Developing Senior Skills: A Diary-Based Exploration by a Junior Software Engineer
Korpimäki, Amaru (2024)
Korpimäki, Amaru
2024
All rights reserved. This publication is copyrighted. You may download, display and print it for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohibited.
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024052315043
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024052315043
Tiivistelmä
This diary-based thesis explores the professional development of a Junior Software Engineer at a Finnish procurement analytics company, during an eight-week period from September 18th, 2023, to December 1st, 2023. The thesis documents the daily tasks and experiences encountered by the junior developer, while also investigating the essential skills required for novice software engineers to transition into more senior roles.
By examining the daily activities and challenges faced by the Junior Software Engineer, the thesis aims to identify the key competencies that differentiate junior and senior software engineers and to analyze the professional growth obtained after the reporting period.
The research employed a diary-based methodology to document the Junior Software Engineer’s experiences over the eight-week timeframe. Through daily entries, the thesis captures the practical aspects of the junior developer's role while also reflecting on the skills and knowledge required for success in more senior positions. The analysis of these entries allows for the identification of key skill gaps and areas for development that junior software engineers should focus on to progress in their careers.
The diary entries revealed that effective communication and strong technical skills are crucial for junior software engineers aiming for more senior roles. Daily experiences highlighted the importance of clear communication in collaborating with senior developers and other stakeholders. Furthermore, the entries emphasized the need for a robust technical skillset to tackle complex problems and contribute to software projects. By focusing on refining these core competencies, junior software engineers can improve their possibilities to move to more senior positions.
By examining the daily activities and challenges faced by the Junior Software Engineer, the thesis aims to identify the key competencies that differentiate junior and senior software engineers and to analyze the professional growth obtained after the reporting period.
The research employed a diary-based methodology to document the Junior Software Engineer’s experiences over the eight-week timeframe. Through daily entries, the thesis captures the practical aspects of the junior developer's role while also reflecting on the skills and knowledge required for success in more senior positions. The analysis of these entries allows for the identification of key skill gaps and areas for development that junior software engineers should focus on to progress in their careers.
The diary entries revealed that effective communication and strong technical skills are crucial for junior software engineers aiming for more senior roles. Daily experiences highlighted the importance of clear communication in collaborating with senior developers and other stakeholders. Furthermore, the entries emphasized the need for a robust technical skillset to tackle complex problems and contribute to software projects. By focusing on refining these core competencies, junior software engineers can improve their possibilities to move to more senior positions.