Career Pathways in DevRel
Breaking into devrel
Breaking Into Developer Relations (DevRel)
Developer Relations (DevRel) is a growing field focused on building relationships between developers and the products they use. Here’s how to get started:
1. Understand What DevRel Is
DevRel involves advocacy, education, support, and community-building. Learn about the different roles:
- Developer Advocate
- Community Manager
- Technical Content Creator
- Developer Experience Engineer
2. Build Technical Skills
Most DevRel roles require a solid technical foundation. You should:
- Learn to code (pick a language relevant to your interests)
- Build side projects or contribute to open source
- Understand APIs, SDKs, and developer tools
3. Create and Share Content
Start building your public presence by:
- Writing blog posts or tutorials
- Making videos or livestreams
- Sharing knowledge on platforms like GitHub, Dev.to, or Twitter
4. Engage With Communities
Join developer communities and participate by:
- Answering questions
- Hosting or attending meetups, hackathons, or conferences
- Supporting others and collaborating on projects
5. Learn Developer Tools and Communication
- Get familiar with tools like Git, Markdown, CLI, and docs platforms
- Practice public speaking and technical writing
- Understand developer needs and how to advocate for them internally
6. Apply for DevRel Roles
- Tailor your resume to highlight both technical and communication skills
- Showcase your portfolio (GitHub, blog, talks, community work)
- Look for entry-level roles like Junior Dev Advocate or Community Specialist
7. Keep Learning
DevRel is constantly evolving. Stay updated by:
- Following industry leaders
- Attending conferences or webinars
- Learning about developer ecosystems and trends