CityJSConf 2021 talks to Shruti Kapoor
Shruti is a Senior Software Engineer at PayPal and is passionate about teaching and sharing knowledge on JavaScript, React, GraphQL and front-end technologies. She shares byte-sized javascript tidbits through her newsletter — JSByte. We briefly caught up with her in the run-up to the 2021 CityJSConf.
What advice do you have for junior devs starting out in JavaScript in 2021?
There’s a vast plethora of information in 2021 on getting started with web development, specifically JavaScript. However, focus on the fundamentals of JavaScript first, and then pick one framework — such as React. Keep adding skills and projects to your portfolio as you learn them, and don’t be afraid to apply to jobs even if you don’t have all the skills listed on the job posting. Pick up freelance projects on Fiverr or Upwork to get your real world portfolio projects.
What are you working on right now in your job? And what are you using to do this?
I am working on the JS SDK in PayPal Checkout. I am using JavaScript and GraphQL heavily.
How has Covid-19 affected the way you work?
I have been working from home for a year, and I feel that the line between work time and family time has blurred. It has become absolutely paramount for me to have my morning routine before starting work and evening routine to wrap-up work in order to get in the right mindset. Working on technically challenging problems has also become harder, since these required a lot of team communication before, which has now moved to video calls. In the absence of a whiteboard, and being in the same room, it has become a challenge to communicate and share effectively and create virtual spaces to brainstorm and work together.
Do you have any side projects you’re willing to talk about? If so, spill the beans!
I am working on a guidebook for new developers to master their web fundamentals and feel comfortable when applying to jobs.
How has your journey as a conference speaker been affected by Covid-19 over the past year?
My favourite part about conferences was being able to interact with the audience during and after a talk, which has suffered greatly during virtual conferences. I loved hanging out with other speakers and getting to know amazing developers from the world. My favourite part used to be the speaker dinner before the conference, and hanging out for happy hours.
What would be your ideal online conference set-up?
No technical challenges, a break out room for speakers, a Slack chat/call for audience, speaker dinner, speaker swags, speaker networking opportunities.
Tell us about where you are in the world right now.
San Francisco.
How is the Covid-19 situation where you are?
Pretty bad.
How do you relax and de-stress?
Journalling, painting, DIY projects, cooking, going on a walk/run, hiking, sleeping :D
Have you made a bucket list for the end of lockdown and restrictions? If so, what will you be doing?
Seeing my parents, having a wedding! Going on honeymoon. Having a housewarming. Travelling and turning Twitter off. :D
