5 Lessons in Tech and Career: Rafael Del Nero Interviews Bruno Borges
Rafael Del Nero from Java Challengers talks with Java Champion Bruno Borges about key career lessons for every developer
In a special interview on the Java Challengers YouTube channel, Rafael Del Nero sat down with Bruno Borges, Java Champion and Principal Product Manager for Java at Microsoft. With over 20 years of experience in tech, Bruno shared some of the most important lessons he’s learned along the way.
Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to grow in your developer career, these insights can help you become not just a better coder, but a smarter professional.
🔑 Lesson 1: From Information to Value — The Power of Action
Bruno explained a simple but powerful idea: learning alone isn’t enough. We go through a journey:
Information is everywhere—books, videos, and the internet.
When we study, this becomes knowledge.
With experience, knowledge becomes wisdom—knowing when and how to use it.
But real value only comes from action—doing something useful with that wisdom.
“Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.”
Even failure is valuable, trying to create value teaches you what works and what doesn’t. The more you try, the more you grow.
📈 Lesson 2: Focus on Results, Not Just Skills
Bruno encourages developers to go beyond listing programming languages or tools on a resume. Instead, talk about the impact you made.
Did you write tests? Great—but say how it saved time or improved quality.
Did you improve performance? Share how it reduced costs or helped users.
Even if your work is under NDA, you can tell a story about the value it created without sharing private details.
“The question isn’t just what you did, but what changed because you did it.”
🗣️ Lesson 3: Become a Storyteller
If you want to stand out, learn how to tell the story of your work. Even if you can’t show code or results, you can still share:
What problem you faced
What actions you took
What was the outcome
Bruno recommends writing regularly, like keeping a journal, to help organize your thoughts. Over time, this builds your confidence and helps you explain your work clearly in interviews, meetings, and presentations.
🌐 Lesson 4: Build Your Network
Many of Bruno’s career opportunities came through connections in the Java community. He credits his network for helping him move to companies like Oracle and Microsoft.
Being active in user groups, conferences, and open-source projects is not just about visibility, it’s about building genuine relationships.
“A network is like a friendship, you have to keep in touch and be part of the conversation.”
When people know and trust you, they’re more likely to recommend you or share opportunities.
🏗️ Lesson 5: Strong Foundations and Lifelong Learning
Technology changes fast, but strong fundamentals stay relevant.
Bruno stressed the importance of:
Reading documentation — not just relying on tutorials or AI
Understanding problems deeply — not just copying code
Learning how to learn — asking better questions, solving harder problems
He also shared how tools like ChatGPT or GitHub Copilot can be powerful when used smartly. They don’t replace developers, but developers who use them well can become faster and more effective.
“AI won’t take your job. But someone using AI might.”
🚀 Final Thoughts: Your Career Is More Than Code
Bruno Borges reminds us that great developers do more than write good code. They think about value, they communicate clearly, they connect with others, and they keep learning.
If you would like to watch the full episode, check it out here: Why Tech Skills Won't Make You a Senior Java Developer | Java Rockstar Career #13 with Bruno Borges
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