
Develop Yourself
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.
Latest episodes

Feb 24, 2025 • 24min
#217 - How to Get Your First Tech Job - Straight from a Recruiter
Henry Ngo is a tech recruiter who wants to see you win the game of job hunting. We chat about:• The Importance of a compelling hero section in resumes• Utilizing technology and AI in the recruitment process• Tips for effective communication during interviews• Addressing myths about the competition in job applicationsYou can connect with Henry on LinkedInSend 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)

Feb 20, 2025 • 11min
#216 - Take-Home Coding Challenges Suck. Here’s 3 ways to Beat Them...
Take-home coding challenges can be daunting, but there are effective strategies to tackle them. The discussion reveals three key approaches: honing your unit testing skills, enhancing documentation, and creating a project walkthrough video. The importance of follow-up communication after submission is also emphasized. Personal anecdotes and insights add depth, making the advice practical and relatable for aspiring developers.

Feb 17, 2025 • 31min
#215 - Building Software with AI: Dr. Robert Toth on the Future of Coding, Cursor and True Prompt Engineering
I used to roll my eyes when someone talked about "prompt engineering."Then Dr. Toth showed me what's possible in a video where he created facial recognition software in under 9 minutes.Toth is the CEO of an AI Medical Tech company with decades of coding experience. He's a smart cookie.He schooled me on how to use new coding tools like Cursor, writing better prompts and what he sees in the future for software developers.Here's his Cursor file for you to steal: https://github.com/Theta-Tech-AI/llm-public-utils/blob/production/system_prompts/cursor.mdYou can read his articles here: https://substack.com/@thetatechrob or find him on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robtoth/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)

Feb 12, 2025 • 21min
#214 - A step by step guide to building a really good side project
Let's cut to the chase.Here's the video for building a side project: Watch on YTGrab the cheat sheet for side projects here.Here's the waitlist for the AI Mentorship Program: Apply hereSee ya!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)

Feb 10, 2025 • 37min
#213 - The Google Interview: Luck, LeetCode, and What Actually Matters
Can you believe I never asked Zubin about his interview at Google?I failed the Google interview a couple times (so far) but Zubin crushed it.And he did it without studying hundreds of LeetCode problems, using an approach which no one really talks about.I hope you find this episode useful whether you're trying to nail the big tech interview or get a job at the local startup.Here's the article mentioned in the episode 👇https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/coding-interview-prep-for-big-tech/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)

9 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 14min
#212 – Learn Fast(er): The Uncomfortable Method That Actually Works
Discover how teaching others can turbocharge your own learning in software development. The use of tools like Loom allows you to record your explanations, which not only deepens understanding but also prepares you for interviews. Learn about effective self-recording to uncover knowledge gaps and improve communication skills. AI tools, like ChatGPT, play a crucial role in verifying comprehension, enhancing your value as a developer. Embrace the uncomfortable methods that truly accelerate your journey in tech!

Feb 3, 2025 • 32min
#211 - 5 Things Salespeople Know About Getting Hired (That Developers Don’t)
In this conversation with Jeremy Smith, a former salesperson who transitioned into tech without a formal education, listeners learn how sales skills can drastically enhance job hunting for developers. He shares insights on resilience in the job search, stressing that rejection should be embraced, not feared. Jeremy highlights the power of networking over cold applications and explains how urgency and persistence can often outshine coding perfection. His candid advice unlocks a new perspective for aspiring developers looking to land their dream jobs.

Jan 30, 2025 • 18min
#210 - Why You Keep Failing Tech Interviews (And It’s Not Your Fault)
A student at Parsity recently bombed a tech interview—and it wasn’t just their fault. The hiring process in tech is broken, with endless interview rounds, AI filtering out candidates, and companies that don’t even know what they’re looking for. In this episode, we break down why tech interviews are so flawed, what really happens behind the scenes, and how you can play the game to win.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)

5 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 29min
#209 - Zuckerberg, Rogan, and the AI Takeover: Should Engineers Be Worried?
Zuckerberg's prediction that AI might replace mid-level engineers sparks a lively debate. The conversation dives into the unique skills that developers possess, emphasizing that no one is truly safe from automation. Discover the booming job market for wind turbine technicians and the importance of continual learning. The podcast also highlights how pain and failure drive growth in software development and stresses that adaptability and mentorship are key for aspiring engineers in an evolving tech landscape.

Jan 23, 2025 • 13min
#207 - From Addict to Software Developer: A Story of Habit Stacking
Learning to code didn’t change my life.Getting sober and exercising did however.10 years ago I was lost in addiction and headed on a path to jail or death. I think there are some lessons from my failure that may help you on your own journey.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)