I created Key Values to help software developers like me find engineering teams that share their values.
I learned to code in 2015, so I’m relatively new to the engineering world. Before becoming a web developer, I worked as an operations manager for Homejoy, managing 150+ people. Before that, I was a PhD candidate in Neuroscience at UCSF. I even had a brief stint producing EDM shows.
My previous lives, as I like to call them, might seem disjointed, but they were all people-centric. Everything I have ever done has put a premium on interpersonal relationships, which is why the engineering world seems so odd to me.
I decided to do freelance web development for a couple of years before joining a company because I wanted to get to understand this new world. Consulting allowed me to learn about the diversity of working styles, team dynamics, and engineering cultures that exist at different companies. I thought, "Now that I know what I care about and what I’m looking for, it’ll be easy for me to find the right job on the right team."
I was so very wrong.
I sat down to make a list of companies I might like to join, and let me tell you, it was overwhelmingly un-fun. I can’t think of a better way to describe it. It was the antithesis of fun.
I wanted to know about who I’d be working with, what my day-to-day would look like, and whether my values aligned with those of the engineering team. But careers pages and job descriptions were so unhelpful.
I got on the phone with several recruiters, and none of them could tell me if engineers were involved in shaping the product roadmap, or whether they favored speed or perfection when it came to shipping code. It suddenly made sense why so many engineers join companies where they already know someone.
I built Key Values to be a place for engineering teams to tell us about their culture and how their values translate into daily practices. Because we should know what we’re applying for before the technical screens, take homes, and onsites.
Key Values is for all of the people I’ve met and worked with over the years who said, “I think I’m ready to leave my job, but I just don’t know of any other company that I’m excited about.” Let me tell you, your dream team does exist. You just haven’t met them yet.
I’ve learned so much while working on Key Values, and want to share what I know, so if you’re picking up what I’m putting down, get in touch! I can talk about team culture endlessly. 😊
Sometimes I'm on Twitter, so tell me if I'm doing it right: @lynnetye and @keyvaluesio.
I’m an OG when it comes to email, so don’t be shy: [email protected].
More about me and Key Values