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
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Have you ever felt like the weakest link on your development team? You're not alone.The moment you land your first developer job, you're likely to face the crushing weight of comparison. Your teammates seem to know everything while your mind fills with doubts about your abilities. Seven years ago, this pressure nearly drove me out of the industry despite earning more money than ever before. The stress was paralyzing - I faced panic attacks each morning and received direct feedback about my inadequate skills.I developed a powerful three-step system that transformed my approach to professional growth that I want to share with you.Shameless Plugs
What do engineering leaders really think about bootcamp grads?Why are so many developers so stressed?Is it even worth learning to code in 2025?Michael Greenspan pulls back the curtain on the realities of engineering leadership, interviewing and the state of the industry, drawing from his extensive experience as both a software engineer and engineering manager before becoming a coach for burnt-out tech professionals."Moving into management is a job change," Michael emphasizes, describing how this transition often comes with minimal guidance and significant imposter syndrome. Both Michael and host Brian share their personal experiences of feeling lost when first stepping into leadership positions.Find Michael at TheCompleteEngineer.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.Shameless Plugs
I spent a few years as an engineering manager, and my buddy Zubin, a former Google engineer, is currently hiring developers at his company. Between the two of us, we've seen the good, the bad, and the totally avoidable when it comes to technical interviews.In this episode, we pull back the curtain on what really happens during interviews. What are hiring managers actually looking for? What are the most common mistakes that cost people the job? And how can you stand out even if you're early in your journey?Interviews are high stakes, high pressure, and if done right, high reward. We cover:Why trust matters more than being perfectHow AI has changed the interview processWhat to do when you don't know the answerHow likability can make or break your chancesThe worst way to prep, and what to do insteadAs always - hope it's helpful!Shameless Plugs
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Send us a textJeremy spoke with a couple mentees at Parsity which led to a conversation where I learned about his unusual (and long) journey into software.If you're a career changer and you're dealing with impostor syndrome or tutorial hell and need some practical advice on breaking into tech, you're going to get a lot out of this episode.Connect with Jeremy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrobinparker/Shameless Plugs
Send us a textWith the rise of AI and Python's dominance, is JavaScript still worth learning?In this episode, I break down why JavaScript remains the best starting language for new developers, how it sets you up for success in web development, and even why it's still relevant for AI. Plus, I introduce a new AI developer course for those looking to leverage AI in real-world projects.Sign up hereShameless Plugs
Send us a textI started off 2025 knowing jack sh*t about LLMs besides how to ask Chat-GPT questions.Since then, I've built a multi-agent app for work, learned some linear algebra to understand how LLMs work at a basic level and started using a new tech stack for working with these LLMS. In this episode, I lay out the technologies you need to learn to keep up with AI as a full stack JavaScript developer and a project to up skill yourself.Resources mentioned:3Blue1Brown's Linear Algebra seriesLLM Engineer's HandbookBuilding a Large Language Model (from scratch)I'll be working with 20 developers in a 30 day style cohort to up-skill with AI.Apply here: https://www.parsity.io/ai-developer
Send us a textCursor is an AI-powered text editor for coders. Let me be honest - if I was a junior developer, I'd feel a little nervous looking at what it's capable of doing.But I'm not. So I'm not.Let's explore why Cursor is an amazing tool that will cause a ton of headaches when used improperly and what you can do as a junior developer to to create a technical moat to be "AI-proof."Shameless Plugs
Send us a textI've been using AWS Q Developer for a few months now but it turns out I've barely scratched the surface.Srini, Director of Generative AI Applications and Developer Experiences at Amazon Web Services, who leads the team behind Q, agreed to be interviewed by me.We discuss:• How AWS Q Developer helps software engineers with coding, testing, and debugging• How Amazon used AI to save 4,500 years of development time• Why AI won't replace developers—but developers using AI will dominate• The future of AI in software development and how beginners can stay ahead
Send us a textYou're learning about JavaScript arrays all wrong.For loops, zero-indexing, blah blah blah.But WHY? What makes arrays so damn important?Let's break down why arrays and objects are the backbone of the internet and a couple common problems that JS beginners should work towards solving.A video on using APIs with JavaScript: https://youtu.be/4naH4qczQCgShameless Plugs
Send us a textDon't worry - this won't become a fitness podcast... or I dunno, maybe it will.Seriously, I know how much exercise has changed my life and directly contributed to my ability to debug code, stay sane during stressful periods and make me feel a bit more confident.Next episode we'll be back to tech focused content but I sincerely hope you find this show useful.Grab Your simple fitness guide
Send us a textThere are enough stories out there about how to be a 10x developer, whatever the hell that means.I want to share with you the 3 worst developers I ever worked with and what made them so awful.The names have been changed to protect the innocent.Except for the first one…Shameless Plugs
Send us a textHenry Ngo is a tech recruiter who wants to see you win the game of job hunting. We chat about:• The Importance of a compelling hero section in resumes• Utilizing technology and AI in the recruitment process• Tips for effective communication during interviews• Addressing myths about the competition in job applicationsYou can connect with Henry on LinkedInShameless Plugs
Send us a textI might be in the minority on this one but I cannot stand these types of interviews.IF you must participate, you might as well give it your best shot.Let's go over 3 ways I've personally seen mentees at Parsity crush the take home assignment so you can do the same.Here's a short unit testing course that yours for free: Grab it here.
Send us a textI used to roll my eyes when someone talked about "prompt engineering."Then Dr. Toth showed me what's possible in a video where he created facial recognition software in under 9 minutes.Toth is the CEO of an AI Medical Tech company with decades of coding experience. He's a smart cookie.He schooled me on how to use new coding tools like Cursor, writing better prompts and what he sees in the future for software developers.Here's his Cursor file for you to steal: https://github.com/Theta-Tech-AI/llm-public-utils/blob/production/system_prompts/cursor.mdYou can read his articles here: https://substack.com/@thetatechrob or find him on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robtoth/Shameless Plugs
Send us a textLet's cut to the chase.Here's the video for building a side project: Watch on YTGrab the cheat sheet for side projects here.Here's the waitlist for the AI Mentorship Program: Apply hereSee ya!Shameless Plugs
Send us a textCan you believe I never asked Zubin about his interview at Google?I failed the Google interview a couple times (so far) but Zubin crushed it.And he did it without studying hundreds of LeetCode problems, using an approach which no one really talks about.I hope you find this episode useful whether you're trying to nail the big tech interview or get a job at the local startup.Here's the article mentioned in the episode
Send us a textYour most powerful skill as a software developer isn't how many languages you know or what technology you've used.You're real power is in how fast you can learn.Tech changes quick. You got to keep up.I break down a method I've used to learn that you might not like. It's effective as hell.Here are the tools I mention in this episode:Loom.comExcalidraw.comShameless Plugs
Send us a textWant to get hired faster? Start thinking like a salesperson.Developers often struggle with the job search—not because they lack skills, but because they don't know how to sell themselves. Meanwhile, ex-salespeople seem to land jobs faster, even with less experience. What's their secret?In this episode, Jeremy Smith shares how his background in sales gave him an unfair advantage when breaking into tech (without a CS degree or even a high school diploma). From handling rejection like a pro to networking the right way, we break down five key lessons that can help you stop spinning your wheels and finally land a dev job.Why rejection is just part of the process—and how to get over itThe “numbers game” of job hunting (most devs quit too soon)Why networking beats cold applications every timeHow to position yourself as a top candidate—even if you're self-taughtWhy urgency & persistence will get you hired faster than perfect codeYou can connect with Jeremy here:InstagramShameless Plugs
Send us a textA student at Parsity recently bombed a tech interview—and it wasn't just their fault. The hiring process in tech is broken, with endless interview rounds, AI filtering out candidates, and companies that don't even know what they're looking for. In this episode, we break down why tech interviews are so flawed, what really happens behind the scenes, and how you can play the game to win.Shameless Plugs
Send us a textZuckerberg went on JRE and told the world that AI will replace mid-level engineers soon.Are we talking about the same mid-level engineers here?AI fear mongering gets lots of engagement but how real is this threat?Zubin and I talk about what mid-level engineers do, why NO ONE is safe and what developers still do better than AI.Here are the resources Zubin mentioned in this pod: https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/why-career-changers-have-an-advantage/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yfh6j_7pBO4&list=PLAPuklwJx5V3fpXiSD9CMh3RhPQTCSemj&index=17&t=8sShameless Plugs
Send us a textLearning to code didn't change my life.Getting sober and exercising did however.10 years ago I was lost in addiction and headed on a path to jail or death. I think there are some lessons from my failure that may help you on your own journey.Shameless Plugs
Send us a textAlex Lau has nearly 2 decades in software and even wrote a book to help developers avoid the pitfalls that nearly derailed his career.What I like about Alex is that he keeps it real. We answered questions from you in this episode with no BS.- Mass applying vs networking vs building in public- How to negotiate your salary and what hiring managers don't tell you- What to do about that nagging voice in your head that tells you you're not good enoughYou can connect with Alex here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mralexlau/Shameless Plugs
Send us a textThink developers spend all day writing code? Think again. A recent study from Software.com reveals that developers actively code for just 52 minutes per day—about 4 hours and 21 minutes per week. So what the hell do software developers actually do?In this episode, I break down 2 actual assignments I've been given at both a small startup and a large company to illustrate the reality of work as a software developer.It's not all coffee breaks and big bags but I think it's interesting work. Maybe you will too.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.
Send us a textIn this episode of the Develop Yourself podcast, we walk you through my 5-step process for solving coding problems. If you've ever found yourself staring at a problem, unsure of where to start, this episode is for you. I'll show you how to break down problems, test your assumptions, and leverage patterns to find solutions that work.I also show you exactly how I use this process to tackle problems in real time. If you're curious to see it in action, check out the video in the show notes where I demonstrate the entire process step-by-step.Watch the video: https://youtu.be/1u3AyP5L--cShameless 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.
Send us a textHow cooked are we now that OpenAI is getting closer to AGI (artificial general intelligence)?It feels like AI is inching closer towards making software developers obsolete but how much of this fear is real and how much is complete hype?The answer shouldn't surprise you if you write code for a living...Shameless Plugs(NEW) The Inner Circle - a highly customized program to take you from 0 to hired
Send us a textIn this episode, Vanessa and Wilfredo share their inspiring journeys of breaking into tech as self-taught developers. Learn how they avoided tutorial hell, built standout portfolios, and reinvented themselves online to land their first jobs in software engineering. Packed with practical advice on overcoming imposter syndrome, choosing the right learning path, and navigating the job hunt, this episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a self-taught route into tech.Connect with WilfredoConnect with VanessaApply to join Parsity
Send us a textBefore you read "Cracking the Coding Interview" or "Clean Code", I want to offer a few books that you should read at every stage of your developer career from not-yet-hired to engineering manager.Me, sponsored? No.I just like sharing what's worked for me in the hopes it can work for you.If you have some good recommendations I didn't mention please let me and the rest of us know in the comments!Shameless Plugs(NEW) The Inner Circle - a highly customized program to take you from 0 to hired
Send us a textWe're going to go through a very hands-on, practical process for learning enough JS to be dangerous.From the tools and services you will need as well as challenges to complete and small projects to make, you will have a clear idea of what to do and build to go from zero to noob.Shameless Plugs(NEW) The Inner Circle - a highly customized program to take you from 0 to hired
Send us a textHumans are notoriously bad at predictions, but I'm going to make some anyway. Based on what I've seen this year and what's happening in the current market, I believe there are a few key things you're going to need to know to stay ahead in your career. Some of these predictions I'm making are bets I'm taking myself, and I figured I should share them with you here. In this episode, I'm diving into what's on the horizon for tech in 2025, and how you can leverage these trends to future-proof your skills and take your career to the next level.Shameless Plugs(NEW) The Inner Circle - a highly customized program to take you from 0 to hired
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