Develop Yourself

Brian sits down with Fardeen Khimani, a 21-year-old Georgia Tech ML student and co-founder of Rounds, to talk about why technical interviews are broken and why AI just made it worse. They cover why LeetCode is dying, why companies have no idea how to respond, and what skills actually matter now. Fardeen's take: if AI can pass an interview that maps to the real job, just hire the AI.Find Fardeen: linkedin.com/in/fardeenkhimani

AI didn't kill software jobs.But it did throw a grenade into the hiring funnel.In this episode, I break down 8 harsh truths about getting hired as a developer in 2026 — and none of them are the feel-good LinkedIn advice you're used to hearing.Why vibe coding isn't a careerWhy no one cares about your certificateWhy your portfolio probably doesn't matterWhy full stack is now the baselineWhy AI productivity claims are mostly nonsenseWhy waiting until you feel “ready” is killing your momentumWhy titles matter more than people admitAnd why hiring is broken — but not hopelessThis isn't theory. I'm sharing what I've seen as a hiring manager, what I've seen in interviews, and what I've seen work for developers I've mentored.The market isn't dead.But the rules have changed.If you want to land your first job — or level up in this AI-first world — you need to understand what actually matters now.If you're serious about switching careers and becoming a software developer, go to parsity.io or schedule a chat using the link in the show notes.

Disclaimer: this episode is my thoughts on coding bootcamps and online education and where Parsity is going in the future.If you're interested in either of the programs I mentioned in this you can check them out here:Parsity AI AcceleratorFull Stack Accelerator

Should you get a computer science degree, enroll in a coding bootcamp, or teach yourself how to code?You're probably not going to love the answer… but it depends.In this episode, I shares my unfiltered, experience-backed take after working with hundreds of aspiring developers and hiring developers myself.Let's breaks down what actually matters when trying to land your first software job — and where each path (college, bootcamp, or self-taught) helps or hurts.Why a college degree might help… but often not for the reason you thinkWhen bootcamps give you an edge — and where they fall shortThe uncomfortable truth about the “self-taught developer” mythHow hiring really works at startups vs big tech companiesWhy fundamentals and computer science matter more later in your careerHow AI is changing the skills new developers need to stay employableThe role of structure, accountability, and mentorship in actually getting hiredIf you're trying to break into software development and feeling overwhelmed by all the options, this episode will help you choose a path based on your time, money, learning style, and career goals — not hype.If you are considering a coding bootcamp program, I encourage you to consider Parsity. Apply Here.

What if I had to break into tech today… with no degree, no connections, and a completely unrelated job?In this episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and self-taught developer Jeremy “Smitty” to map out exactly how we'd do it if we were starting from zero in 2026.We walk step-by-step through a realistic path from beginner to hireable — not theory, not hype, but the practical moves that actually work in today's market.We cover:How to choose what to learn (without wasting years)The fastest way to build real, job-ready skillsHow to escape tutorial hell for goodWhen you're actually ready to apply for jobsHow to create experience before anyone hires youThe smart way to network when you don't know anyone in techWhy AI isn't the career killer people think it isThe mindset shift that separates people who make it from those who quitIf you've ever thought:“I want a tech career, but I don't know where to start”or“I'm stuck in a job that has nothing to do with coding”This episode gives you a clear, actionable roadmap.You don't need to be special.You don't need a CS degree.You just need the right plan — and the consistency to follow it.Shameless Plugs:1. Become an AI engineer. In 45 days, you'll learn the specific skills and technologies to transition from full stack to AI. We use project-based-learning and the teach-back method to accelerate your learning. Apply here. If you're a CTO or engineering manager, this is the program your team needs BEFORE you drop 200K+ on an AI engineer. Reply "AI" to learn more about how we can make your roadmap a reality. 2. Become a hireable software engineer in 2026. Follow a proven system to go from 0 to HIRED with 1 on 1 mentorship and project-based-learning. Take the self-assessment test here to see if you're ready to join.

The hiring bar for junior developers has changed, and pretending it hasn't will only slow your career. Let's break down a simple strategy to beat the “no experience” trap: Ship a small product you intend to sell, get one or two real users, and use those lessons to tell stronger stories in interviews. Instead of another tutorial portfolio, you'll learn to show autonomy, reliability, and ownership—the exact traits teams are optimizing for in tighter markets.By the end, you'll know how to replace vague “potential” with proof of autonomy: shipped features, hard-earned trade-offs, and stories that map directly to the realities of modern teams.Resources:Side project planner: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uJ5Bom0WmS410K5B2m5TkbZ7d1G9BdTaX4nKprYschI/editSide project video: https://youtu.be/2TWioJCIaxESend us a textShameless Plugs

AI is writing more code than ever, layoffs are everywhere, and it feels like software careers might be disappearing. In this episode, we explore why that narrative is misleading—and what's actually changing in tech.We break down why learning to code still matters, how to use AI without becoming dependent on it, and which core skills will help you stay relevant as the industry evolves. If you're trying to make sense of the noise and figure out how to move forward in software development, this episode is here to help you navigate what's next.If you want to join our next cohort to learn AI through project based learning - sign up here: https://parsity.io/ai-devSend us a textShameless Plugs

Grab your free interview prep crash course here: https://parsity.io/interview-prepWhiteboard interviews aren't broken — most candidates just prepare for them the wrong way. This episode shows why copying Big Tech interview prep is a trap and walks through three algorithm patterns that consistently appear in everyday software interviews. It's a no-nonsense roadmap for learning just enough DSA to pass interviews without wasting years on theory.Send us a textShameless Plugs

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act but a habit."Habits beat motivation; small, daily actions reshape identity and make success inevitable without relying on willpower.The problem is that most people create goals with no system in place. They rely on raw, fragile willpower and motivation and then wonder why they fail.Let's explore how to make habits that actually stick to give you the best possible chance of success in the new year.Send us a textShameless Plugs

Grab this project to learn the basics of RAG and working with agents https://www.parsity.io/ai-with-rag2025 was one of the most confusing years to be a software developer.We were told AI would replace us.Then we were told it would make us 10× more productive.Neither actually happened — but the hype affected careers, hiring, education, and mental health in real ways.In this episode, I break down the 5 worst tech trends of 2025, based on what I saw firsthand as a working engineer and bootcamp owner — layoffs that never stopped, juniors getting squeezed out, AI being used as a crutch, the collapse of coding bootcamps, and the biggest lie in tech: the AI productivity myth.Then we flip the script.I also cover the best trends that quietly emerged and how I'm personally planning to take advantage of them going into 2026 — from AI agents and coding tools that actually help, to why generalist engineers and system-level thinking are winning again.If you're:A junior developer trying to break inA senior wondering how AI really affects your careerOr just tired of LinkedIn hype and doom headlinesNo magic prompts. No fake roadmaps. Just reality — and a practical way forward.Send us a textShameless Plugs Free 5 day email course to go from HTML to AI Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Apply for 1 of 12 spots at Parsity - Learn to build complex software, work with LLMs and launch your career. AI Bootcamp (NEW) - for software developers who want to be the expert on their team when it comes to integrating AI into web applications.

I want to offer you some politically incorrect career advice that the gurus on LinkedIn won't share with you.From job hopping to the #1 skill you need as a developer: I cover the things that helped me go from struggling bootcamp grad to engineering manager.Resources mentioned in the pod:My article outlining my salary jumps through interviewing: https://brianjenney.medium.com/i-used-to-suck-at-coding-interviews-then-i-quadrupled-my-salary-9d5260389a09Here's your templates for writing on LinkedIn: https://www.parsity.io/learning-in-publicMerry Christmas!!!Send us a textShameless Plugs Free 5 day email course to go from HTML to AI Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Apply for 1 of 12 spots at Parsity - Learn to build complex software, work with LLMs and launch your career. AI Bootcamp (NEW) - for software developers who want to be the expert on their team when it comes to integrating AI into web applications.

We're in a strange moment right now.The AI bubble is showing signs of popping and the tech industry is waking up from a long night of partying.We were told to “do more with less” and “just use AI” for the past 12 months.After spending a year building production systems this way, I can tell you there's a growing gap between what people think AI can do and what it actually does.To say I'm annoyed with the media and talking heads online is an understatement.It is really starting to boil my potato.Here are my takeaways after grinding on a 5 person team to build a product using AI.

In this episode of the Develop Yourself Podcast, I talk with three email and growth experts about something most developers overlook: email as a serious  money maker.I'm joined by:Mike, founder of Seventh Sense, an AI-powered email timing platformBoris, Senior Digital Marketing Manager at Educative, one of the largest developer learning platformsDoug, CEO of Optimize 3.0, a HubSpot Diamond Partner agencyWe dig into:How AI is reshaping email marketingWhy email is still the most reliable channel you can ownThe biggest email marketing mistakes that founders and developers makeWhat it actually takes to build a product that sells—not just one that worksAnd real advice for developers who want to turn skills into a business

I lay out the project with tons of resources right here

Amber argues that the biggest problem facing new developers isn't coding ability…It's lack of real experience, and an over-reliance on feel-good advice that doesn't translate into hireability.We dig into:Why contributing to real, medium-complexity open-source projects is the fastest path to becoming job-readyWhy most juniors aren't actually hireable yet — and how to fix thatHow toxic positivity on LinkedIn is misleading beginnersWhy “passion” means nothing if it isn't backed by proof-of-workThe kinds of projects and habits that actually impress hiring managersThe mindset shift every junior dev must make to survive today's marketWhat Amber wishes she knew as a brand-new developerHow to stand out when 30,000 other bootcamp grads are competing for the same jobsIf you're early in your software career — or mentoring someone who is — this conversation will challenge your assumptions, push you out of the fluff zone, and give you a clear, actionable roadmap to becoming the type of junior developer who actually gets hired.Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeOpen Source Projects & Communities:Dance-Chives Prototype (Amber's breakdancing app project): https://github.com/BenTheChi/dance-chives-prototypeBuild In Public community: https://buildinpublic.com/Gridiron Survivor project: https://github.com/LetsGetTechnical/gridiron-survivorMentorship:ADPList (free mentorship sessions): https://adplist.org/Connect With Amber:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-adamson-a33a3860/Send us a textShameless Plugs Free 5 day email course to go from HTML to AI Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Apply for 1 of 12 spots at Parsity - Learn to build complex software, work with LLMs and launch your career. AI Bootcamp (NEW) - for software developers who want to be the expert on their team when it comes to integrating AI into web applications.

Am I too old to learn how to code?If you're alive then the answer is NO.BUT, you are going to need a different game plan than your 22 year old co-workers if you want this to work.I was 31 when I got my first job as a coder. Here's what worked for me and others I've taught over the years.Send us a textShameless Plugs Free 5 day email course to go from HTML to AI Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Apply for 1 of 12 spots at Parsity - Learn to build complex software, work with LLMs and launch your career. AI Bootcamp (NEW) - for software developers who want to be the expert on their team when it comes to integrating AI into web applications.

There are some major changes coming to Parsity and this podcast. As a listener, I appreciate you sincerely for listening and I want to extend the largest discount we've ever done for our 30 day Javascript program. It's usually $49 but I'm reducing it to $10.Complete the 30 days and you got yourself a $1400 discount to Parsity's software engineering program.

"We don't really need developers any more""In 2 years, the tools will be so good, that no one will be writing code""Learn a trade bro"I've heard all of these phrases in the last week and it's honestly getting to me. Too often, the people with the loudest microphones have the least experience with the tools we're using.Besides being a talking head on a podcast, I'm also a father and full time software developer. I made this episode not only to vent about why AI hype is so dangerous but why the future isn't as bleak as the mainstream media is leading us to believe.Send us a textShameless Plugs Free 5 day email course to go from HTML to AI Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Apply for 1 of 12 spots at Parsity - Learn to build complex software, work with LLMs and launch your career. AI Bootcamp (NEW) - for software developers who want to be the expert on their team when it comes to integrating AI into web applications.

Ryan is a current student at Parsity who build an app for his employer, Smoothie King, to suggest drinks in a chat interface using a powerful and lesser-known AI technology: RAG.RAG stands for retrieval augmented generation. Basically, providing information (like smoothie recipes) to an AI model so it can return a highly specific response.Ryan breaks down how he finds the time to build side projects like this and how he built this app.Want to build your own AI-powered app? Check out this project: parsity.io/ai-with-ragConnect with Ryan here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhardin378/Send us a textShameless Plugs

You'll learn the six core JS skills to master before frameworks, why TC39 keeps changing the language, and how to test your skills with a challenge you can access below.

Let's be honest - interviews suck.But you can't suck at them.In this episode I break down what your next interview as a junior developer will LIKELY include.Your mileage will vary.Grab the interview guide below which includes a playback of a live event that Parsity recently hosted and a ton of resources: https://brianjenney.substack.com/p/the-junior-dev-interview-guideSend us a textShameless Plugs

Thinking about learning to code with ChatGPT, Cursor, or Copilot?Hit pause for ten minutes.In this episode, I break down why AI isn't replacing developers but it is making it harder to learn. You'll learn the right time to start using AI as a beginner, how to avoid outsourcing the struggle that builds real skill, and the “teach-back” method that can boost your learning retention by up to 90%.Referenced study: https://budgetlab.yale.edu/research/evaluating-impact-ai-labor-market-current-state-affairsSend us a textShameless Plugs

Original article: https://medium.com/@wlockett/you-have-no-idea-how-screwed-openai-actually-is-8358dccfca1cYour AI engineer starter project: https://parsity.io/ai-with-ragSend us a textShameless Plugs

Grab the templates for posting to LinkedIn here: https://www.parsity.io/learning-in-publicI've grown from 0 to nearly 40K followers on LinkedIn with barely any viral posts, and along the way I learned how the platform really works. In this episode, I'm breaking down the exact strategy junior developers are using right now to get recruiters to notice them and get hired faster.So if you've hit “Easy Apply” until your fingers hurt and still don't have any interviews, this is for you! I'll show you the simple LinkedIn system that can get you hired without begging strangers for referrals or posting daily “grindset” nonsense.Send us a textShameless Plugs

Let's weigh college, bootcamps, and the self-taught route with blunt pros and cons, then map each path to market realities, hiring filters, and long-term growth. The goal is to help you choose a route that gets you hired faster without stalling your career later.• how degrees are used as filters and where they matter• why top-tier schools win on internships and networks• the gap between CS theory and practical stacks• when bootcamps accelerate outcomes and where they fall short• self-taught pitfalls and how to add structure and accountability• coastal vs mid-market hiring differences and pay signals• skills startups test versus what larger firms test• the minimum effective dose for a hireable portfolio• why fundamentals compound value in years three to five• how AI raises the premium on first principlesSend us a textShameless Plugs

I just quit my job as a senior AI developer, and while helping hire my replacement, I realized how few people actually know how AI apps work. In this episode, I walk through Retrieval-Augmented Generation step by step—the same system I built at work—and show you the real skills developers need right now.

Just give up?Everyone says no one's hiring junior developers anymore — but is that actually true?In this episode, I sit down with recruiter David Roberts to uncover what's really happening in the job market, why most applicants are getting filtered out, and what you can do differently to land your first role.We break down the biggest myths about entry-level tech jobs, how recruiters actually think, and the skills that make you stand out in 2025.Don't learn to code, learn to build complex software and get hired: https://parsity.ioAlready know how to code? Get help landing your first role: https://crushing.digital/Send us a textShameless Plugs

Every headline says AI is eating developer jobs. But spend a week in production and you'll see the opposite: brittle code, flaky tests, and tools that look fast until you actually ship something.In this episode, I break down why the “AI replaces engineers” story sells so well—to investors, to execs, and to lazy headlines—but falls apart in the real world. We'll talk through a Cornell + METR study showing seasoned devs got 19% slower using AI (even though they thought they were faster), and why that tracks with what I've seen on real teams.Send us a textShameless Plugs

I thought Ben was a troll when he slid into my DMs after a LinkedIn argument. Turns out, he's building some of the most practical AI systems I've seen. In this episode, we talk about how that disagreement turned into a friendship—and why Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) might be the skill every developer needs in 2026.Connect with Ben hereCheck out Lobi Software hereFinally - if you want to go deeper with RAG, I have a tutorial I made just for you: https://parsity.io/ai-with-ragSend us a textShameless Plugs

Ever had your AI pair programmer stop helping and start breaking everything? I did—and this time, the data proves it wasn't just me.Claude fell off. TypeScript that wouldn't compile, migrations stuck in loops, refactors that went completely sideways. Turns out Anthropic's own postmortem revealed three separate bugs causing degraded output—context routing issues, output corruption, and TLA-X blah blah blah error.Let's dive in.Send us a textShameless Plugs

After 11 years helping hundreds of career changers switch into software development, I've found the hardest part isn't teaching technical skills but rewiring brains from misleading online advice that hurts new developers. Much of this advice is well-intentioned, but some is designed purely for clicks and engagement.• "Don't chase titles!"• "Don't build CRUD apps!"• "Coding bootcamps are a scam!"Take all advice (including mine) with a grain of salt. Your path is unique, and a personalized approach to career development is more effective than generic advice. Question everything, take what makes sense, and leave what doesn't.Send us a textShameless Plugs

Let's tackle three of the most common struggles career changers face: 1. Breaking into tech from another field2. Networking without feeling fake3. Staying motivated when the job search drags on. If you're wondering how to make the leap, keep connections warm, or simply not burn out—this one's for you.Got a question of your own?

Have you ever wondered why some developers keep getting promoted while others stay stuck at the same level despite their technical skills? The answer might surprise you.Through practical, actionable steps, I break down exactly how developers at any level can strategically increase their influence and advance their careers. You'll learn how to gain credibility before speaking up, frame concerns as questions rather than criticisms, and pair problem identification with solution proposals. For junior developers and career changers, I offer specific guidance on leveraging your unique perspective and starting with low-risk moments of leadership.The truth is that being universally liked feels safe, but being honest and solution-oriented makes you invaluable. Your career won't skyrocket by becoming infinitely better at your tech stack—it will accelerate when you thoughtfully challenge the status quo and offer solutions to problems others see but are afraid to address.Send us a textShameless Plugs

Breaking into software development isn't about finishing another tutorial—it's about building something that matters. In this episode, I'll show you how to choose a side project that proves your skills, keeps you motivated, and actually impresses employers.You'll learn:Why great data makes or breaks your appHow to apply the 80/20 rule—stick with tech you know, sprinkle in something newPicking a project you're emotionally invested in (so you don't abandon it)Tools that make you look sharp fast—React, Next.js, Tailwind CSS, and smarter database picksAdding AI functionality to make your project stand outBuilding a real MVP, deploying with Vercel or the cloud, and estimating time like a proHere's the link for the free APIs on GitHub: https://free-apis.github.io/#/browseAnd—don't miss it—we're giving away a full Parsity scholarship. 

The tech job market is sending seriously mixed signals in 2025. While social media overflows with doom and gloom about hiring freezes and impossible entry barriers, actual data tells a surprisingly different story. Job openings are trending upward, with big tech companies like Meta, Google, and Apple actively expanding their engineering teams.What's really happening is a massive shift in what companies need from their developers. "AI engineering" positions have exploded, increasing 5-6x since 2023 alone. But here's the critical insight most are missing: these roles don't primarily require deep machine learning expertise or data science backgrounds.This represents a golden opportunity for software developers willing to expand their skills in the right direction.Let's explore.Here's the link to the original article: https://substack.com/inbox/post/172584839?utm_source=unread-posts-digest-email&inbox=true&utm_medium=email&triedRedirect=trueApply for Parsity's AI Developer Program: https://www.parsity.io/ai-developerSend us a textShameless Plugs

Remember when coding bootcamps promised you could learn to code and land a job in just three months? That golden era of easy entry into tech has fundamentally changed, yet the marketing hasn't caught up with reality.In this eye-opening conversation, ex-Google engineer Zubin and host Brian cut through the hype to deliver a reality check about what it actually takes to transition into software development in 2025.What separates those who succeed from those who don't? It's rarely about raw talent or technical aptitude. Instead, it's about creating systems that allow for consistent practice despite life's inevitable challenges."I've seen computer science grads fail and French fry cooks succeed"Let's dig into why.Send us a textShameless Plugs

AI is changing coding faster than anyone expected. Two years ago, autocomplete felt wild—now people with zero dev experience are shipping apps over a weekend. The question isn't “is AI replacing developers?” It's “how do you actually use it without wrecking your codebase?” In this episode, I'll break down when to use AI (and when not to), why Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) is the real game-changer, and how you can stay valuable as a new developer in a world full of hype.Send us a textShameless Plugs

It's Labor Day weekend and, honestly? I'm burned out.Maybe this isn't the best business move, but I'd rather keep it real with you than fake the whole “everything is great in tech” narrative.I've been plenty vocal about why AI isn't about to replace us all tomorrow, much to the dismay of to all the AI bros out there.But here's the other side: being a developer is nothing like those “day in the life” TikToks where someone shows up to the office around 10AM, gets a fancy coffee, fixes a UI bug and then gets a 400K salary with stock options.So here it is—my three worst parts of being a software developer.... and why I still enjoy what I do.Send us a textShameless Plugs

What happens when you give an AI agent full control over a small business?I mean, what could go wrong?Things started off rough and then got down right creepy near the end of this experiment.You can read the original article here: https://www.anthropic.com/research/project-vend-1Send us a textShameless Plugs

What does it actually mean to be an “AI Engineer”? Honestly—not much. The title is overloaded and vague. But what is meaningful right now is knowing how to build real projects with AI that go beyond toy chatbots and portfolio fluff.In this episode, I walk you through the exact project I've been building at two different AI startups: a Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) app. You'll learn how to:Scrape and store content in a vector databaseUse embeddings to turn your text into something a model can understandStream responses back to your frontend with Next.js + TypeScriptReduce hallucinations and add structured, reliable outputsUnderstand why this is the skillset employers are actually hiring for right now

In this episode of Develop Yourself, I sit down with Gabe Rucker, CEO of Founding Titans, to discuss everything from entrepreneurship and building startups to the practical side of networking and getting money from thin air.We also dive into how Parsity students gained valuable, hands-on experience through an internship with Founding Titans, working alongside a real AI startup team.Topics we cover include:Gabe's journey from coder to founder—and what he's learned along the wayHow to raise capital, attract the right investors, and avoid common startup pitfallsValidating your ideas and building a minimum viable product (MVP) that people actually wantWhy networking is critical—for both startups and job seekersThe role of AI in software development today—and its limitationsBehind-the-scenes: how our internship with Parsity students worked in a live startup environmentConnect with Gabe Rucker on LinkedIn:→ Gabriel Rucker (CEO, Founding Titans)  Send us a textShameless Plugs

When I first tried to learn JavaScript, I hated it so much I told myself I'd just be an HTML and CSS developer and never touch it again. Of course, my first job threw me straight into Angular, C#, SQL, and a mountain of JavaScript I wasn't ready for.In this episode, I share what made JavaScript so brutal for me (and for almost every student I've worked with), the mistakes that keep people stuck, and the science-backed strategies that actually helped me go from totally lost to confident. If you've been banging your head against for loops, callbacks, or just “getting it,” this one's for you.Send us a textShameless Plugs

When your only tool is a hammer - everything looks like a nail.2 of these database I'm sure you've heard and 2 might be completely new to you.Let's go past MongoDB and SQL to learn what tool is best for what job and what's the database choice for AI in 2025.If you're interested in learning SQL, check out this episode: https://open.spotify.com/show/69BHCbRAl6rHT9LlNhFWUySend us a textShameless Plugs

Every year, Stack Overflow surveys nearly a 100,000 developers to learn what technologies, languages and tools are trending.The answers here might surprise you, especially when it comes to AI tools.You can check out the survey here: https://survey.stackoverflow.co/2025/developers/Send us a textShameless Plugs

Maybe I'm just coping.Maybe.I've been pretty vocal about the over-hype of AI coding tools and I always get the same responses from AI bros:“YoU gOtta PrOmpt bEtteR!”“This iz a skillz issue dawg”“I'm using [x] and it works perfectly”“I'm a super duper senior architect and I've replaced my entire team with AI agents. You're coping.”I'd be lying if I said I didn't doubt myself.Maybe they're right, maybe I'm just not using these tools correctly.Let's take a look at some big fax and small fax to understand where the truth ends and the hype begins.Sources: TrueUp Software Engineering Job Trends (June 2025)Business Insider: Google engineers just 10% more productive with AI (June 2025)Computerworld: Minimal productivity gains from AI chatbots TechRepublic: IBM Study on AI ROI (2025)https://metr.org/blog/2025-07-10-early-2025-ai-experienced-os-dev-study/Send us a textShameless Plugs

If I lost everything today—no job, no network, no portfolio—and had to start over in 2025 as a software developer, I wouldn't be looking for a 3-month miracle. I'd be planning for 12 months. That's how long it really takes now.We cover:what tech stack you should learnnetworking as a developer using BFSa capstone project that is actually impressivean interviewing strategy3 books I'd read as a new developerAt Parsity, we cover all this and much more. Apply here. Send us a textShameless Plugs

Five years ago, during an interview for a senior dev role, I had a panic attack. It was one of my worst interview experiences. It also taught me a lot about what I was doing wrong.In this episode, I'll break down the process that took me from under-paid developer to passing interviews and 4x'ing my salary.Here's your worksheet to help you create a solid story for an interview: worksheetIf you know you suck at interviews - I'll be working with a few people to help them crush their next interview and increase their salaries. Apply here: Fill out application

Harish, former lead engineer at MongoDB and current co-founder of Flaire, takes us on a journey through his unusual career path—one that didn't involve grinding LeetCode or chasing FAANG.Instead, he got deep into cybersecurity, built large-scale systems, and eventually started his own company that's redefining how small businesses use software.We talk about:What it's actually like to work on database internals and secure infrastructureWhy most engineers shouldn't become founders—and why he did anywayHow to use AI for real business workflows (not just ChatGPT hacks)The rise of “cybersecurity as product” and how ops teams still run on spreadsheets and WhatsAppWhy learning to code isn't just about DSA and bootcamps—it's about solving real problems“A lot of tools are built for enterprises, but most businesses are duct-taping together spreadsheets. We built for them.”“You need to understand how your workflows actually function before throwing AI at them.”“Don't overbuild. Build just enough to learn something, then improve.”If you're newer to tech and want to understand what actual engineering careers can look like—this episode will open your eyes to what's possible.Connect with Harish here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scharish/Send us a textShameless Plugs

Are junior devs cooked?How can I scaffold a solid MERN stack app?What's the best way to stick with a tutorial?We got some great questions this episode and my answers might surprise you.Got a question you want answered? Drop it here: https://form.typeform.com/to/Q499M9klSend us a textShameless Plugs

Learning JS is tough.And you're probably making some of the same mistakes I did in the past.In this episode you'll get a path and a small project to make to teach you the minimum effective dose of JavaScript necessary to move forward in your learning journey.Here's the challenge I mentioned which includes some short videos: Your Form ChallengeSend us a textShameless Plugs