How does someone become a successful Staff-Plus Engineer? It is probably a mix of technical skills and having the right opportunities. But what if you don't have access to the best opportunities or the right contacts? What if you didn't study in an Ivy League university or live in a city that does not have a relevant tech scene? How can you learn from the best engineers and access the latest technologies if your current job doesn't give you this kind of opportunity?

In this talk, I'll share the secret that changed my life and paved my path to becoming a successful Staff-Plus engineer against all odds: community engagement.

#Main Takeaways

• Developer communities encourage sharing of what you know with others, being a safe space to you grow as a reference in your field;

• Organizing communities teach you how to curate technical content, enabling you to make informed decisions on your company's architecture;

• Community engagement provides motivation and encouragement on the long path towards a Staff-Plus career;

• Communities are an opportunity multiplier and can help you build a network of peers and open up chances to find mentors and role models in your field;