
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

Oct 31, 2024 • 33min
#184 - From Invisible to Hireable: The Power of Building in Public for New Coders
Send a text and I may answer it on next episode (I cannot reply from this service 😢)Learning in public isn't about likes. It's not about becoming an influencer.Learning in public is a practical way to validate yourself as a developer, learn the art of writing and become discoverable in a sea of cookie-cutter bootcamp grads.We will go over why you want to learn in public, how to do it and a way to meet other developers without being weird. Grab my learning in public templates hereShameless 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 ☎️

Oct 28, 2024 • 25min
#183 - Stand Out on LinkedIn: Tips from a 7-Foot CEO Who Did It Right
Send a text and I may answer it on next episode (I cannot reply from this service 😢)In this episode, I chat with Harley Ferguson, the seven-foot-tall South African CEO of Origen Software. We dig into strategies for going viral, crafting engaging posts, and how Harley’s unique perspective has helped him build an audience of over 60,000 followers.Whether you're looking to become LinkedIn famous or just stand out in the developer market - you'll walk away with actionable steps to begin learning in public the right way.Harley is an amazing human and an excellent writer. You can connect with him here:101 Tips for Becoming a Better DeveloperHarley's LinkedInShameless 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 ☎️

Oct 24, 2024 • 12min
#182 - (Mini-Episode) Level Up Your JavaScript: Simple Tips for Cleaner Code
Discover essential tips to refine your JavaScript skills and boost your coding professionalism. Learn about the importance of using 'const' for variable declarations and how to enhance code readability with tools like Prettier. Emphasize consistency in coding style for effective team collaboration, drawing parallels to literature. Explore best practices that prevent common coding pitfalls and ensure your code is both clean and structured. Plus, find out how to maintain a strong professional presence on platforms like GitHub.

Oct 21, 2024 • 40min
#181 - Meta Tech Lead Secrets: Breaking into FAANG, Big Salaries, and Career Growth with Rahul
Send a text and I may answer it on next episode (I cannot reply from this service 😢)In this episode, I’m joined by Rahul Pandey, a former tech lead at Meta and co-founder of JoinTaro, a platform for ambitious software developers. Rahul shares his transparent insights on working in big tech, including the reality of big salaries in FAANG companies and what it’s really like behind the scenes.You can connect with Rahul on LinkedIn.BONUS ALERT 👇Don't miss out on this course I made for JoinTaro about breaking into tech as an outsider which is FREE for a limited time: https://www.jointaro.com/course/break-into-tech-and-become-a-software-engineer/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 ☎️

Oct 17, 2024 • 16min
#180 - Tech Layoffs & AI Panic: The Truth About Tech Careers in 2024
Send a text and I may answer it on next episode (I cannot reply from this service 😢)"AI is coming for your tech job!""There's no hope for coders in 2024!""Learn to code?! Ha, that was so 2015."Do these click bait titles sound familiar?I've gone down the YouTube rabbit hole of doom and gloom videos about the tech job market and AI. The reality is much less interesting which is why you won't see much of it on platforms where extreme opinions get the most eye balls.Excuse me while I go on a rant about layoffs, AI and getting hired in 2024 with some facts to back me up. You can check out a real time look at the tech job market here: https://www.trueup.io/job-trendShameless 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 ☎️

Oct 14, 2024 • 42min
#179 - Speak Up, Stand Out: How Public Speaking Can Unlock Your Developer Career
Geoffrey Huck, a software engineer turned coach, shares his journey from a shy developer to empowering tech leaders in public speaking. He emphasizes that mastering communication can significantly enhance career prospects. Geoffrey discusses practical strategies to overcome shyness and initiate conversations, illustrating how these skills are essential for leadership roles. His personal anecdotes highlight the transformative power of public speaking in a developer's career, providing listeners with valuable insights and encouragement.

Oct 10, 2024 • 21min
#178 - Lessons from the 3 Smartest Developers I’ve Ever Met
Explore the profound lessons gained from three brilliant developers who transformed the host's coding career. Discover the emotional challenges of receiving constructive feedback during code reviews and the importance of aligning tech strategies with business goals. Learn how collaboration and embracing discomfort can lead to personal growth in the tech field. The insights shared are essential for anyone looking to level up their coding skills and avoid mediocrity.

Oct 7, 2024 • 45min
#177 - The science behind learning to code: Why you don’t need 10,000 hours to succeed
Dr. Junaid Akhtar, a content architect at Educative and former computer science professor, discusses the science of learning to code. He debunks the myth that 10,000 hours of practice is needed, proposing that focused 20-hour sessions can lead to proficiency. Junaid emphasizes the power of project-based learning, akin to music education, for motivation and retention. He also highlights the advantages of text-based resources over video courses, advocating for interactive, practical coding experiences that enhance real-world skills.

Oct 3, 2024 • 16min
#176 - A Hands on Guide to Learning SQL
Send a text and I may answer it on next episode (I cannot reply from this service 😢)Professional software developers overwhelmingly use SQL but few coding bootcamps teach it.Learning some basic SQL doesn't need to be overwhelming or complicated.Listen to the episode and follow along with this post to get some hands-on practice with SQL.Click here to grab your guide.Sign up for early access to our upcoming Python and Data Engineering program.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 ☎️

Sep 30, 2024 • 22min
#175 - The Unwritten Rules to Becoming a Senior Developer: 4 Steps to Level Up
Discover the unwritten rules essential for advancing from a junior to a senior developer. Learn how clear communication can elevate your career, making technical ideas accessible to all. The conversation dives into the value of collaboration and experience, highlighting that job satisfaction transcends titles. Explore practical writing tips and the patience needed to navigate your career journey effectively. This insightful discussion reveals that many developers are often stuck in common traps that delay their progress.
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