Why did you decide to become a mentor?
I decided to become a mentor because I love challenges and learning about other people’s projects. I have been coding for more than six years, and I have gained a lot of experience and skills that I want to share with others who are eager to learn and grow.
It is also a great way for me to acquire knowledge by supporting other projects. Moreover, it has helped me to continue providing value for the tech community with my blog at https://blog.victorgarciar.com. Furthermore, I enjoy helping people overcome their difficulties and achieve their goals, whether it is learning a new tool, changing careers, or building a product. Being a mentor also helps me improve my own communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. These skills are key for future career development.
How did you get your career start?
I started in the AI field, when it wasn't that popular. I created an AI parking lot system detector along with some more complex projects that earned me two publications. After that, I transitioned to a more development focused role since I didn't consider the PhD. At that time, I learned about Docker, Kubernetes and Terraform to help AI PhD students deploy their amazing models into production environments. After that, I worked in a full cloud project in AWS, which made me achieve the Architect Certificate.
Next, I was fortunate enough to land an interview with my current company. They offered me a position as a DevOps engineer, which was an incredible opportunity to work on various projects. I am now working as a complete Full stack & DevOps, using Java, Python, TypeScript, Angular, Terraform, Kubernetes, and Cloud technologies. This role allowed me to gain hands-on experience and deepen my understanding of these tools and technologies. It was challenging but also very rewarding, as I was able to contribute to the team’s success and learn from my colleagues.
It allowed me to control the complete process of a software product, from conception to production deployment in the cloud. This experience has shaped my career and continues to inspire me as a mentor.
What do mentees usually come to you for?
Mentees usually come to me for a variety of reasons. Some are looking to learn new tools or skills, while others are seeking advice on changing jobs or careers. Some mentees are building a product and need help with technical challenges, while others are preparing for coding interviews and need practice and feedback. I provide them with resources, guidance, and hands-on support to help them achieve their goals. I also assist them in creating a study plan, optimizing their resume and LinkedIn profile, and developing their soft skills.
Likewise, I try as hard as I can to adapt to their needs while they are in my range of skills. I consider that dedication and adaptability are the core of a successful mentorship.
Ultimately, my goal as a mentor is to empower my mentees to become confident and capable developers who can solve problems on their own and provide guidelines to help them grow after our partnership.
What's been your favourite mentorship success story so far?
One of my most memorable mentorship experiences involves a mentee named Tig. He was in his early 50s and had been working in IT support for over 20 years. He felt that he was not growing professionally and wanted to switch to DevOps Engineering.
When Tig first approached me, he was unsure if it was too late for him to make such a significant career change. I reassured him that it’s never too late to learn and grow, and we immediately got to work. We started with the basics of Java, Kubernetes, and Argo CD. Tig was initially overwhelmed by the complexity of these technologies, but he was determined to master them.
After several months of hard work, Tig built a fully automated CI/CD pipeline for a demo project using Kubernetes, ArgoCD, and Java. This project showcased his new skills and demonstrated his ability to adapt and learn.
Tig's journey was not easy, but his determination and willingness to learn were inspiring. His success story serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to change careers and learn new skills.
What are you getting out of being a mentor?
Being a mentor is an incredibly rewarding experience for me. It allows me to share my knowledge and experience with others, and in the process, I also learn a lot from my mentees. Their unique perspectives and challenges often push me to think differently and expand my own understanding. It’s a two-way street of learning and growth.
Moreover, it gives me a sense of fulfillment. Seeing them overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and grow in their careers is truly gratifying. It’s amazing to know that I’ve played a part in their journey.