Developing a Development Team in 5 Steps: A Team Lead's Guide

Contents:

• Problem Definition: Personnel Shortage in IT
• Interviewing: A Key Step in Finding Talent
• Organizing an Internship: A Step to Success in IT
• Adapting Newcomers to the Team: Key Steps
• Results of a Successful Experiment at the Tutu.ru Academy

Problem Definition: IT Talent Shortage

The IT talent shortage is a serious problem for most companies. Statistics show that filling a single vacancy can take up to six months. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that the IT labor market is dominated by highly qualified specialists, who place strict demands on potential employers. Companies are faced with the need to adapt to new conditions in order to attract and retain talent, making the issue of staffing especially relevant in today's business.

The situation in the IT industry is exacerbated by a high level of competition. Every year, numerous universities and online schools graduate thousands of new specialists. However, employers continue to experience difficulties finding truly talented and motivated candidates. This creates a gap between the number of graduates and the actual needs of the market, which requires qualified professionals capable of effectively solving complex problems in a rapidly changing technological environment.

The head of the mobile development department at Tutu.ru emphasizes that, given the talent shortage, it is crucial to focus on selecting the best specialists. It is essential to find not only talented newcomers but also those who demonstrate a desire for professional development. This will help build a strong team capable of addressing the modern challenges of mobile development.

Money is only one component of motivation. In practice, many professionals seek opportunities for personal and career growth, as well as interesting and challenging tasks. The key aspect is not only attracting employees but also creating a favorable environment for their professional development.

Tutu.ru, drawing on its experience, launched an IT academy. This decision is aimed at training new specialists, as well as integrating them into the company's corporate culture and work standards. The Academy offers unique programs that will help future professionals acquire the necessary skills and knowledge that meet modern industry requirements.

At the project's launch, the team lead of the Tutu.ru iOS platform outlined the IT Academy's main goals. The primary objective is to prepare graduates to the middle level in just six months, allowing them to be successfully integrated into existing teams. The Academy focuses on rapid and high-quality training, which contributes to the development of highly qualified IT specialists.

To successfully launch the project, a comprehensive plan and training course were developed, covering both technical and organizational aspects. Mentors, with their extensive experience, were required to focus all their efforts on training new employees, ensuring the effective acquisition of the necessary skills and knowledge. This approach not only facilitated the rapid integration of new team members into the workflow but also increased the overall productivity of the project.

Adapting the interview process became a key aspect of attracting talent. A personalized approach to newcomers with no experience helps create a comfortable and trusting atmosphere for candidates. This not only increases their engagement but also allows employers to better assess their potential. This practice helps identify hidden skills and qualities that could be useful in the future.

As a result, within a month, the project's theoretical foundation was established, and the selection of candidates for the first cohort began. Over one hundred interviews were conducted in a short period of time.

Frequently asked questions are an essential element of any information page. They help users quickly find answers to common questions and reduce the burden on the support team. In this section, we have compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions so you can get the information you need quickly and easily. If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are always ready to help and provide relevant answers to any of your queries.

• How to start a career in IT: prospects and options
• Which direction in programming to choose in 2023: an overview of the IT industry
• Who is a tester and how to become one from scratch

Interviewing: A Key Step in Finding Talent

Stanislav Tsyganov, Project Manager at Tutu.ru, conducted an in-depth analysis of the curricula of leading online IT schools. He selected the most suitable courses and contacted the heads of educational institutions with an offer of internships for the best graduates. This offer was warmly accepted, as no educational institution would refuse the opportunity to place its students at a leading IT company. Collaboration with Tutu.ru opens new horizons for students and promotes their career development.

Stanislav posted vacancies on the corporate Telegram channel and on popular RuNet recruiting platforms, which helped attract not only professionals but also self-taught students to the competition. This approach expanded the pool of potential participants and increased the diversity of skills and ideas presented in the competition.

The qualifications that learning platforms promise students are highly attractive, but reality often differs from expectations. Stanislav notes that graduates' theoretical preparation does not always meet the stated standards, which can negatively impact their practical skills and work readiness. This underscores the importance of choosing a quality educational institution and programs that truly meet labor market demands.

Stanislav, after reviewing the curricula, discovered that graduates were expected to be at least middle-level, and sometimes even senior-level. However, the actual level of preparation often proved to be lower than expected. Training was largely limited to online lectures from experts, which students completed at their own discretion, depending on their personal motivation and interest. This highlights the need to improve educational programs to better prepare specialists who meet the demands of the modern labor market.

The team concluded that a unified approach should be applied to candidates: focusing not on diplomas, but on real-world skills. In line with this concept, an interview program was developed that included an assessment of practical experience and professional competencies. This approach allows for a more accurate determination of a candidate's suitability for specific tasks and fit with the corporate culture. The main focus was on skills testing, solving practical problems, and teamwork, which allows for a complete understanding of the candidate's potential.

• Demonstration of personal code by candidates.
• Project defense.
• Evaluation of soft skills: learnability, teamwork, leadership qualities, etc.

Considering the candidates' limited experience, project requirements were minimal. Any developments were considered acceptable, including projects for third-party companies, training assignments, and their own initiatives. The main criterion was functionality, for example, the presence of two screens: one for displaying a "feed" and the second for detailed information about the entity. This provided an opportunity to demonstrate the candidates' development skills and understanding of the basics of interface design.

The second stage of interviews included an open discussion with candidates. The goal of this stage was to find out what patterns were used in their projects, what mistakes were made, and how conscientiously they approached the tasks. Questions included: "Why was this particular line of code chosen? What effect would it have if it were removed?" This approach helps assess the depth of candidates' understanding and their ability to analyze their own decisions.

In some cases, there are projects that seem quite appealing, but their authors don't always grasp their true essence. At the same time, there are other projects that, despite their simplicity, command respect due to the quality of the work performed. Such contrasts highlight the importance of not only appearance but also a deep understanding of the project's concept.

Many candidates with little or no formal education surprise with their outstanding results. An example is Dmitry Kodrian, a middle iOS app developer who worked as a professional photographer before his internship. He began mastering development during the lockdown, becoming self-taught and devoting eight hours a day to this activity. This experience highlights that persistence and self-education can lead to success in tech, regardless of formal education.

Alexey Chervinsky, who previously worked as a QA engineer at Sberbank, notes that programming knowledge isn't always the only criterion for successful interviews. He adapted his preparation strategy and, as a result, landed a job at Sber. This underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to interview preparation, encompassing both technical skills and the ability to effectively communicate and showcase your accomplishments.

Alexandra Melnikova, a middle iOS app developer, decided to radically change her life after completing her studies and immersed herself in programming. She learned her new profession through online courses and tutorial videos. Alexandra's persistence and diligence paid off: she received an internship offer at Tutu.ru after successfully completing a test assignment.

These stories demonstrate that motivation and persistence in learning can surpass formal educational requirements. Academic success depends not only on diplomas and certificates, but also on personal initiative and a desire to develop. Motivation is a key factor that enables people to overcome obstacles and achieve high results, regardless of their formal education.

IT interviews are an important stage where candidates can demonstrate their professional skills, confidence, and deep understanding of the subject. It's important to remember that behind the diplomas are real people with unique stories and experiences, which are often highly valuable. Preparing for an interview should include not only studying technical aspects but also developing communication skills, which will help you stand out from other candidates. A successful interview opens doors to new career opportunities and promotes development in the dynamic field of information technology.

Read also:

Organizing an Internship: A Step to Success in IT

After successful interviews, the participants who demonstrated high results were divided into two teams: iOS and Android. Each team received a mentor and an important project that required collaboration throughout the internship. This not only contributed to the development of teamwork skills but also deepened their understanding of the specifics of development for each platform. Participants had the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in practice, which became an important step in their professional growth.

Each team was assigned a deadline of three to six months. Our primary goal was not to achieve a commercial result, but to ensure that newcomers gained a complete understanding of the development process. This gave them the opportunity to master key stages of the work, improve their skills, and learn how to use various tools in a real-world setting.

We divided the project into submodules, allowing interns to immerse themselves in different roles, master the architecture, and adapt their knowledge to our standards for working with interfaces, as well as loading and caching. This approach provides a deeper understanding of development processes and facilitates effective training for interns, helping them develop the skills necessary for a successful career in IT.

Sandbox internships are a unique opportunity for young professionals. They not only allow them to experiment with new ideas but also help build trust with their employer. This experience is also valuable for mentors, who have the opportunity to observe the development of interns' skills and motivation. This interaction benefits both parties: interns develop their professional skills, and mentors strengthen their mentoring skills and enjoy the learning process.

There is a risk that some interns may be afraid of making mistakes, which can slow down the feedback process. Therefore, we have emphasized regular feedback and short pull requests, which contribute to the effectiveness of training and accelerate the development of interns' skills. This approach helps create a more comfortable learning environment and allows you to quickly identify and correct any shortcomings.

Rework the text to improve SEO, maintaining the main topic and avoiding unnecessary details. Here's the updated version:

Read also:

• Starting an IT career: how to get an internship at a large company
• Career in IT: why is an unpaid internship a normal practice?

After creating the groups, I dedicated up to 80% of the work time was spent working with mentees, while the remaining 20% ​​was used to support existing teams.

The interns' work schedule changed: they began asking more questions. Unlike newcomers, for whom more structured answers can be provided, interns' inquiries must be responded to quickly and efficiently. This facilitates their more effective learning and adaptation to the team.

We divided the internship time as follows: 60% of the work day is devoted to development, and 40% is devoted to communication, training, and discussion of necessary skills and literature. This approach ensures a balance between practical work and theoretical development, which contributes to a deeper assimilation of the material and the improvement of the professional skills of interns.

Comparing the internship at Tutu.ru with previous places of work, I He noted a more supportive approach. Each day began with a stand-up meeting to discuss plans and tasks for the day. This created a collaborative atmosphere and allowed for a deeper immersion in the company's processes. The support of mentors and regular discussions facilitated more effective learning and skill development. This approach made the internship not only productive but also enjoyable.

While working on pull requests, mentors and colleagues provided feedback, pointing out mistakes and suggesting books for further study. This not only helped to eliminate deficiencies but also strengthened team spirit and increased employee motivation.

The company's cozy office deserves special attention. Employees who prefer to work in the office appreciate the unique design, which reflects the spirit of travel and adventure. Work areas harmoniously combine with cozy lounge areas, creating a comfortable atmosphere for productive work. In addition, the company offers its employees various bonuses, such as coffee, cookies, and Friday lunches for the whole team, which contributes to the formation of a friendly and cohesive atmosphere.

I chose a flexible work schedule, which includes 2-3 days of remote work work and 2-3 days in the office. Our main task was a complete refactoring of the passenger profile, which required careful analysis and in-depth study of all development levels. This approach allowed us to optimize the work process and improve the quality of the final product.

At first, it seemed challenging, but thanks to effective teamwork and the constant support of the mentor, we successfully completed each task. Teamwork and the mentor's experience helped us overcome difficulties and achieve our goals.

All employees completed their tasks, and periodic rotation allowed us to get to know the full Tutu.ru team through regular presentations. This contributed to better interaction and exchange of experience between colleagues, which, in turn, increased overall work efficiency and strengthened team spirit.

I completed my training at the academy faster than anyone else. Classes started in November, and by February I was promoted to the main team. My success was made possible by hard work and a full commitment to the learning process.

Refactoring has become an integral part of the main product, which is especially gratifying. This confirms our ability to integrate improvements into the existing system, rather than leaving them isolated as part of a pilot project. This approach contributes to the quality and efficiency of the product, which in turn has a positive impact on user satisfaction.

Onboarding Newcomers to the Team: Key Steps

After the academy's launch, a selection of interns was planned for three months to identify those who were struggling with the tasks. However, it was a pleasant surprise that not a single student was expelled. All of them demonstrated outstanding determination and high abilities, confirming the effectiveness of the academy's educational program. This demonstrates the students' high-quality preparation and motivation, which is a key indicator of the success of the educational process.

Both projects the students worked on were successfully completed ahead of schedule. All graduates were transferred from the educational environment to active product teams, where they began working in a real-world setting. This allowed them to gain valuable experience and skills necessary for working in the industry.

After completing the intensive course, the interns received job offers and began working in cross-functional teams. They mastered the skills of task decomposition, time estimation, and coordination with designers and developers. These skills are key to successful collaboration in modern teams and contribute to increased project efficiency. The interns are prepared for real-world challenges in their professional work, making them valuable specialists in the labor market.

The transition from a small to a large team was a real challenge, as it was necessary to establish effective communication with designers, backend developers, and the information security service. Nevertheless, the company's support throughout this process played a key role in the successful integration and adaptation to the new working conditions.

Tutu.ru places great importance on the well-being of its employees, ensuring a harmonious balance between professional and personal life. We create an environment conducive to productive work and maintaining health, which in turn affects the overall effectiveness of the team.

Tutu.ru's corporate culture is characterized by clarity and professionalism, which contributes to a comfortable working atmosphere without undue pressure. Unlike many banking institutions, there is no constant monitoring, which creates conditions for the manifestation of initiative and creativity by employees. The company's incentive system deserves special attention; for example, Alexey received a bonus for his new development immediately after completing his internship. This emphasizes that Tutu.ru values ​​the contribution of each employee and rewards their achievements, which positively impacts overall satisfaction and work efficiency.

With each passing day, the number of questions decreases, and his self-confidence grows. Dmitry noted that his career progression was more rapid than he expected—he reached the middle level in just a few months. This confirms that perseverance and the desire to develop in a profession can significantly accelerate a career path.

Additional materials:

How to determine if it's time to quit: recommendations for entry-level professionals

It can be difficult for young professionals just starting their careers to know when to leave their current job. It's important to pay attention to a few key signals. If you feel that your job is unsatisfying and you don't see any opportunities for professional growth, it may be time to consider a change. Frequent feelings of burnout and lack of motivation can also be signs that it's time to look for a new position.

Another important aspect is company culture. If you don't share the organization's values ​​or experience constant stress from interpersonal conflicts, this can negatively impact your emotional well-being.

Also, consider working conditions. Unfair pay, a lack of benefits, or a lack of support from management can be serious reasons to consider a new job.

If you're facing these issues, it may be time to seek new opportunities that will help you grow and develop as a professional. Don't be afraid to take steps towards change if they are necessary for your well-being and career advancement.

Results of a successful experiment at the Tutu.ru Academy

The experiment in recruiting interns at the Tutu.ru Academy proved to be highly successful. In the coming months, we intend to resume recruiting interns to give new participants the chance to develop in the technology field. Our academy offers unique opportunities for training and professional growth, making it the ideal place for those seeking a career in IT. Stay tuned for updates so you don't miss the opportunity to join our team and master relevant skills in the rapidly changing world of technology.

The results of our internship exceeded all expectations. The newcomers developed significantly faster than we expected. Moreover, projects that were initially planned as educational projects have successfully found their place in the commercial market. This demonstrates the internship's high effectiveness and suggests we will likely repeat this experience in the future. However, it's important to emphasize that this approach cannot completely replace the traditional hiring process. Training qualified specialists takes time and experience, which must be taken into account when developing HR policies.

Transitioning to the field of information technology was a significant step for me. I feel satisfaction from the changes that are happening in my life. Working in IT has opened up vast horizons for me: I have the opportunity to travel, relocate, and work from anywhere in the world. This new freedom allows me not only to develop professionally but also to enjoy life in different corners of the planet. The IT field offers numerous opportunities for growth and self-realization, making it attractive to people seeking variety and new experiences.

IT requires continuous growth and adaptation to modern trends. I am required to stay up-to-date with the latest developments, pay attention to usability, and monitor current design trends. This constant movement and development makes my work not only interesting but also in-demand in the dynamic IT market.

For those who value stability and predictability, this lifestyle may seem unappealing. However, if you enjoy dynamic change and constant challenges, the world of technology will be the perfect place for you. The technology industry offers numerous opportunities for growth and development and allows you to be at the forefront of innovation and progress. Here, every day brings new challenges and opportunities, which makes working in this field exciting and fulfilling.

• Programmer salaries in Moscow: current data for 2023
• Programming myths: what every beginner needs to know
• How to learn Python on your own: a step-by-step guide
• Debunking developer myths: what you should know
• 7 key disciplines for programmers in 2023