
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

Dec 4, 2024 • 26min
#194 - From Zero to Hireable: A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Software Developer
Send a text and I may answer it on next episode (I cannot reply from this service 😢)The amount of information about how to get into software is overwhelming. Often times, the loudest voices have the least knowledge or experience.Who do you trust?What do you study?What should you build?How do you prove to someone they can trust you?Let's break down a step by step guide you can use land your first job as a software developer.Shameless Plugs🧠 (NEW) Parsity's The Inner Circle Program - a highly customized roadmap to take you from 0 to hired. For career changers who want to pivot into software. 💼 Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Google, Brian-look-a-like) 👂🏻Easier Said Than Done Podcast Already a developer? Check out 👉 Not Another Course Serious about joining Parsity? Schedule a call with me ☎️

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Dec 2, 2024 • 19min
#193 - How I Use AI Every Day as a Software Developer (and You Should Too)
Discover how AI tools like ChatGPT can transform your workflow as a software developer. Hear a personal story about using AI in real-time to match UI designs. Explore the balance between leveraging AI's efficiency and maintaining essential coding skills. Learn critical tips for crafting effective prompts and embracing AI responsibly in coding projects. This insightful discussion highlights the evolving role of developers while emphasizing the importance of a strong foundational knowledge in coding.

Nov 28, 2024 • 17min
#192 - The Best Resources for Software Developers (And Why They Work)
Send a text and I may answer it on next episode (I cannot reply from this service 😢)In this episode, I share the best tools, courses, and resources to help you level up your skills and accelerate your path to becoming a software developer. From Codecademy to Scrimba, system design tips and books that have made a huge impact on me, here's what I think is truly worth your hard-earned money.I have personally used and recommend each of the resources I share with you here. No one paid me a dime to say this stuff.Whether you’re just starting out or advancing your career, there’s something here for every developer.Shameless Plugs🧠 (NEW) Parsity's The Inner Circle Program - a highly customized roadmap to take you from 0 to hired. For career changers who want to pivot into software. 💼 Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Google, Brian-look-a-like) 👂🏻Easier Said Than Done Podcast Already a developer? Check out 👉 Not Another Course Serious about joining Parsity? Schedule a call with me ☎️

Nov 25, 2024 • 31min
#191 - Ruby on Rails, The Odin Project and Learning to Code on Your Own
Send a text and I may answer it on next episode (I cannot reply from this service 😢)I chat with Michael, a self-taught developer, about his journey learning Ruby on Rails through project-based learning. We discuss Rails’ philosophy, early projects, overcoming challenges, and the importance of community and structure for self-taught developers. Michael shares resources and advice for aspiring developers navigating their learning path and why Odin Project has worked so well for him.Shameless Plugs🧠 (NEW) Parsity's The Inner Circle Program - a highly customized roadmap to take you from 0 to hired. For career changers who want to pivot into software. 💼 Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Google, Brian-look-a-like) 👂🏻Easier Said Than Done Podcast Already a developer? Check out 👉 Not Another Course Serious about joining Parsity? Schedule a call with me ☎️

Nov 21, 2024 • 22min
#190 - 3 lessons from chatting with 643 software developers
After engaging with 643 developers, the host uncovers the universal struggle of imposter syndrome and shares effective strategies to overcome it. The discussion transitions to navigating the competitive job market, emphasizing the importance of networking and resume enhancement. Side projects emerge as a vital tool for skill-building and personal growth, showcasing their role in fostering problem-solving abilities. Listeners gain insights into community engagement and the balance of technology use for continuous improvement in their careers.

Nov 18, 2024 • 43min
#189 - Brooke Sweedar’s Front-Line Report: Surviving and Thriving After a Coding Bootcamp
Brooke Sweedar, a recent coding bootcamp grad and job seeker, shares her journey from executive recruitment to tech. She offers invaluable insights on thriving in coding bootcamps, balancing learning with a busy life, and standing out in a competitive job market. Brooke discusses the vital mindset for success in tech education, the struggles women face in the industry, and the significance of mastering programming languages like JavaScript and TypeScript. Her tips for leveraging LinkedIn and community support are enlightening for anyone looking to navigate the transition into tech.

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Nov 14, 2024 • 21min
#188 - 3.5 Mistakes Career Changers Make When Learning to Code (And How to Avoid Them)
Discover the common pitfalls career changers face when learning to code. Memorizing won't cut it; understanding the code is crucial. Quality coding practices trump quantity in project portfolios. Focus on mastering a single programming language instead of spreading yourself too thin. Build essential skills in JavaScript and Python to enhance job readiness. Cultivating positive habits is pivotal for success in your coding journey. Embrace failures as stepping stones and engage deeply with your learning.

Nov 11, 2024 • 39min
#187 - Mastering JavaScript Mental Models with Genies, Spaceships, and Wormholes
Kylo Robinson, an accomplished JavaScript developer and creator of The Great Sync, shares his journey from nearly quitting coding to mastering JavaScript through innovative mental models. He discusses the challenges of understanding abstract JS concepts and the significance of visual learning. With engaging analogies, like octopuses for variables and oceans for code execution, he emphasizes the importance of imagination and practical experience in mastering JavaScript. Kylo also highlights resources that bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Nov 7, 2024 • 30min
#186 - Data Structures and Algorithms in Real Life
Discover how data structures and algorithms shape our social networks, with platforms like Twitter as prime examples. Learn to view these concepts as cooking recipes, making complex processes simpler. Explore the real-world impact of structures like prefix trees for auto-suggest features. Delve into stacks and trees, understanding their crucial roles in data management and web development. This enlightening discussion challenges the intimidation surrounding DSA, showcasing its relevance to both novice and seasoned developers.

Nov 4, 2024 • 27min
#185 - The Boring Tech Stack I Would Use to Get Hired as a Software Developer in 2025
Explore the essential tech stack to enhance your employability as a software developer by 2025. Focus on mastering core programming skills while being aware of current market trends. Frameworks like React.js and Next.js are highlighted as crucial for aspiring developers. Learn the significance of languages such as JavaScript, TypeScript, and Python, along with database options like MongoDB and SQL. Discover strategies for practical experience, including local business engagements and building a personal portfolio.
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