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Panel discussion at @PyjamasConf with @judy2k and @ixek, facilitated by @lais_bsc.
You can watch on YouTube, but I’m curious to know your answers too!
Q1: How did you get started in the Python
@ThePSF community?
@PyjamasConf #PyjamasConf2020
You can watch on YouTube, but I’m curious to know your answers too!
Q1: How did you get started in the Python
@ThePSF community?@PyjamasConf #PyjamasConf2020
My answer: through the incredible @rgrrl - exceptional advocate for women learning to code. I was struggling along by myself in my PhD and it was her teaching and mentorship that got me actually coding in Python. #PyjamasConf2020
And then @fperez_org for explaining why #OpenSource was worthwhile (in fact, best for science) and @MozillaScience ( @kaythaney @abbycabs @auremoser @shefw et al) for actually training and mentoring me on how to do it! 
#PyjamasConf2020
#PyjamasConf2020
Q2: (I might have missed one in between) What help do you get from the Python community? #PyjamasConf2020
Q3: How do you contribute to #OpenSource while doing your full time job? #PyjamasConf2020
@ixek and @judy2k both say that they mostly contribute through their job, & in spare time focus on educational content rather than core functionality - otherwise it’s too easy to burn out.
@ixek and @judy2k both say that they mostly contribute through their job, & in spare time focus on educational content rather than core functionality - otherwise it’s too easy to burn out.
Q4: How do we help Python community members engaged during #Covid19? Do we want even more online calls after days of online calls?!
@judy2k points out that the great upside is that the video calls are much more accessible than the in person events we used to run #PyjamasConf2020
@judy2k points out that the great upside is that the video calls are much more accessible than the in person events we used to run #PyjamasConf2020
I totally agree! The other thing I’d add is that I think we’re forced into thinking about asynchronous community building in a way that #OpenSource requires but often doesn’t train. Hackathons are good.... but knowing how to interact in issues and PRs is best! #PyjamasConf2020
Q5: What is a developer advocate?
@ixek highlights the diversity of these roles! They differ between companies!
Importantly you’re developing FOR the community TO the company. Not marketing the org to it’s users! (But if you do a good job it might be both!) #PyjamasConf2020
@ixek highlights the diversity of these roles! They differ between companies!
Importantly you’re developing FOR the community TO the company. Not marketing the org to it’s users! (But if you do a good job it might be both!) #PyjamasConf2020
Q6: How do you become a developer advocate?
@judy2k points out that the job adverts are intimidating!! They say at the top that you don’t need every skill, but it can be tough to overcome the imposter syndrome.
@lais_bsc summary: Apply, and find a mentor!
#PyjamasConf2020
@judy2k points out that the job adverts are intimidating!! They say at the top that you don’t need every skill, but it can be tough to overcome the imposter syndrome.
@lais_bsc summary: Apply, and find a mentor!
#PyjamasConf2020
I missed a question about micropython and C - but I’m reflecting on how great the panellists are at saying “help me understand your needs / questions” and “let me find the right person for you to speak with”. SUCH great collaborative skills 
#PyjamasConf2020
#PyjamasConf2020
Now @ixek is explaining her work on #MentoredSprints
Check out the handbook! And please volunteer if you can! Don’t be nervous about joining - you’re exactly the people we need
…https://mentored-sprint-for-diverse-beginners.readthedocs.io/ #PyjamasConf2020
Check out the handbook! And please volunteer if you can! Don’t be nervous about joining - you’re exactly the people we need
…https://mentored-sprint-for-diverse-beginners.readthedocs.io/ #PyjamasConf2020
I had to answer the phone, I think they’re now answering a question on how do you learn new things! Pick the way that works best for you. Book, videos, FRIENDS to work through things with. Learn by doing! #PyjamasConf2020
@lais_bsc recommends the @ThePSF Discord - there’s a channel for beginners where you can ask “silly” questions.
I practiced at women who code evening sessions in Cambridge - we’d go to a pub with laptops & work on things that were hard to fit into regular days #PyjamasConf2020
I practiced at women who code evening sessions in Cambridge - we’d go to a pub with laptops & work on things that were hard to fit into regular days #PyjamasConf2020
Q7: How do you get to be a good speaker? (Both @ixek and @judy2k are excellent presenters!)
Lots of tips but best one is to not wait to be an expert before you give talks. If you’ve JUST learned a skill you’re the absolute right person to give that talk!! #PyjamasConf2020
Lots of tips but best one is to not wait to be an expert before you give talks. If you’ve JUST learned a skill you’re the absolute right person to give that talk!! #PyjamasConf2020
My answer on this is to really care about what you’re talking about, and remember WHY you want to give the talk. I want people to not feel the same frustration & loneliness that I experienced and I think that message comes through in everything I try to teach #PyjamasConf2020
(Giving a talk in someone else’s style, or following a traditional academic format is..... hard and ultimately not very engaging! Be you and you will shine!) #PyjamasConf2020
Q8: How do you deal with the fear of public speaking and when things go wrong!?
Deep breaths! And remember that everyone feels that way #PyjamasConf2020
Deep breaths! And remember that everyone feels that way
#PyjamasConf2020
Haha! Last Q: Python - functional or object oriented?!
Split evenly across the panel
#PyjamasConf2020
Brilliant panel!! Thank you @lais_bsc, @judy2k and @ixek
Split evenly across the panel
#PyjamasConf2020Brilliant panel!! Thank you @lais_bsc, @judy2k and @ixek
