

Develop Yourself
Brian Jenney
To change careers and land your first job as a Software Engineer, you need more than just great software development skills - you need to develop yourself. Welcome to the podcast that helps you develop your skills, your habits, your network and more, all in hopes of becoming a thriving Software Engineer.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 14, 2025 • 23min
#265 - The 4 Databases Every Developer Should Know (Including 2 You Probably Don't)
Discover the vital databases every developer should master, including some you may not have heard of. Unearth the differences between relational and NoSQL databases and learn how to choose the right tool for your projects. Explore the significance of search index and vector databases, particularly in AI applications. Gain insights into how these technologies can enhance your data management and responsiveness in future developments.

Aug 11, 2025 • 29min
#264 - Stack Overflow's 2025 Developer Survey: Surprising Takeaways on AI, Coding Languages and Work
Discover intriguing insights from a vast developer survey that reveals shifting demographics and the growing significance of AI tools. Many developers express skepticism about AI's integration into coding, raising questions about its real impact on quality. The conversation highlights the rise of full-stack development and the evolving skill sets required in the industry. Dive into the shifting landscape of programming languages and the ongoing relevance of traditional skills as developers navigate these exciting trends.

Aug 7, 2025 • 13min
#263 - They're Lying to You About AI Productivity: Hype vs Reality for Coders
Maybe I'm just coping.Maybe.I’ve been pretty vocal about the over-hype of AI coding tools and I always get the same responses from AI bros:“YoU gOtta PrOmpt bEtteR!”“This iz a skillz issue dawg”“I’m using [x] and it works perfectly”“I’m a super duper senior architect and I’ve replaced my entire team with AI agents. You’re coping.”I’d be lying if I said I didn’t doubt myself.Maybe they’re right, maybe I’m just not using these tools correctly.Let’s take a look at some big fax and small fax to understand where the truth ends and the hype begins.Sources: TrueUp Software Engineering Job Trends (June 2025)Business Insider: Google engineers just 10% more productive with AI (June 2025)Computerworld: Minimal productivity gains from AI chatbots TechRepublic: IBM Study on AI ROI (2025)https://metr.org/blog/2025-07-10-early-2025-ai-experienced-os-dev-study/Send us a textShameless Plugs 🧑💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)

Aug 4, 2025 • 35min
#262 - 12 Months to Hired: A No-Fluff Roadmap to Becoming a Software Developer
In this insightful discussion, the hosts lay out a pragmatic 12-month roadmap for aspiring software developers. They emphasize mastering in-demand technologies like React and Node, while warning against pitfalls like over-relying on certification. Effective networking strategies are highlighted, particularly in leveraging existing contacts. The importance of meaningful projects is underscored, and there's advice on gaining initial experience with smaller companies. Dive into system design insights and discover key books that can enhance your career prospects!

Jul 31, 2025 • 18min
#261 - I Used to Suck at Coding Interviews. Then I Started Doing These 4 Things
A former developer shares their harrowing experience of panic during a senior role interview. They reveal four transformative strategies that turned their interview performance around, boosting their salary fourfold. The discussion emphasizes the importance of preparing both technically and behaviorally, and the value of storytelling in interviews. Techniques for managing interview anxiety, like self-recording, are highlighted to help candidates stay calm under pressure. Ultimately, it's about overcoming embarrassment and building confidence to succeed.

Jul 28, 2025 • 24min
#260 - From Lead Engineer at MongoDB to Fashion Tech: On Hiring, Remote Teams, and Start-Up Life
Explore an unconventional career journey from cybersecurity to fashion tech. The discussion highlights the importance of hands-on experience over traditional paths and the challenges of transitioning to leadership in startups. Discover insights on managing remote teams and fostering a supportive culture. Learn how AI enhances efficiency in various industries, particularly fashion, and the need for understanding workflows before implementing tech solutions. This conversation reveals what engineering careers can truly entail.

Jul 25, 2025 • 19min
Office Hours: Answering Your Coding Questions EP 3
Are junior developers facing an uphill battle in a changing tech landscape? Discover practical strategies to enhance employability while navigating the software job market. Learn how to build a robust MERN stack app with a systematic approach that prioritizes essential features. Plus, hear inspiring stories of personal growth and transformation in the coding world, emphasizing the significance of applying knowledge beyond just completing tutorials. It's a deep dive into the evolving world of software engineering!

Jul 24, 2025 • 20min
#259 - The Minimum Effective Dose of JavaScript You Need to Learn
JavaScript can be a challenge, but essential for aspiring developers. Practical experience is key—hands-on projects help reinforce learning. A specific form handling project is introduced to guide beginners on their journey. Effective learning techniques prioritize project-based experiences over passive reading. Short videos enhance understanding and keep you engaged. Embrace challenges to move forward in your coding skills!

Jul 21, 2025 • 17min
#258 - Should You Use AI While Learning to Code? A Senior Developer’s Take
A junior developer who got hired at a startup used AI non-stop to keep up.It worked for weeks until he crashed and burned.He'd built a house of cards that he couldn't keep up. The AI tools went in doom loops or just added more sloppy code that his team wouldn't accept.Turns out they hired a prompt engineer instead of a coder.We're in uncharted territory my friends.You can't just NOT use AI but when should you start? How much is too much?Let's explore a path to learning code with AI that won't make you another prompt engineer.PS - If you're already a software developer, I'm working with a few people to crush their next interview. Apply here.Send us a textShameless Plugs 🧑💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)

Jul 17, 2025 • 21min
#257 - Career Landmines: Three Developer Traps to Avoid
Discover three crucial traps that aspiring developers often encounter. Learn why over-reliance on frameworks can hinder your growth. Uncover the surprising truths behind stereotypes in the tech world. Find out how essential communication skills can transform your career from isolation to collaboration. Lastly, explore the importance of foundational knowledge and continuous skill enhancement in navigating the ever-evolving software landscape.