Hello, I’m currently considering re-entering the job market and have realized that my GitHub profile is looking a bit sparse. Over the years, I’ve worked on some projects at my current job that I’m particularly proud of, and I’d love to showcase them on GitHub. Specifically, these projects involve custom code that integrates with Salesforce to post messages notifying users that their bills are ready, along with attachments.
Here’s the catch: I’m not ready to let my manager know that I’m on the job hunt just yet. While I understand that asking for permission is probably the safest route—ensuring I don’t run afoul of any legal issues—I wanted to reach out to see if there are any precedents or best practices for sharing work-related code in a responsible way.
To be clear, I’m committed to not disclosing any confidential company information. My goal is to find a balance where I can demonstrate my skills without violating any company policies or legal boundaries.
Does anyone have experience with this? What are the do’s and don’ts when it comes to posting work-related projects on GitHub? Any advice on how to approach this situation responsibly would be greatly appreciated.
When I wanted to beef up my GitHub, I faced the same dilemma. Here’s the trick: share only the non-sensitive parts. Strip out any proprietary info and just showcase the cool code you wrote. Think of it like showing off your best moves without giving away the whole routine. Maybe you could create a simplified version of your project that highlights your skills but keeps your company’s secrets safe. Keep things generic and avoid any specifics that could hint at your current job.
Professionals often want to showcase their skills on platforms like GitHub while safeguarding their current employment.
Key Considerations:
Company Intellectual Property: Your employer likely owns any code created during work hours, and sharing it without permission can lead to legal issues.
Confidentiality: Avoid sharing code that includes sensitive company data or trade secrets.
Ethical Concerns: Consider how sharing might affect your current employer’s interests.
Strategies for Safe Sharing:
Open-Source Contributions: Participate in open-source projects to highlight your skills without disclosing proprietary code.
Personal Projects: Work on independent projects unrelated to your job to demonstrate your abilities.
Code Snippets: Share small, anonymized code snippets to showcase specific techniques or solutions.
Blog or Portfolio: Use a personal website or blog to display your skills and projects without sharing actual code.
Additional Tips:
Seek Legal Advice: Consult with an IP or employment attorney if you’re uncertain about legal implications.
Use Clear Licensing: Protect your intellectual property by using clear licensing terms.
Anonymize Sensitive Information: Ensure any shared code doesn’t reveal proprietary data or identify your employer.
Review Company Policies: Understand your company’s policies on code ownership and intellectual property.
Great advice! I like the idea of sharing only the non-sensitive parts and creating a simplified version of my projects to showcase my skills. It’s a smart way to highlight what I’ve worked on without compromising any proprietary information. I’ll definitely keep your tips in mind as I update my GitHub. Thanks for the helpful suggestions!
