#157 Getting a developer job in 2025 with Lane Wagner
Jan 25, 2025
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Lane Wagner, a software engineer and founder of Boot.dev, shares insights on the evolving developer job market and the changing expectations for aspiring programmers. He discusses the significance of communication skills in tech, the necessity of extensive practice for mastery, and the importance of genuine interest over financial motives in pursuing a coding career. Lane also touches on the role of AI and gamification in education, as well as the shifting dynamics of higher education costs and the value of practical skills in today's job landscape.
Aspiring developers should aim to rank in the top 10% of their field by maximizing their learning and minimizing distractions.
The job market for developers has evolved, requiring persistence and adaptability amid increased competition and reliance on online job applications.
Strong communication skills are essential for tech professionals, enabling effective articulation of ideas and collaboration with team members.
Deliberate practice and structured learning resources, such as coding boot camps, are crucial for mastering programming skills and boosting confidence.
The demand for practical skills over formal degrees is growing, making robust portfolios and project showcases critical for securing tech positions.
Deep dives
The Importance of Aiming High in Development
Aspiring developers should strive to be among the top 10% in their field, as this level of excellence is achievable with dedicated effort. Many individuals underestimate their potential and the amount of time they actually have available for learning and improvement. By cutting out distractions, such as excessive phone usage, individuals can allocate more time to honing their skills. This mindset shift can lead to significant advancements in a developer's career.
Insights from Personal Experience in the Job Market
The podcast discusses the trajectory of the job market for developers since 2016, highlighting the rising demand for job applicants with coding skills. While the job market can seem challenging at times, it is essential to recognize that conditions fluctuate and that persistence is key. Those graduating from computer science programs still hold an advantage in job applications, especially with hands-on internships. However, the landscape is evolving, and networking remains vital to getting foot in the door.
The Shift from In-Person to Online Job Searching
There has been a noticeable change in how job seekers engage with potential employers, with more reliance on online applications instead of in-person inquiries. The discussed trend suggests that the way people search for jobs has become more digital, making it crucial to have connections within the industry. As competition for roles increases, it is important to not only apply for jobs but also interact with the community through events and networking. Developing relationships can significantly boost one's chances of landing a job in tech.
Communication Skills: A Must-Have for Developers
Having strong communication skills is critical for success in the tech industry, as they enable developers to articulate their ideas and collaborate effectively. Employers often prioritize applicants who demonstrate technical abilities along with the capacity to convey complex concepts clearly. Personal experiences illustrate that being able to express oneself eloquently can greatly enhance job prospects and workplace effectiveness. Dedication to improving one's communication skills can provide a significant advantage in any professional setting.
The Role of Practice in Mastering Programming
Practicing programming skills consistently is crucial for developing expertise, and focusing on the concept of deliberate practice can lead to mastery. Engaging in structured learning through resources such as coding boot camps can help guide self-study and skill development. The notion of the Zone of Proximal Development emphasizes the importance of challenging oneself while still ensuring that tasks remain attainable. By actively working on programming tasks and seeking feedback, individuals can refine their skills and boost their confidence.
Community Engagement and Active Learning
Being an active participant in the development community profoundly influences one's learning journey and growth as a developer. Platforms like Discord can facilitate connections with fellow learners and experienced developers, encouraging knowledge sharing and collaboration. Continuous engagement with peers can help those learning to code feel supported, fostering motivation and accountability. Maintaining an active presence in such communities allows individuals to access valuable resources, mentorship, and encouragement throughout their learning experience.
The Future of University Education and Skills Acquisition
As higher education continues to evolve, many students question the true value of traditional university degrees, particularly when many high-demand skills can be acquired through online learning. Online courses, coding boot camps, and self-guided study provide individuals with substantial knowledge and experience necessary for career success, often at a fraction of the cost of a degree. Students should carefully evaluate the return on investment of pursuing a degree in relation to their career goals. Understanding the job market and choosing to learn in-demand skills can lead to better career opportunities.
Harnessing AI as a Learning Assistant
The rise of AI technologies presents an opportunity for learners to enhance their programming skills and knowledge retention. AI tools, like chatbots, can assist in answering questions, debugging, and providing personalized guidance tailored to individual needs. This technology has the potential to augment traditional learning methods, providing resourceful assistance while students develop their skills. However, students must still actively engage with the material and apply their knowledge to solidify understanding rather than relying solely on AI outputs.
Navigating the Job Market: Skills Over Degrees
As the job market evolves, the emphasis on practical skills rather than formal degrees is increasingly prevalent. Employers are placing higher value on tangible skills that demonstrate a candidate's ability to perform the job effectively. The importance of having a portfolio showcasing completed projects and experiences cannot be overstated, as it allows job seekers to stand out in a saturated market. Those who proactively develop their skills and create demonstrable work are better positioned to secure coveted positions within tech.
Prioritizing Financial Literacy for Personal Growth
Understanding personal finance is a critical aspect of achieving long-term stability and success. Financial literacy enables individuals to make informed decisions regarding education, investments, and career opportunities without being trapped in debt. Engaging in resources to grasp budgeting, savings, and financial planning is essential for managing expenses effectively throughout life. By prioritizing financial education alongside technical skills, individuals can build a solid foundation for future endeavors.
On this week's episode of the podcast, freeCodeCamp founder Quincy Larson interviews Lane Wagner. He's a software engineer, prolific contributor to freeCodeCamp, and founder of the Boot.dev online learning platform.
Support for this podcast comes from a grant from Wix Studio. Wix Studio provides developers tools to rapidly build websites with everything out-of-the-box, then extend, replace, and break boundaries with code. Learn more at https://wixstudio.com.
Support also comes from the 11,043 kind folks who support freeCodeCamp through a monthly donation. Join these kind folks and help our mission by going to https://www.freecodecamp.org/donate
We talk about: - Lane's thoughts on college and computer science degrees - Back end development and why it resonnates with him - Why he's so enthusiastic about the Go Programming Language - What Lane's learned about how people learn
Quincy mentions the number of engineers graduating every year from Indian and Chinese universities (including computer science majors, which is usually the most popular engineering degree). It's hard to find exact numbers but...
- India: more than 1 million engineering graduates / year - China: more than 1 million engineering graduates / year - US: only about 200,000 engineering graduates / year
Links we talk about during our conversation:
- Lane's 4-hour course on how to get a job as a developer: https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/how-to-get-a-developer-job/ - Lane's 5-hour HTTP Networking course: https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/http-networking-protocol-course/ - Lane's SQL for Web Developers course: https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/sql-for-web-devs/ - Lane's freely available books published through freeCodeCamp Press: https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/author/wagslane/ - Khan Academy founder's talk on mastery learning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MTRxRO5SRA - The Zone of Proxmial Development education concept: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zone_of_proximal_development
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