DevRel Uni Cohort 6: Key Learnings & Insights

Originally Blog was posted on Paragraph

The recently concluded DevRel Uni Cohort 6 powered by The Arbitrum Foundation provided an enriching learning experience for students and participants, focusing on various aspects of Developer Relations (DevRel). Over seven classes, attendees explored critical topics that are vital for effective engagement with developer communities. Below are the key learnings from each class, highlighting how they contribute to building a robust DevRel strategy.

The learnings and assessment actually began even before the starting of this cohort. As the seats for this program were limited, to select the most deserving candidates, participants were tasked to come up with creative content showcasing their interest and skills and sharing it on social media. It could be any type of content; few made content to show their storytelling skills, few made YouTube videos. For me, as my connection with memes seemed good, I submitted a meme-based entry.

After a few days of waiting, we got our admission status. Accepted students got a beautiful Admit Card.

1. Developer Relations - A Comprehensive Primer

The first class hosted by the founder of DevRel Uni, Bianca Buzea, gave us insight on DevRel 101 and set the foundation by introducing the core principles of Developer Relations. She shared insights on establishing a robust DevRel Program, teaching us about all the key points under the DevRel Umbrella and ways to secure and build our next DevRel program.

Key Learning: Strategic Planning. A well-structured plan is essential for effective advocacy, helping to align activities with organizational objectives and community needs.

2. Intro to Stylus and Arbitrum

In this session we met the coolest DevRel of web3, Matt Hamilton. We learnt about Arbitrum Stylus, a Stylus 101 session, and got a peek on his inspiring journey from freeBSD era to web3 and Arbitrum Stylus. In the Stylus 101 session he explained how the Stylus SDK solves the current issues devs are facing, how millions of web2 devs can very easily write and deploy smart contracts in Rust, C, C++ and get to leverage dApp and Blockchain technology easily.

Key Learning: Stylus 101. How developers can leverage WASM and EVM technology, write smart contracts and build dApps in Rust, C, C++.

3. The Art of Storytelling in DevRel Video Content

On our 3rd Session of Cohort 6, we met Kevin Blanco. In this session, participants learned how storytelling can enhance technical communication. The Golden Circle rule of storytelling, why developers are a unique audience, and why trust matters.

"PEOPLE DONT BUY WHAT YOU DO, THEY BUY WHY YOU DO IT"

Key Learning: Engagement through Storytelling. Effective storytelling not only captures attention but also builds trust and fosters a sense of community among developers.

4. Building Dev Knowledge - From Documentation, Bootcamp, and Beyond

This class focused on how to build Dev Knowledge. Ser Coogan Brennan dived into best practices for crafting developer-friendly documentation and educational resources that resonate with the developer community. He shared his insights on Mental Models, Building Dev Knowledge and Map Making in the 21st Century, and the importance of being able to Explain it Like I’m 5 (ELI5).

Key Learning: Resource Optimization. Continuous evaluation and enhancement of educational materials are crucial for supporting developer learning and engagement.

5. Accelerating dApp Development - Speedrunning Ethereum

As the topic name suggests, in this session we met ser Austin Griffith. He introduced us to Ethereum Tools, how to leverage the tools while Speedrunning Ethereum. The session was so accelerated literally. We tried out speedrunethereum.com, Scaffold-ETH, BuidlGuidl, Nifty.Ink (where u can draw doodles - if u new to web3 def try it out) and more tools. This session equipped us with the skill on building apps and resources with exceptional speed.

Key Learning: Technical Proficiency & Collaboration. Understanding the technology deeply to communicate its benefits effectively, and the importance of working and collaborating as a group.

6. Content Creation in DevRel

This session emphasized the significance of content creation in Developer Relations. Ser Olayinka Oshidipe gave us his insights on how to create scalable educational content, improve DevEx, and use social media to amplify content reach. Especially how to create content in short form. Main pillar to ensure excellent developer experience.

Key Learning: Visual Communication. Engaging video content can simplify complex topics, making them accessible to a broader audience. Quality > Quantity.

7. Final Session: Scaling Web3 Technology

The final class focused on scaling Web3 technologies through authentic developer relations. Ser Francesco Andreoli discussed collaborative innovation strategies that foster community involvement and drive technological advancement. He delved into impactful DevRel frameworks and shared strategies for effectively engaging developers in Web3.

Key Learning: Collaboration is Key. Building authentic relationships within the developer community is essential for fostering innovation and driving adoption of new technologies.

Conclusion

Devrel Uni Cohort 6 has equipped participants with essential skills and insights into effective Developer Relations practices. From strategic planning to storytelling and content creation, each class contributed valuable knowledge that advocates can leverage to enhance their engagement with developer communities. As the landscape of technology continues to evolve, these learnings will be instrumental in driving meaningful interactions and fostering a vibrant ecosystem around platforms like Arbitrum.