Self-Taught Devs

Learning new things can be really hard. If you've got the wrong outlook on the process, it can be overwhelming and cause you to quit. So how do you go about learning new things? In this episode, Matt and Eric discuss their approach and thoughts on the topic of learning. Sign up for our Patreon and get access to our Discord, and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/selftaughtdevspod Matt's...

This is our 50th episode and because of that, we want to open the podcast to you, the listener. In this episode we answer questions that you submitted. If you want your questions to be answered in a future episode, email them to us at selftaughtdevs@gmail.com or send them to us via LinkedIn. Sign up for our Patreon and get access to our Discord, and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/selftaughtd...

You've been working hard trying to make the career change. Tons of job applications, maybe some interviews, but no end in sight. How long should you keep trying? Should you quit? Or is it time to evaluate and make a change. In this episode, Matt and Eric discuss their thoughts on the long-term career change journey, quitting, and giving those who are seeking it the right kind of feedback. Sign...

How long does it take to get your first Software Engineer job? This weeks guest took almost 4 years. In this episode Steven Sheaves details how he changed careers from working in the restaurant industry to becoming a full-time Software Engineer. He also gives great advice on how you can replicate his success. Steven talks about what projects he worked on and how he got experience without having a...

If you're just getting started posting in a public platform about your Software Engineering journey, it can be challenging to find your voice. What do you talk about? How do you talk about it? How do you deal with the scrutiny of the public eye? In this episode, Matt and Eric discuss Finding Your Voice in the Software Engineering Community. Sign up for our Patreon and get access to our Discord...

Is learning Frontend enough? Should everyone strive to become a Full-Stack developer? Should you niche down and only focus on one stack? As competition in the Software Development field becomes more intense, it can be difficult to decide what to focus on. In this episode, Matt and Eric discuss their thoughts on whether learning one stack is enough in todays Software market. Sign up for our Patreon...

If you're on social media while trying to make your way in the Software Engineering world, you've probably seen tons of folks giving lots of advice. What are the things you should and shouldn't do when learning to code? How should you spend your time when job searching? What does the ideal resume look like? There is tons of noise out there, conflicting information, or overly confident...

What are some great use cases for ChatGPT? Should you rely on ChatGPT for writing code? Will ChatGPT replace you as a Software Developer? In today's episode, Matt and Eric talk about ChatGPT and their specific uses for this technology. Sign up for our Patreon and get access to our Discord, and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/selftaughtdevspod Matt's Links: https://mehrlich-link-tree.n...

Can learning to code make you better at identifying and solving problems? In today's episode, Matt and Eric discuss their problem solving mindset, what it means, and how it has changed overtime. Sign up for our Patreon and get access to our Discord, and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/selftaughtdevspod Matt's Links: https://mehrlich-link-tree.netlify.app/ Eric's Links: https://lin...

You've finally secured full-time employment as a Dev and you're starting work soon. What should you expect for your first week? In this weeks episode, Matt and Eric discuss Erics first week as a full-time developer. Also, they discuss Matt's most recent project updates. Sign up for our Patreon and get access to our Discord, and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/selftaughtdevspod Mat...

If you're learning to code or on the job search, it can be hard to take a break from it all. It can also be hard to come back from a break. In this episode, Matt and Eric discuss getting back into coding after taking time away, as well as some psychology on being okay with taking time off in general. Listen in! Sign up for our Patreon and get access to our Discord, and other perks: https://www...

Chris is a Software Engineer and the founder of Tech Tank which is a collaborative space for tech enthusiasts of all levels. Chris talks about her own background and transition into Software, what Tech Tank is and how it brings value to Engineers of all levels, and how to get involved with and start a Dev community of your own. Chris utilized the Dev community and her network to get her first job...

Big news here at Self-Taught Devs! Eric has accepted his first full-time Software Developer role! If you want to hear about what it took to break into the industry as a self-taught developer, join Matt and Eric as they reflect on the journey, the challenges, and what comes next. Sign up for our Patreon and get access to our Discord, and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/selftaughtdevspod Matt&#...

Switching careers can be a mentally tough task. But it can also be financially straining. In this episode, Matt and Eric discuss some of the financial decisions they made in order to be able to afford a career change. They talk about how they were able to save for their career change, how they were able to afford their Dev education, and what their financial plans are for after receiving a full-ti...

How do you get noticed as a Software Developer, and why does it matter? In this episode Matt and Eric discuss their experiences with building in public, posting various types of videos on multiple platforms, publishing projects, etc. What might make an impact to help you gain the right kind of attention? Can it help you land a job? Tune in and listen along! Sign up for our Patreon and get access t...

We're joined again by DeVontae Moore. Recently DeVontae was let go from his position as a Software Developer. In this episode, Matt and Eric gain insights on what that experience was like for DeVontae, what he learned from his experience, and what he has been doing since in order to grow his skills as a dev. Sign up for our Patreon and get access to our Discord so you can tell us about the pro...

The learning never stops when you're on the software engineering journey. In this episode Matt and Eric discuss some lessons they have learned recently regarding personal behaviors, working in teams, new libraries and more. Join our hosts as they share their insights on how they continue to learn and grow. Sign up for our Patreon and get access to our Discord, and other perks: https://www.patr...

The longer you spend in any industry, the more you spot some of the problems. What things bother you about the Software Engineering space? In this weeks episode, Eric and Matt discuss some of the things they have noticed that don't sit quite right. Sign up for our Patreon and get access to our Discord, and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/selftaughtdevspod Matt's Links: https://mehrlic...

When it comes to portfolio projects there's a lot of conflicting advice out there but which should you follow? In this weeks episode, Eric and Matt discuss some of the different options out there and some of the things to consider. Sign up for our Patreon and get access to our Discord so you can tell us about the problems you've faced and how you solved them! https://www.patreon.com/selfta...

What are the toughest problems you've faced so far in your journey in software engineering? In this episode, Matt and Eric discuss some of theirs. From challenges with learning new languages and frameworks, to building access policies for larger applications. Any problem solved teaches a lot of lessons, and each one makes you a better developer. Sign up for our Patreon and get access to our Di...

Matt and Eric have a discussion with Connor Cook about his journey from self-taught to bootcamp to landing an internship. It can be difficult to find your first programming opportunity but Connor found his while he was still in his bootcamp. Connor talks about why he got into programming in the first place and how he managed each step of the way. Connor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connor-cook123/...

In this episode Eric and Matt discuss software related job interviews. Eric reflects on his experiences now that he's been through a hand full of interviews. He discusses how he got these interviews in the first place and some of the the things he learned through his interviewing process. How do I get interviews? How do I prepare for interviews? What should I expect during the interviewing pro...

The best way to learn a topic is to teach it. Think you can teach a coding topic in an audio-only format? The "Teach Us" series invites guests to do just that! In this episode, Matt and Eric talk CORS with Steven Sheaves. Steven has been a developer for three years, and recently has been diving deep into CORS and is ready to share his knowledge. What is CORS? Why do we us it, how do we g...

In this episode, Matt and Eric talk strategy with Tyrell Downer, a self-taught developer who has had success in finding two roles for himself. What should you spend your time learning? When should you start applying? What companies should you target and why? Find out the answer to these questions and more in this episode! Matt's Links: https://mehrlich-link-tree.netlify.app/ Eric's Links:...

How much should you be learning? What technologies should you be working with? When is it enough? Should you be casting a wide net when it comes to learning or might it better to narrow down your focus? In this episode, Eric and Matt discuss the many options that are at our fingertips and their thoughts on continuous learning. Matt's Links: https://mehrlich-link-tree.netlify.app/ Eric's Li...