Don Hansen
DonTheDeveloper Podcast
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.
Author
Don Hansen
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jan 29, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
Learning To Code With ADHD 01.07.2024 54:26
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 --------------------------------------------------- 👾 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3 💻 Learn Frontend (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeve...
How To Actually Network as a Junior Developer (Keep It Simple) 24.06.2024 23:08
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 r...
We Need To Bring "Gatekeeping" Back To Web Development 10.06.2024 1:16:56
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 rea...
The Cold Application Approach Is DEAD For Developers 03.06.2024 25:46
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...
"I've applied For 400 Developer Jobs and Only Got 1 Phone Interview. What Do I Do?" 27.05.2024 9:49
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...
What I Love and Hate About Live Coding 20.05.2024 16:26
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...
There's a MASSIVE Skill Gap Among New Developers 13.05.2024 1:07:51
When it comes to breaking into the tech industry, there’s a labyrinth of myths and misconceptions about what it really takes to be job-ready as a developer. In this eye-opening podcast episode, Derek, a seasoned web developer and educator known as Sheriff Derek, debunks these myths and offers a candid look at the essentials of tech education and the reality of coding bootcamps. Derek begins by add...
The Reality of Trying To Land a Dev Job as a Woman 06.05.2024 44:09
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/zynkah Discord - https://discord.gg/pU2dv7JhRx Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zena-creps --------------------------------------------------- 👾 Join Discord - https...
Candid Chat About The Dev Market With a Coding Bootcamp CEO (Rithm School) 29.04.2024 50:18
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 School Free Rithm School events: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/rithm-school-11279356650/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1kv9TLn6VxfQJ...
My Imposter Syndrome That I faced As a Developer 23.04.2024 26:17
This is a heart-to-heart conversation with you about imposter syndrome - exposing all of my insecurities as a developer! --------------------------------------------------- 👾 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3 💻 Learn Frontend (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper ⚙️ Learn Backend (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER 🐱...
I Feel Lost as a Content Creator... 16.04.2024 22:57
I don't know if I'm having a content blocker or I'm burned out creating developer content, but I feel lost and overwhelmed with deciding what direction to take this channel in. I wanted to share that with you. Why? Not really sure yet. --------------------------------------------------- 👾 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3 💻 Learn Frontend (20% off): https://scrimba.com/...
Is General Assembly Silencing Some Students Who Had a Bad Experience? 06.11.2023 46:15
Colby, a previous student of General Assembly, reached out to me concerning an incident that happened at GA, which really concerns me. Even worse, it sounds like several potential negative reviews of that experience were legally silenced if the students wanted a full refund after the incident. Let's talk about it. Colby Jax (guest): Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-jax Youtube - h...
How To Land Your First Backend Developer Job 30.10.2023 53:36
Do you like backend web development more than frontend? Have you been lied to about how entry-level backend developer jobs don't exist? I brought on Lane, a backend developer with a ton of experience in the industry, to break down why you're most likely not landing your first backend developer job. If you really are striving to land a backend position, this episode is for you. Lane Wagne...
How to Network and Stand Out as an Aspiring Developer 16.10.2023 25:14
Struggling to find your place in the oversaturated software development job market? You're not alone. I brought on Nevin, an aspiring front-end developer, who shares his journey of navigating the tricky paths of job hunting. I'm hoping the advice I shared with him can help you as well. --------------------------------------------------- 👾 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3 💻...
Springboard Coding Bootcamp Review in 2023 09.10.2023 1:08:16
I brought on 3 Springboard graduates to share their honest thoughts about the software engineering program. If you're considering Springboard in 2023 or even 2024, watch this first. Eric Doering (guest): Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-doering-3989aa141 Portfolio - https://ericdoering-portfolio-swart.vercel.app Danielle Aranda (guest): Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel...
Trying To Become a Developer in Your 30s. So Little Time Available... 02.10.2023 26:24
After my last podcast episode with a mother trying to make it into tech, we ended up having a raw and open conversation about trying to become a developer in your 30s, habits, vulnerabilities, motivation, parenthood, and plenty of other things you may relate to if you're older and trying to become a developer. Jessica Goodin (guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicagoodin Here's the p...
Becoming a Developer as a Mother With Another Newborn on The Way 18.09.2023 34:11
Ever wonder how you can navigate the journey to becoming a developer, especially while juggling parenthood? Meet Jessa, a moderator in our community who is a stay-at-home mom with aspirations of entering the coding world. Amid diaper changes and feeds, Jessa talks about optimizing her precious time to learn coding efficiently, solidify foundational concepts, and the importance of projects that str...
BrainStation Review in 2023 10.09.2023 52:20
I invited on 4 graduates from the coding bootcamp, BrainStation, to share their experiences with the program - good and bad. Enjoy! Sorry for the low quality. I used Riverside to record 3 episodes - all of which had audio or video issues. I ended up having the worst technical issues with this one but managed to salvage it. David Le (guest): Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-huynh-le Aja...
How To Become A Cloud Engineer 05.09.2023 55:49
The world of cloud development can be intimidating for newcomers. Yet, understanding this realm opens up numerous opportunities for career growth and advancement. Fayomi, a seasoned veteran of the cloud industry, guided us through the intricacies of cloud engineering, DevOps, and solutions architecture. The roles and responsibilities in these fields may vary, but paramount aspects such as cost opt...
Nucamp CEO Responds To My Review of His Coding Bootcamp 28.08.2023 1:10:30
I previously invited on 3 graduates of Nucamp to review the coding bootcamp. For this episode, I invited on Ludo, the CEO of Nucamp to share his thoughts on the review and provide some behind-the-scenes insight on things that were brought up during the review. The conversation evolved into debating about the best methods and strategies to teach aspiring developers, what should new developers actua...
Entry-level JavaScript Mock Interview 21.08.2023 1:20:22
Curious about what a mock technical interview could look like for an aspiring JavaScript developer? I invited on Matt (with an extensive background interviewing junior developers and also prepping them for interviews) to conduct the interview with Brian who is aiming for his first software engineering job. Matt also shared tons of great feedback for Brian at the end that you may find relatable for...
Should You Even Consider a Free Developer Internship (As an Aspiring Developer) 14.08.2023 18:16
In the current tech industry, the job market for developers is highly competitive. A potential solution to this saturation is internships, particularly free ones. However, this concept of free internships has always sparked a debate, with some perceiving it as an excellent opportunity for new developers to gain professional experience, while others see it as companies taking advantage of free labo...
App Academy Review (2023) 07.08.2023 1:11:05
Are you considering signing up for the coding bootcamp, App Academy in 2023? I invited on 3 graduates from the program to share their REAL experiences - no BS. Enjoy! Guests: Max Fong - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfong415 Jason Greenberg - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-g-greenberg Patrick McKinney - https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-mckinney-97aab0245 ---------------------------------------...
Nucamp Coding Bootcamp Review 2023 (Full Stack, Fundamentals, Backend) 24.07.2023 53:32
Are you considering signing up to the coding bootcamp, Nucamp? Our guests - recent graduates of Nucamp, candidly share their experiences, discussing the highs and lows, what works and what could be better. This conversation is packed with invaluable insights and advice. Listen in for a real, raw, and completely frank perspective on Nucamp. Zynkah (guest): Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ze...
What Does A Startup Founder Look For When Hiring Web Developers? 10.07.2023 49:19
I brought on Surya, the technical founder of Argonaut. In his experience, he's seen that user-centered developers are not just a bonus, but a necessity to create a successful product, and we dove deep into this part of the conversation to show you exactly why that is. You'll hear about how high ownership within a team can lead to a profound understanding of the domain, resulting in a rip...
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