Is there such a thing as a social media for developers? A little about me, I'm from Madagascar. After learning English, I am now learning how to program, with the help of various free online courses from top US/EU universities, and a specialization in web development. I'd like to get in touch with developers, from US or EU as I'd like to get a remote job there and maybe in the long run move out. Most devs here work for so called "freelance companies" that takes care of teaching and finding contract for them, but in the end keeps all the money, while the devs gets just a little above minimum wages to keep them happy. If you didn't know already, my country is really really really poor (yes that poor). If someone is looking for a mentee also, I would love to have someone more experienced guide me through this journey. Kind of a long shot, I know, but lady luck favors the one who tries. If you have any questions, we can have a chat.
Social media for developers? Ummm you're pretty much on it right now :P<p>Asking this question here is probably the best thing to do.<p>Though it sounds like you're still learning. Don't expect to make great money until you've proven yourself. In any country. Of course other countries you'll be paid according to local standards but still crap. And consultancy companies always exploit their employees. When I consulted the company charged 10x as much for my services as they paid me. And still managed to make a loss due to all the useless management layers and overpaying the sales suits that were so stupid they sold stuff we couldn't possibly make.<p>But be aware a company looking for remote developers from Madagascar is probably doing this so they can pay you a pittance as well and think you'll be happy with it. If they're going to pay you their country's local wages for a starter job, they'll rather get someone actually local I guess. Makes the whole tax thing a lot easier too, they can keep an eye on you (like sick leave etc) and for moving you over the immigration process will be prohibitive for them. The problem is they're not going to go to this kind of effort for a starter position unless they have no choice.<p>I think the best thing you can do is become a known expert in your specific niche. Make sure you're on all the fora and slack/discords whatever for the stacks and frameworks you use. Help people there when they have questions. Soon you'll become a known and this may lead to things.<p>PS I have lived and worked in 4 countries. Though all Western well off ones.
> <i>as I'd like to get a remote job there</i><p>Maybe I am naive, but why not try to answer a remote job ad?<p>If you know only English, you should search jobs in countries where it's not a problem to speak English at work. I know this is possible in Germany and Scandinavian countries. Madagascar is nearly on the same longitude as Finland...<p>> <i>"freelance companies"</i><p>I am curious about that, why not finding customers by yourself? What is the main roadblock that makes it difficult?
In country I’m living in (Czechia), there are two major “social hubs” right now:<p>- Backend developers are pretty active on Slack [1]
- Frontend developers on the other hand are active in Facebook group [2]<p>Most of the discussion is held in czech and slovak languages, but if you start conversation in english, everybody will happily write you back.<p>There is also another, not that easy to get into, but more global hub - Toptal’s Slack. To get into Slack, you must be part of Toptal platform, which is itself a remote job platform (you find jobs there). There is channel for every country in Toptal’s Slack. I share my referal link to Toptal onboarding [3]<p><pre><code> [1] https://pehapkari.cz/
[2] https://www.facebook.com/groups/frontendisti/
[3] https://www.toptal.com/Xwxv7N/worlds-top-talent</code></pre>
One thing you might try is to apply to grad school for an (online) master's in CS, if you can make that work in your situation w/rt admission and cost. The degrees and coursework from the reputable universities in the US are identical to the on-campus versions, and you will get an opportunity to network / bond with the folks in your classes, many of whom are already in the industry.<p>A few to check out:<p>- Georgia Tech, commonly referred to as OMSCS <a href="https://omscs.gatech.edu/" rel="nofollow">https://omscs.gatech.edu/</a><p>- University of Texas <a href="https://www.cs.utexas.edu/graduate-program/masters-program/msonline" rel="nofollow">https://www.cs.utexas.edu/graduate-program/masters-program/m...</a><p>- UIUC <a href="https://cs.illinois.edu/academics/graduate/professional-mcs/online-master-computer-science" rel="nofollow">https://cs.illinois.edu/academics/graduate/professional-mcs/...</a>
> I'd like to get in touch with developers, from US or EU as I'd like to get a remote job there and maybe in the long run move out.<p>> If someone is looking for a mentee also, I would love to have someone more experienced guide me through this journey<p>You maybe want to network with devs from your country first, as they would be the ones to know who’s hiring and what are the local businesses in the tech scene. And they would know how to get visas to the countries you are interested in (some of them might have immigrated there as well).
To speak with other developers I use IRC. IRC is an old open chat protocol.<p><a href="https://libera.chat/" rel="nofollow">https://libera.chat/</a>
Bridging the gaps of networking toward jobs, I would entertain LinkedIn for a "sense of whats out there" and to potentially take on a contract with a recruiter. Many of the LI-type recruiters are going to be a fair place to try out your skillset fit and get a foot in the community in a real way, albeit with a strange middleman, just instead of paying Madagascar-starting-wages they pay US-starting-wages.
Hey e-pelaza, maybe add some contact info to your profile. I'd love to chat a bit and offer some tips. Contact info is in my profile, can I pick your brain sometime?
Suggestion: Take some time and set up your own site and add it to your about section. Tell us about yourself, how long you have been studying English, development, dreams, etc.<p>Hope to chat soon!
> Is there such a thing as a social media for developers?<p>I guess you're looking at it :)<p>I don't really have much advice to give, but feel free to add me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/till-schroeder<p>Since you're learning programming, I'd recommend doing some little projects, and try to find some fun in it. That will make it easier. Best of luck!
I highly suggest starting a blog / YouTube channel / TikTok. Call it something like "Programming from Madagascar" or "Learning to Code in Africa." It's a unique idea and building a following online is a fantastic way to network.
Hey e-pelaza, hit me up via email if you'd like to talk about how to approach this. You can click my username here which will take you to my profile. Once there you'll find a link to my personal website - my email is listed there.