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Bench Playbook
Status In progress
Assign Tushar Vaghela
Discussed on @August 14, 2023
Bench Playbook for Software Engineers
Being on the bench provides an opportunity for software engineers to invest in their professional growth and
contribute to the organization in different ways. Here are some activities to consider during this period (Not in this
particular order)
✍🏻 Write Blog Posts
Share your knowledge and insights by writing detailed blog posts on relevant topics. Choose topics that are not
only interesting but also align with your expertise and the needs of the industry. Conduct thorough research,
provide valuable insights, and present your ideas in a clear and engaging manner. This not only helps you
strengthen your expertise but also contributes to the company's thought leadership.
ℹ️ Check this for inspiration - https://www.proximity.blog/
🏋🏻 Update Skills
Use this time to enhance your skills and stay up to date with the latest technologies and industry trends. Identify
areas where you can improve and seek out online courses, tutorials, or books that can help you acquire new
knowledge. Attend webinars or virtual workshops to learn from industry experts and gain practical insights.
Dedicate regular time to practice and apply what you learn to real-world scenarios. By continuously updating your
skills, you can ensure that you are well-prepared for future projects and opportunities.
Bench Playbook 1
ℹ️ Check this for learning resources -
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11Zfo27AV62gRnVoWmsmm1B0Frrk4aiAEOpGd_wFAenI/edit?
usp=sharing
🎙️ Prepare for Tech Talks
Take advantage of the bench period to prepare and present technical talks within the organization or at external
events. Choose topics that are relevant, and interesting, and showcase your expertise. Invest time in researching,
structuring, and practising your presentation to ensure that you deliver a compelling talk. Engage with the
audience, address their questions, and provide valuable insights. This not only allows you to showcase your
expertise but also helps you build your professional network and gain recognition in the industry.
🏟️ Prepare Topics for Tech Conferences
Identify interesting topics related to our field and start preparing proposals for tech conferences. Research the
conference themes and target audience to tailor your proposals accordingly. Clearly articulate the problem you aim
to address, the methodology you plan to follow, and the expected outcomes of your talk. Highlight your expertise
and the unique perspective you bring to the topic. By presenting at conferences, you can boost your visibility,
establish yourself as a subject matter expert, and create valuable connections within the industry.
💬 Prepare / Post Topics for Social Media
Engage with the developer community by sharing valuable content on social media platforms. Prepare topics,
tutorials, or code snippets that can benefit other developers and spark discussions. Create informative and visually
appealing posts that provide insights, tips, or solutions to common challenges. Use hashtags and relevant tags to
reach a wider audience and encourage interaction. Engaging with the community not only helps you build your
personal brand but also opens up opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
📄 Create Case Studies
Document and create detailed case studies highlighting interesting challenges you encountered and the solutions
you implemented in your previous projects. Describe the problem, the steps you took to address it, and the
outcomes you achieved. Include code snippets, diagrams, or any other relevant visuals to provide a
comprehensive understanding of the project. Emphasize the impact of your work and the lessons you learned
along the way. Case studies serve as valuable references for future projects, showcase your problem-solving skills,
and can be used as portfolio material to demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers or clients.
🔮 Contribute to open-source projects
Collaborate with other developers and contribute to open-source projects. Explore popular open-source
repositories and find projects that align with your interests and skills. Contribute code, documentation, or bug fixes
to improve the project's functionality or user experience. Engage with the project community, seek feedback on
your contributions, and learn from experienced developers. Contributing to open-source projects not only allows
you to gain practical experience working on diverse projects but also helps you improve your coding skills,
collaborate effectively, and make a positive impact on the software community.
💁🏻 Mentor Junior Engineers
Take the opportunity to mentor junior engineers within the organization. Share your knowledge, experiences, and
insights to guide them in their professional development journey. Offer guidance on best practices, help them
navigate challenges, and provide constructive feedback on their work. Foster a supportive and collaborative
environment where they can learn and grow. By mentoring others, you not only contribute to their growth but also
enhance your leadership skills and deepen your understanding of the subject matter.
🎫
Bench Playbook 2
🎫 Attend Virtual Events and Webinars
Participate actively in virtual events and webinars to stay connected with the industry and learn from experts.
Explore a wide range of events, including conferences, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions.
Engage in live discussions, ask questions, and share your perspectives. Take notes and reflect on the insights
gained. Virtual events and webinars provide valuable opportunities to expand your knowledge, stay updated with
industry trends, and connect with like-minded professionals. These interactions can also lead to valuable
collaborations and networking opportunities in the future.
Remember, being on the bench is an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. Embrace it, and make the most
out of this period to enhance your skills, broaden your knowledge, and contribute to your professional
development.
ℹ️ Check this for upcoming events -
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Ig5m4zumkGNbsDWWwPvOPObh53EEo1839Zc6V56N7r4/edit?
usp=sharing
Bench Playbook 3