"Hacker" or "tinkerer" mindset is very helpful. When hiring, especially at the entry level(s), those who hacker/tinker outside of their job usually standout and have a better understanding of how all the "things" we work with as Engineers connect because they are out there trying/failing outside of their 9-5.
The challenge with "hackers" is learning how to unplug, so make sure to develop skills/interests that are completely unrelated to "work".
"Hacker" or "tinkerer" mindset is very helpful. When hiring, especially at the entry level(s), those who hacker/tinker outside of their job usually standout and have a better understanding of how all the "things" we work with as Engineers connect because they are out there trying/failing outside of their 9-5.
The challenge with "hackers" is learning how to unplug, so make sure to develop skills/interests that are completely unrelated to "work".