium since 2021, exploring QA-related topics.
This journey led me to Index.dev, where I joined their remote-work platform in August 2023. Presently, I'm engaged as a full-time QA Automation Engineer at Poq Studio Ltd, a UK eCommerce startup, working on platform automation, regression testing, and crafting new test cases using Appium Selenium with Java for mobile applications.
Writing articles expands knowledge and offers solutions. I believe my writing played a role in my assignment to this project.
Also read: Managing Payload and Response Without Java POJOs in Rest-Assured
Serhat’s writing path
After a decade in software engineering, mainly in QA roles while working remotely for various startups, I toyed with the idea of writing on Medium to share insights with other Quality Assurance professionals. But my comfort zone kept me from taking that leap—I made excuses: "Plenty of articles cover the same topics," "No time, "Not good enough to teach," “Never reach a wide audience,” and more.
Then, while seeking tutorials, I realized I had to sift through numerous articles for clear information. That's when I thought, "Maybe I can share my daily QA experiences in writing and make it valuable for others." I initially wrote in Turkish but switched to English for a wider reach. Within a day, I published my first article, shared it, and received positive feedback despite limited distribution.
Encouraged, I continued writing – a second, a third, and so on. Years later, Index.dev contacted me, expressing interest in my articles for their software engineering community. I was impressed – how did they find me without any outreach from my end? I accepted, and my articles gained traction.
Soon after, Index.dev offered me an open QA role for a startup. After thorough vetting and interviews, I secured a year-long full-time overseas assignment.
Why you should start writing, especially in tech
Though my journey might be unique (few engineers venture into writing and catch the eye of tech remote-work platforms), writing is a crucial skill in software development. From my experience, here's why you should give it a shot:
1. Risk almost nil
Why not try? Worst case, you reach a few readers. It's better than spending hours on Netflix or gaming.
Fuse your tech expertise into content covering areas like DevOps tricks, product management tips, CTO advice, technical account handling, and beyond.
2. Challenge yourself to dive deep
If not for others, do it for yourself. Stop making excuses and delve into areas where you feel lacking. Master it by explaining solutions to a wider community of developers. It's not just about coding solutions; it's about articulating them effectively. This demands thorough research and expertise.
Reflect on recent coding challenges. Share how you tackled these technical puzzles regularly, and you'll build a library of technical posts surpassing many engineers.
3. You will find your readers
In just 8 articles, I received numerous reactions and positive feedback across social media platforms, gaining connections on LinkedIn. The majority supported my work.
My Medium blog delves into QA challenges I've efficiently tackled, covering areas like restructuring testing processes, low code development, and detailed explorations of various tools and technologies.
4. Get noticed & stand out in tech
For software engineers, writing about programming sets you apart, demonstrating your passion for the job and elevating you above others. It's more impactful than simply listing skills on your CV.
I constantly jot down new article ideas, often inspired by challenging tasks at work. Sorting through these ideas, I aim to pick topics beneficial to the community and enjoyable for me. Usually, 3-5 ideas resonate, becoming my focus for writing.
5. Expand your network, unlock opportunities
Networking fills up to 85% of job vacancies. It's important to have the right skills, but if interviewers already know you, you're almost guaranteed to land the job.
Consistent article writing helps establish your presence. Your articles won't go unnoticed in the interconnected world, allowing interviewers to learn about you even before meeting.
While writing might not match software development in terms of earning, hybrid roles like technical writing, developer relations, and technical training offer good salaries and growth prospects. Many developers may not explore these paths, but awareness of these opportunities is valuable.
Also read: What could be done to integrate Azure Test Plan with Java Test Automation projects
Just do it
I urge you to start, no matter how. Ditch excuses; if you've been considering writing or starting a blog, take the plunge.
Writing is crucial in modern software development, especially with remote work on the rise. Start small with tasks like answering queries on Stack Overflow, engaging forums like Quora or Reddit or improving internal documentation.
Consider platforms like Medium, Dev.to, and Hashnode for your blog.
Share your thoughts – I'm here to help!