The Stack Overflow Podcast
WBIT #6: Be curious, ask questions, and don’t argue with JavaScript
Apr 9, 2025
Jesse Tomchak, a software engineer at ClickUp, shares his riveting journey from photography to tech. He discusses the complexities of modern coding, highlighting the shift from iOS to AWS. Jesse opens up about transitioning from a tech generalist to a JavaScript specialist, tackling imposter syndrome along the way. The conversation touches on programming fearlessness and the productivity contrasts between languages like Elixir and Ruby. Finally, Jesse compares startup culture to consulting, emphasizing the importance of curiosity in tech interviews.
44:30
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Quick takeaways
- Jesse Tomchok emphasizes the necessity for developers to continually adapt to evolving technologies and agile development practices crucial in the tech industry.
- He highlights the importance of balancing specialization in niche technologies with broad knowledge sharing and effective communication during the software interview process.
Deep dives
Journey into Software Development
Jesse Tomchok’s path to becoming a software engineer began with a degree in fine arts focused on photography, which ultimately led to limited job opportunities in that field. After working various lay jobs, he found a position at an Apple store where he delved into technical support, eventually leading his interest toward software development. His journey involved self-learning iOS development and transitioning from fixing computers to creating apps, learning programming languages like Objective-C along the way. Over the years, he accumulated experience across various platforms, shifting from enterprise-level solutions to the fast-paced environment of startups.
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