LeadDev London 2022 Jessie Auguste and Amber Shand

"Learn how leaders can attract, retain, and develop junior engineers by focusing on structured goal setting, effective mentorship, and creating a culture of psychological safety, inclusivity, and growth."

Key takeaways
  • Structured goal setting is essential for juniors to stay motivated and focused
  • Boot camp graduates bring valuable practical skills and diverse perspectives to the workplace
  • Leaders should focus on attracting and retaining diverse talent, rather than solely relying on traditional hiring methods
  • Providing opportunities for growth, development, and recognition can help reduce burnout and turnover among junior engineers
  • Effective mentorship and sponsorship can make a significant difference in the career advancement of junior engineers
  • Psychological safety and inclusivity are crucial for creating a culture where junior engineers feel valued and empowered
  • Leaders should prioritize creating opportunities for learning, growth, and development, and ensure that junior engineers have the resources and support they need to succeed
  • Transparency, communication, and feedback are essential for building trust and fostering a positive work environment
  • Recognizing and addressing systemic biases and discrimination is critical for creating a fair and inclusive workplace
  • Leaders should focus on developing the skills and abilities of junior engineers, rather than simply trying to find the “best” candidate
  • Informal learning and peer-to-peer mentoring can be just as valuable as formal training and coaching
  • Companies should prioritize creating a culture of growth, development, and recognition, rather than solely focusing on individual performance
  • Leaders should communicate the value and impact of smaller tasks and projects, and provide opportunities for junior engineers to take ownership and lead initiatives
  • Providing opportunities for continuous learning and development can help junior engineers build skills and confidence, and stay motivated and engaged
  • Leaders should prioritize creating a culture of psychological safety, inclusivity, and respect, and ensure that junior engineers feel valued and empowered
  • Companies should focus on developing the skills and abilities of junior engineers, rather than simply trying to find the “best” candidate
  • Recognizing and addressing systemic biases and discrimination is critical for creating a fair and inclusive workplace