We all dive into learning programming languages, frameworks, and the latest tech. But the longer I’ve been coding, the more I’ve noticed that some of my most valuable skills didn’t come from typing away at a keyboard.
For me, project management has been a game changer. Figuring out how to plan tasks, prioritize what’s important, chat with different teammates, and keep projects on track has been just as crucial as knowing a new framework.
Another surprise has been public speaking. Hosting the freeCodeCamp Podcast en Español has really helped me become a better communicator and ask better questions.
What’s a skill you’ve picked up outside of programming that’s made you a better developer?
Maybe it’s teaching, writing, music, customer service, sports, design, woodworking, parenting, volunteering, or something totally different.
I’d love to hear your story and how that skill has shaped the way you create software or collaborate with others.
Speaking well/speaking skills. I think it’s important especially if you’re more of a freelance dev because you have to sell yourself and maybe someone will prefer your personality over another’s because you are nicer to work with?
Definitely volunteering and helping with code issues on the forum. Before joining the forum I’d understand just the bare minimum, then move onto the next topic. A lot of times I found myself forgetting earlier material. After joining the forum, I’d have to have a deeper awareness of the person asking the question, what particular problem they were facing, how to answer their question without directly giving away the answer.
Now I can look at a problem from slightly different angles and see other opportunities. Instead of focusing only on solving the immediate problem, I can also see potential benefits or drawbacks could happen from taking a particular approach. This really helps when giving feedback on projects.
I’m also constantly reminded of past projects on the curriculum, so the learning never stops / wanes. Methods like .map(), .forEach(), .reduce(), and .filter()were really difficult to learn in the beginning, are now second nature.
Honestly, my critical thinking skills that are essential to programming came from my love of both puzzles and mathematics. It has served me well in handling edge cases when writing functions, as Python is my main language.
I 
agree! For some, it’s just natural to love solving puzzles or be comfortable with math. But as parents, encouraging our kids to dive into strategy board games or puzzles can really benefit them down the line.
I’m so grateful my kid loves puzzles, simple strategy games like Sequence for kids, and math. I know it’ll be great for him, no matter what career path he picks.
Love it. Thank you for sharing and definitely for being an active leader in the community, helping others. Essentially, you are teaching what you know, and by repeating this, you are solidifying your learning as well.
Freelancing offers a ton of benefits and skills that I think every developer should experience at some point, ideally early in their career journey.
Yeah especially if you prefer to work solo, it’s less stressful.