When I began my career back in 2000, I literally started with empty hands. I had no professional experience in programming, I didn't have a degree, not in Computer Science nor any other field of studies. Gatekeeping wasn't as omnipresent as it is today. I ended up doing Developer Relations for global multi-billion-dollar companies.

Gatekeeping is the concept of intentionally making it hard for beginners to start their learning journey. It's aiming at protecting one's status and preventing competition. Not only in times of shortage of professionals, this is harmful behaviour.

To get into Developer Relations today, you usually need 3+ years of experience. Ideally you have a proven track record on contributing to a global community or even better - fame. A name that people in a global technical community recognise will not only impact your paycheck, it often is a requirement for the largest Tech companies. Juniors are rare, programs to help develop skills in the field are even rarer.

Is this gatekeeping? Or is it justified, because you can't be a Developer Advocate without the name and the experience?