Samuel A. Malachowsky

Three Things You Should Know About Software Engineers

From my experience, there are three things you should know about Software Engineers:

1. They communicate differently than you might expect.  It's often the technical jargon that outsiders most readily identify, but the reality is that technical processionals always prefer to understand things at the strategic level first and foremost. When successfully communicating a specific task that needs to be done, successful managers of technical teams first explain what the big picture problem/opportunity/need is, what steps have been taken thus far, and why the specific task is important.
2. Their careers work differently.  Software Engineers are at the forefront of the mobile workforce. While others look for upward mobility (i.e. moving up the ladder), they are more likely to look at other organizations (or themselves in the form of startups) for lateral and vertical growth. It's no coincidence that the largest job sites (Indeed, CareerBuilder, etc.) were tech-focused startups that now epitomize the culture of the tech industry, not the recruiting/headhunting industry.
3. They are motivated differently.  On average, Software Engineers tend towards intrinsic motivators, such as autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Though silicon valley does have its extrinsic motivations (high salaries, powerful executives, high-profile personalities), it's the companies' ability to provide a well-rounded buffet of motivations that allows them to consistently recruit top talent. Famous examples such as Google's policy of allocating 20% of employee's time to side projects of their own choosing speak directly to intrinsically-focused people.

Engineering a More Effective Resume Video

Watch this video to learn how Engineers should approach adding skills and experience to their resume. ( Resume, Career, 2020-09-25)

Instructional Changes Brought About by COVID-Necessitated Classroom Tools

The teaching environment and tools nescecitated by the COVID pandemic has enabled some surprising new teaching efficiences. ( Classroom Engagement, Online Teaching, 2020-10-21)

Distributed/Scaled Agile Class Activity

In this classroom activity, the difficulties associated with distributing project work between agile teams is demonstrated and resolved. ( Agile, Classroom Engagement, Classroom Activities, 2017-03-23)

Maintenance Types Activity

This activity will help cement the three maintenance types in student's heads. ( Classroom Engagement, 2016-04-28)

Effectively Presenting Lists Activity

Use this activity to creatively give students a "hook" in remembering lists. ( Classroom Activities, Classroom Engagement, 2015-02-06)

Explaining the Concept of a Maturity Model

What is a maturity model? Use this simple analogy when introducing the concept. ( Quality, Classroom Engagement, 2014-11-06)

Scrum Project 1: Brainstorming and Elaboration

Use this brainstorming activity to kick off a Scrum project or any group-based endeavor. ( Agile, Classroom Activities, 2014-10-24)

The 7 Quality Tools Class Activity

Give students an opportunity to use the seven basic quality tools as a system, rather than as separate ideas. ( Quality, Classroom Activities, 2014-10-02)

Agile Principles Class Activity

Try this engaging class activity when introducing the Agile Manifesto and its principles. ( Agile, Classroom Activities, 2014-09-17)

First Day Introductions

Try this activity on the first day of class - a modern twist on the traditional. ( Classroom Activities, Classroom Engagement, 2014-09-08)

Dedicated to Teaching Software Engineering

Hello, I am Samuel Malachowsky. This is a summary of the genesis, purpose, and disposition of this collection. ( Classroom Engagement, 2014-08-29)