* From Big Android BBQ 2016 conference * Have you considered making the jump from Indie to the Big Leagues? Being an Android contractor for large companies? It really is a whole different world. Here is what to know before you make the jump, whether or not it's for you, and what it can mean for your career. We will also go over what to look for in that next career jump and how to not end up in a "cushy" job where you sink into obscurity.

1. So you want to be a
Corporate Developer?
By Stacy Devino - BABBQ 2016

2. • Senior Android Innovator at The Home Depot
Dallas Technology Center
• Works on Consumer Mobile App and Internal
Product Innovation
• Six Sigma BlackBelt, Intel Innovator, DMS Member,
Vintage game collector/restorer
• Women Techmakers Lead for Dallas/ Ft. Worth
STACY DEVINO
WEBSITES
www.stacydevino.com
www.ledgoes.com
www.openbrite.com
EMAIL
childofthehorn@gmail.com
nerds@openbrite.com
G+
https://plus.google.com/+St
acyDevino
TWITTER
@DoesitPew

3. Truth Is...
But, I can comment on my own experiences and those shared to me by others.

4. The Survey
~100 Professional Android Developers
What does the landscape like?
Dev-mographics on professional Android developers (primarily in the US)
Best General Advice
Tidbits and General advice left from those more experienced for those to come.
We gonna to talk about...
Types of DevsSurvey Says Doing the Job at Scale

5. Dev Survey
• ~100 Professional Devs
• Multiple Choice and fill in the
Blank
• Posted through a couple public
channels and many private
ones
Thanks if you Took the Survey!

6. The Lay of the Land

8. Working
Status

9. In the Workplace
“ Programming requires creativity
and women are powerful creative,
creative power that grows another
next generation. When I fall into that
bias trap, I get out and head to
another place where I can be
productive and contribute. It ain't
easy, but it's all I can do. Staying to
fight would mean I'm not coding so I
turn and run.”
“I feel more valuable at
a small company, and
less like a cog in the
machine. “
General
“The problem of
our friends is the
next our great app.”
“How interviews are conducted
is regional. Mountain View area
tends to prefer recent
graduates. Portland tends to
prefer extensive experience.”
“Get broad knowledge, keep
up with tech.”
WFH
“Remote work is
the f*cking best
thing ever.”
“Don't work from home
if you're renovating a
house, or if you have
stay-at home kids.”
Best Advice

10. Indie / Independent Contractors
Working For yourself, working by yourself, or working on your own terms.
Start-ups
Is the opportunity worth the risk?
Small/Medium Size Companies
Small and Nimble, but prone to imperfection.
Pixel Pushing or Being Everything
Types of DevsSurvey Says Doing the Job at Scale
Large Companies
We have had to become technology companies in order to stay relevant and generate revenue,
but not everyone knows what you do or how you do it (No, I will not fix your computer.)

12. TheIndependents
TheOneManShowandHiredGuns
According to the Dev-mographics:
Most of those who are Independents have 10+ Years of Programming Experience and
Primarily the rest have 5-10 years of Programming Experience; as well as have worked at
Small/Medium sized Tech companies.

13. TheIndependents
Positives
According to the Comments:
Freedom of work, getting to pick your own projects, and flexibility seem to be the prime
motivators.

14. TheIndependents
Negatives
According to the Comments:
Taxes, estimation, setting up contracts, not always having work, lack of benefits. It’s tough
and those years of experience seem to help.

15. Startups
Harderthanthesuccessstories Reality
Perception

16. Small/Medium
We<3Technology
According to the Dev-mographics:
More newer developers in both overall programming experience and android-specific
experience. More females have worked in small companies than in large or independently.

17. Small/Medium
Positives
According to the Comments:
Agility to move quickly with more duties, but less process. People feel as though they know
each other and have personal impact.

18. Small/Medium
Negatives
According to the Comments:
Wearing more hats means you work longer hours for less pay and have less opportunity to
advance as you are a more critical player. Never enough time for short deadlines!

19. Large
BigTechinevenBiggerindustries
According to the Dev-mographics:
Many relatively new to Android developers (1-3) who have more overall programming
experience (5+ years). Many more high-level positions currently held than other groups.

20. Large
Positives
According to the Comments:
Resources to get the job done and benefits means you can afford to take time off without
having to worry about losing your job. Doing a proper job comfortably.

21. Large
Negatives
According to the Comments:
Bureaucracy and red tape can make development go slowly. The process chains are
extensive.

23. User Considerations
Working at Scale, Becoming a “Method” Actor
Understanding Your Customer
It’s not always your User
Navigating the Boat
Big Boats and Small, all have their best way to cross the ocean.
I’m on a Boat
Types of DevsSurvey Says Doing the Job at Scale

24. Become a “Method” Actor to
surprise and delight in ways
that are unexpected
Understanding your User
You != Your App User
Do your own Customer Research
Understand the various customers you
have
Test on something 2+ years old that
will support the previous release of the
lastest OS version
Refine your experiences
Become a Paver, make roads

25. Write code that works and makes the
company look reliable while not
screwing up anything major.
Customer Delivery
Your Customer is not your User
(usually)
Your motivations may not be the
Company motivations
Your Customer may have
motivations not in line with
company, user, or your own
motivations.
Business is in the business of
keeping promises
You still have to deliver

26. Cultured, Sour, Sweet, Filling, Takes on
any Flavor, and Good for You.
Navigating
Be Yogurt
Everything is “your fault” (team)
Big Ships Turn slowly, but when
they do they make waves
Just doing Good Work will not get
you noticed or rewarded
Prove Value with $$$
Pushing is not B*tching

27. Survey Takers
The Home Depot DTC
Big Android BBQ Team
IDEAA
THANKS !
WEB
www.stacydevino.com
EMAIL
childofthehorn@gmail.com
G+
plus.google.com/+StacyDevino
TWITTER
@DoesitPew