DonTheDeveloper Podcast

Do you find the journey of learning data structures and algorithms intimidating? It doesn't have to be! Matt, an experienced software engineer trainer, shared tons of great advice on how beginners can start to navigate through these types of challenges by breaking things down into more fundamental concepts. Matt also provided some great insights on identifying roadblocks you might hit while l...

Have you ever wondered what frontend portfolio project you should build to really stand out as a new developer? It's a question I get asked A LOT. The answer I gave might not be the one you're expecting, but it's one you need to hear. We also talked about how important networking is in the job search and also just as importantly, how unnatural and forced networking can feel for many...

What's the secret to becoming a successful self-taught web developer? How can setting tangible goals and assessing educational options help you land your dream job? Join us as we discuss these crucial questions with our insightful guest who shares their own inspiring journey in the world of web development. Learn how taking ownership of your path, applying knowledge, and pushing through even...

I invited on a software engineer, Byron, who had fears that ChatGPT may take his job. Many professional and aspiring developers have feared this since ChatGPT gained popularity. The fears aren't unwarranted - many developers and content creators have had legitimate concerns for what they perceive as the "inevitable" as well. It seems that only time will tell. But, with the time that...

I invited on 3 real graduates from Epicodus to review the coding bootcamp. As usual, my stance was to be critical to get past the marketing fluff and equip you with information to help with making a much more informed decision on whether or not this program is right for you. I hope this helps! Louie Knolle - https://www.linkedin.com/in/louieknolle Adrienne Matosich - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ad...

In this eye-opening episode, I dive deep into the crucial role of focus, follow-through, and self-discipline for aspiring developers. Join me as I discuss with Dillon Hess the dangers of depending too much on inspiration and how it can impede progress. Listen to Dillon's honest struggles and experiences. Can you relate to any of the blockers he's been facing? ----------------------------...

Are you an aspiring web developer struggling to learn data structures and algorithms, wondering if you're focusing on the right things at the right time? In this candid conversation with an aspiring developer, we discussed why you might not need to prioritize these complex topics just yet. I shared an alternative approach to learning, practical applications for extra context, and how to prepa...

If you are an aspiring developer trying to figure out how to actually stand out in the job search, this podcast episode is for you. I brought on Scott to ask me as many questions as he could in under 30 minutes about landing that first job. We dove into practical strategies for junior developers to stand out in a competitive job market. We discussed the importance of identifying your unique sellin...

I invited on Ben to discuss the importance of testing for software engineers. Ben, a self-taught software engineer turned consultant and trainer, shared his experience of starting out in web design and gradually finding his way into software development. He emphasized the role of testing in enabling consistent growth for software engineers and how it helps them make better decisions in the structu...

Daniel called in to ask a few questions about finding his first developer job to support his growth - what that looks like and how to gauge that in the interview process. He had a few additional questions as well. For those that have similar questions as Daniel had, I hope this helps! Daniel Kalla (guest): Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-kalla Github - https://github.com/dtkalla ----...

Are you about to start a coding bootcamp or currently enrolled in one? Do you want to make the most out of your coding bootcamp experience and maximize your chances of landing your first developer job? Colby came to me with that concern in this podcast episode. Hopefully what I shared with him helps you as well. Good luck! Colby Jax (guest): Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-faisst-5aa5...

Are you considering signing up for Merit America? Check out this episode before you do. I invited on 3 real graduates to share their real experiences. They revealed the good AND the bad. My goal with these episodes is to enable you to get past the marketing BS and have the knowledge you need to decide if this program is right for you. I hope this helps! Daniel Halsey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/...

Are you considering becoming an SDET (software developer in test) in 2023? Then join us as we dive deep into the world of software engineering testing with James Morin, a seasoned SDET. Get a glimpse into how James transitioned from a coding bootcamp grad to diving into the world of testing as a profession - something most coding bootcamp graduates are qualified for, yet don't even realize is...

Join us as we delve into the struggles of a young woman who has set her sights on a career in coding, but with every line of code she writes and every tutorial she watches, she's filled with doubt. Despite her passion and determination, she fears that she won't be competitive in a field filled with tech-savvy engineers and seasoned developers. Hear her struggles and journey as she tries...

Discover the truth about Alchemy Code Labs in my latest podcast episode! Are you considering enrolling in this coding bootcamp? Don't make a decision without hearing our in-depth review. I invited on 3 real graduates to expose the pros and cons, the highs and lows, of this program. Paul Brubaker (guest): Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-brubaker-a94597176 Cameron Zimmerman (guest):...

In this candid conversation, I talked with someone trying to find his next developer job. Despite applying to over 500 jobs, he's only had a handful of interviews, faced rejection at the final round, struggled with coding challenges, and even had a job offer rescinded. I dug into what might be holding him back, while also discussing job boards, the importance of cover letters and networking,...

It can be frustrating to get several developer interviews followed up with constant rejection. Are you doing something wrong? Maybe? Probably. That doesn’t mean you aren’t doing a lot of things right. Rejection will be very common in 2023. In this short episode, we talked about quite a bit in an attempt to try and identify what Nonso could improve with - Creating a connection with the interviewer,...

I invited on a successful self-taught developer to share how he became not only a freelance developer, but a nomad as well. It’s rare to hear real success stories like this, especially ones that allow developers to achieve true financial freedom. Whether you want to work for a company or not, he shared tons of advice for all self-taught developers alike. Enjoy! Amine Boukhari (guest): Linktree - h...

Brennan, founder of Kiwi (a decentralized database), shared some really interesting insights into decentralized technology and the future of Web3. Inspired to learn more about Web3 after his friend escaped China (and recently the rest of his friend’s family thankfully), we dove into the use cases for decentralized technology, especially around opportunities for future web3 developers. Of course, w...

There are so many aspiring backend developers that believe that it's IMPOSSIBLE to land a backend role as their first position. It's just not true. This episode aims to provide support, but also realistic expectations of the mindset needed to become a backend developer. Quite frankly, many coding bootcamps are falling short of properly preparing people for these roles. As a bonus, what s...

Once you’ve been accepted into a coding bootcamp and have an official start date, this video is for you. A lot of people worry that they won’t be able to make the most out of their experience. I get the concern, given that these programs are so expensive. In this video, I share tons of advice on how to be successful in your program and after you graduate as well. ----------------------------------...

Are you wondering what your first day will be like when you finally land your first developer position? I was scared. I thought I’d get fired and found out as a fraud. In this podcast episode, I shared what it was like for me. I left no stone unturned and shared an excessive amount of advice for people that might feel anxious about their first job. As a bonus, I shared my experiences with my 2nd a...

I invited on 3 coding bootcamp graduates to give their honest experience with Code Platoon's full-stack web development program. They focus on helping veterans and their spouses. While I love this mission, that doesn't necessarily mean they are a quality coding bootcamp. As with other reviews of mine, I made sure to dig into the REAL pros and cons of the program. If you're consideri...

Coding bootcamps are definitely the best bang for your buck when it comes to landing your first developer role, but that doesn't mean there aren't a lot of programs that prioritize profit over your success. For those that have signed up for coding bootcamps that delivered nothing but false promises, I feel for you. I truly do. If you're scared that you just blew a bunch of money for...

MANY coding bootcamps continue to squeeze out as much profit as possible. We've seen that get exponentially worse during the pandemic as their pool of students opened up with everything being remote. I appreciate those who try and help out self-taught developers, but the hard truth is that most WILL give up before they've had a chance to break into the industry. Coding bootcamps CONTINUE...