

DonTheDeveloper Podcast
Don Hansen
Helping aspiring developers get jobs and junior developers grow. Raw and unfiltered conversations with industry professionals that dive deep into how developers can find success and growth in their careers.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 1, 2024 • 54min
Learning To Code With ADHD
If you have ADHD and you're looking for strategies to be successful with your learning to code journey, this episode is for you.Henry Lam (guest):Website - https://www.adhdcoachingnearme.com---------------------------------------------------🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloperDisclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. ===========================WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

Jun 24, 2024 • 23min
How To Actually Network as a Junior Developer (Keep It Simple)
Whenever aspiring developers hear that they need to "network", it tends to illicit thoughts of stuffy networking events and social anxiety. I think people just over-complicate what networking really is about. It's just about building meaningful relationships with someone else you vibe with on some level. In this podcast episode, I shared my mindset and version of networking that I really think you should consider.---------------------------------------------------🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloperDisclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. ===========================WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

Jun 10, 2024 • 1h 17min
We Need To Bring "Gatekeeping" Back To Web Development
Ready to bridge the developer skill gap and set yourself up for success in the tech industry? Join me and my guest, Derek Wood, better known as Sheriff Derek, as we dissect the growing disparity between what employers expect and the current skill levels of many budding developers. We dive into why foundational skills are critical and how bootcamps sometimes fall short in preparing students for real-world challenges.Curious about the role of gatekeeping in tech and how it affects newcomers? We explore the evolving concept and its impact on aspiring developers. Sheriff Derek shares candid advice on avoiding the common pitfalls of coding bootcamps and stresses the importance of strategic self-branding. By focusing on developing core proficiencies and understanding industry expectations, you'll be better equipped to navigate your tech career without falling into financial strain or feeling unprepared.But it’s not all about the grind—discover how to find joy in your programming journey and build meaningful, impactful projects. Sheriff Derek and I discuss the importance of celebrating small wins, integrating creativity into your work, and engaging with the tech community. Learn practical tips for continuous learning, networking, and creating projects that showcase your problem-solving skills. Whether you’re new or junior in the field, this episode is packed with actionable advice aimed at helping you thrive and find fulfillment in your tech career.Sheriff Derek (guest):Website - https://perpetual.education---------------------------------------------------🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloperDisclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. ===========================WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

Jun 3, 2024 • 26min
The Cold Application Approach Is DEAD For Developers
I answered an aspiring developer's question:"In late 2022, I decided to get into SE to become a front end dev and decided to join an in-person bootcamp in 2023 to accelerate my learning. Choosing the bootcamp route over traditional schooling seemed like a quicker path into the field, especially since I'd already been self-studying beforehand. While the bootcamp experience was great, it left me feeling underprepared in key areas like Javascript, with the curriculum heavily focused on React. I earned a certificate and made my portfolio site to host my projects, but landing my first job has proven to be an uphill battle. I've been applying weekly for about 8 months now, even to listings I wasn’t ‘qualified’ for due to needing “”x amount of years of experience”” for entry level positions. I’ve spent the past half year studying Javascript to make up for the lack of JS in my bootcamp, and am still submitting applications almost daily. The 8 months and counting pursuit of an entry-level position across various job titles—front end dev, graphic design, UI engineer etc—has resulted in less than a dozen rejections, which at this point, I'm looking forward to since it’s better than hearing nothing at all. Soon, I won't be able to hold out financially, and I’ll have to find a full time job and inevitably run out of time in my personal life to code at all which is frustrating and heartbreaking, since I’ve grown to love coding, especially designing and building components and sites. TLDR; I’m just trying to get into my first position. I don't care if it’s writing HTML or CSS, hell at this point, I’ll do coffee runs for developers if it means I can actually get into a company. It has probably never been a worse time to get into software engineering, and I find myself actively telling younger family members who ask about it to go for something ‘more stable’ when ironically, was the sentiment I received when inquiring about software engineering.. This WAS the ‘stable’ career, until it wasn’t. I’m desperate for any advice on what to do at this point, maybe even going back to school if it betters my chances!"---------------------------------------------------🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloperDisclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. ===========================WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

May 27, 2024 • 10min
"I've applied For 400 Developer Jobs and Only Got 1 Phone Interview. What Do I Do?"
I answered an aspiring developer's question:"Biggest roadblock is just getting people to talk to me. Almost straight out of bootcamp I landed a junior software engineering role at a small digital product studio. Worked there for 9 months before getting laid off. But now amidst all the layoffs I’m small, tiny fish in an enormous pond. Despite applying to 400+ places (almost anything I’m remotely qualified for) over the past 8 months. I’ve had one, a single, 10 minute phone interview. So the biggest hurdle is how to find and land that next role or even get someone to talk to!! Despite all this I continue to work on “pet” projects, continue to grow my learning and have managed to land a freelance development gig! Keep on keepin’ on. It’ll happen!!"---------------------------------------------------🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloperDisclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. ===========================WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

May 20, 2024 • 16min
What I Love and Hate About Live Coding
Live coding has emerged as a compelling medium for developers to showcase their skills, engage with communities, and build personal brands. It's a digital stage where the immediacy of programming meets the unpredictability of live performance, creating a unique interactive experience for both the coder and the audience.Embarking on a live coding journey is akin to setting sail on open waters; it's thrilling, challenging, and often uncharted territory for many developers. It demands a balance between the intimacy of coding in solitude and the public nature of streaming your process in real time. As such, the experience of live coding is multifaceted. On one hand, it fosters growth and camaraderie among developers who share a passion for technology. On the other, it can be fraught with the pressures of public scrutiny and the demand for constant engagement.Live coding is not merely about writing code; it's also about storytelling and sharing one's development journey with an audience. This creates a space where developers can find support and feedback, potentially accelerating their learning process. Yet, the dependency on real-time feedback poses a risk to a developer's self-reliance and growth. Too much reliance on audience input can lead to superficial learning, where understanding is shallow, and problem-solving skills are underdeveloped.Creating a positive online environment is crucial for a successful live coding stream. A toxic or disruptive audience can significantly detract from the experience, while a supportive and engaged community can enhance it. Curating an audience, therefore, becomes an art form in itself, requiring the streamer to establish rules and boundaries that encourage constructive interaction and deter negative behavior.Beyond live coding, there are myriad avenues for personal branding within the tech industry. Content creation, in its various forms, offers developers the opportunity to share their expertise and insights. Whether it's through blogging, video tutorials, or podcasts, finding the right medium that resonates with an individual's style and preferences is key to building a strong personal brand.As the developer's role continues to evolve in this digital era, the importance of content creation and personal branding cannot be overstated. Developers who share their journey authentically and engage with their audience effectively can carve out a unique space in the tech community. This not only helps in building a personal brand but also creates connections that can lead to professional growth and opportunities.---------------------------------------------------🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloperDisclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. ===========================WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

8 snips
May 13, 2024 • 1h 8min
There's a MASSIVE Skill Gap Among New Developers
Sheriff Derek, a seasoned web developer and educator, discusses the widening skills gap among new developers entering the tech industry. He emphasizes the importance of foundational knowledge in HTML and CSS for job readiness, critiquing coding bootcamps for rushing into advanced concepts. Derek highlights the need for genuine interest, practical skills, and gradual improvement in navigating the challenges of tech education and building confidence as a developer.

May 6, 2024 • 44min
The Reality of Trying To Land a Dev Job as a Woman
If you're a woman who's trying to become a developer and you've been told that it's going to be harder for you BECAUSE you're a woman, this episode is for you.Zynkah (guest):Twitch - https://twitch.tv/zynkahDiscord - https://discord.gg/pU2dv7JhRxLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zena-creps---------------------------------------------------🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloperDisclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. ===========================WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

Apr 29, 2024 • 50min
Candid Chat About The Dev Market With a Coding Bootcamp CEO (Rithm School)
I brought on the CEO of Rithm School to have a candid conversation about the entry-level dev market; the coding bootcamp industry; and how Rithm School has adapted to it. To be honest, the transparency was refreshing.Elie Schoppik (guest) - CEO of Rithm SchoolFree Rithm School events: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/rithm-school-11279356650/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1kv9TLn6VxfQJv-PxGBcuwSite: https://rithmschool.com---------------------------------------------------🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloperDisclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. ===========================WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

Apr 23, 2024 • 26min
My Imposter Syndrome That I faced As a Developer
In a candid chat, the speaker dives into the often-unspoken challenges of imposter syndrome as a developer. They share personal stories of wrestling with insecurities in their early career. Emphasizing self-reflection, they highlight how addressing these feelings can lead to personal growth and a healthier work-life balance. The conversation serves as a reminder that even seasoned professionals face doubts, making it relatable to many in the tech industry.