Level Up! How Side Quests Enhance your Career

In this session, Ross draws parallels between video games and career development, using the concept of “side quests” to illustrate the value of pursuing small, creative projects outside of your main work. He shares personal stories of building side projects ranging from coding experiments to small games, emphasizing how curiosity, creativity, and experimentation can expand skills, build reputation, and foster personal satisfaction. The talk explores practical strategies for managing side projects effectively, including avoiding projects that consume unnecessary time, leveraging tools and processes for learning, and finding creative outlets even within work constraints. Ross also highlights the social and professional benefits of sharing your projects with others, turning side quests into opportunities for connection and mentorship.

Through playful gaming metaphors and real-world examples, attendees are encouraged to view side projects not as a distraction but as a powerful tool for growth, learning, and joy, all while balancing life and work responsibilities.

What You’ll Learn

• How curiosity-driven projects can accelerate skill development and learning
• The role of creativity in software development and problem-solving
• How side projects can enhance reputation and create networking opportunities
• Practical tips for avoiding fruitless or time-consuming side projects
• Strategies for using side projects to practice tools, processes, and workflows
• How to find internal or personal side quests even when external projects are restricted
• Ways to incorporate AI thoughtfully into side projects to maximize learning