Standing Out in the Tech Industry

Standing Out in the Tech Industry

Mid-2020, everyone was figuring out how to do everything remotely — including career talks. I joined Code Louisville over Zoom to talk to developers about something I get asked a lot: how do you actually stand out in the tech industry?

Tech Foundations recorded the session, and the video's still up. If you're early in your career, or hiring, or just wondering what actually moves the needle — it's worth a watch.

What Standing Out Actually Means

It's not about being loud. It's about being useful in ways that show up without you having to announce them. In the session I talked about the things that consistently separate people — the ones who get the opportunities and the ones who wonder why they don't.

A lot of it comes down to doing the work in public, owning outcomes instead of tasks, and understanding that your reputation is built by the people who've seen your work — not by your self-description.

Why Code Louisville

Code Louisville does something important: it takes people who want into this industry and gives them a real on-ramp. Sitting with that group during COVID, over Zoom, when everyone was isolated — that energy mattered. If you're a developer, or thinking about getting into tech, plug into the local community. It's worth more than any tutorial.

Think this argument fits your event? Tell me about the room — the calendar is selective.