Leveling Up Through Software Craftsmanship
TDD Mastery to Better Opportunities
Overview
Through consistent pair programming sessions over 7 months, Ekaterina developed deep expertise in Test-Driven Development while building her own e-reader and smart TV interface. This led to a more aligned, higher-paying role.
The Challenge
Ekaterina was a capable developer but felt stuck in her current role without a clear path to advancement. She wanted to level up her skills and find work that was both better-paying and more aligned with her values.
The Approach
- 1
Established consistent weekly pair programming sessions over 7 months
- 2
Practiced rigorous Test-Driven Development on real projects: e-reader app and smart TV interface
- 3
Focused on software craftsmanship: clean code, refactoring, design patterns
- 4
Built projects that showcased both technical depth and product thinking
- 5
Prepared for interviews by discussing architectural decisions and trade-offs in her projects
The Results
Developed deep mastery of TDD practices and the confidence to advocate for them
Created two sophisticated portfolio pieces demonstrating advanced front-end skills
Learned to articulate technical decisions clearly, crucial for senior-level interviews
Landed a role with better compensation, better culture fit, and more interesting technical challenges
Became a TDD advocate in her new team, influencing development practices
The Impact
The consistent, long-term mentorship allowed for deep skill development rather than surface-level learning. Ekaterina's investment in proper software practices paid dividends in both career advancement and daily job satisfaction.