Reflecting on Seven Years in Santiago: My Path in the Tech Industry
Almost seven years ago, I arrived in Santiago, Chile from Mexico. Having never been here before, I was unsure of what to expect. I remember being curious about my new job, colleagues, and the challenges ahead in a prominent startup founded years before. What I experienced during those first five and half years was valuable for me in terms of my professional career, I met great and passionate tech people. I gained valuable experience, being involved in recruitment, interviewing devs identifying which skills and values can fit our team.
On the technical side, I have always been someone who values reading and staying informed, but when it comes to making decisions, I rely more on my own experience and common sense rather than strictly following what the books say. This practical approach has guided me in working on evolving, well-designed architectures and being responsible for many of the technical decisions. When I’d been promoted to Technical Lead, I saw how by involving my teammates in technical discussions, we were able to create a sense of ownership over the product, which resulted in a more stable and cohesive team with less turnover during that time even during the pandemic.
Of course, many things have changed during the last few years, that startup was acquired by big tech, and the culture changed, and those enriching experiences came to a close, prompting me to seek new horizons.
On my community side, I’ve been involved with some developer communities like the community of Android and Kotlin. A lot of the content I consume to learn about different technologies and keep me up-to-date is thanks to people who share what they’ve learned so I’m committed to giving back to the community what I learn. Also, I believe that people grow not only by themselves but also by sharing what they learned and encouraging others to learn and grow. Building a strong community is not an easy task, but helps us to create strong connections and make some friends.
As I reflect on these years of growth and the dynamic experiences I have had, I’m reminded of the importance of being part of a team and a mission that truly resonates with me. I continue to seek out opportunities that challenge me and align with my passions, allowing me to contribute meaningfully and grow alongside like-minded professionals. I remain committed to pursuing excellence in every project I undertake, looking forward to what the future holds.
If you’d like to discuss these experiences or explore potential opportunities together, I’d be happy to grab a coffee or a drink and chat about it.
#thoughts #chile #developer
