Listen, becoming a software engineer is not a decision to make lightly . Along with the ability to work remotely and the potential to make multiple 6 figures comes with a lot of expectations and stress. There's nothing quite like solving a bug at midnight or deploying code to the web for customers to enjoy. It can be really exciting and fulfilling - but it's certainly NOT for everyone. Oh yeah - we've been doing some great updates to Parsity and we have more to come. One student landed a quick c...
Jan 08, 2024•28 min
In this episode I break down the only 3 things I think you should be adding to your toolbelt as a developer in 2024 and because I like you, here's an advanced project that uses AI, NodeJS and Express. Your AI AStarter Project : This is an advanced project and assumes some knowledge of JS. If you're looking for something a little more beginner friendly, check out this project to learn how to use APIs with Javascript . Shameless Plugs Parsity dev30 ( are you finally ready to learn JS in 2024?) Bri...
Jan 02, 2024•27 min
Let's dive into a practical LinkedIn strategy to attract the right people through your posts: Step 1: Be anti-cringe. Posting platitudes is an easy way to get ignored or not taken seriously. That's not only NOT helpful, but as humans, we have an uncanny ability to smell when people are not being genuine. Instead, post about what you're learning. Step 2: Don't be boring... at first. You wrote an interesting post but nobody read it. Here you thought you'd be judged by the masses and yet, you barel...
Dec 26, 2023•29 min
Debugging may be one of the most underrated technical skills as a developer. It is one of the major differences between a junior and senior developer. I'm going to share the story of a super stressful bug I had to fix years ago while working at a start up and the method I still use to track and fix critical issues in JS code. It's dramatic. It's emotional. It's software! If video is more your thing, you can watch me walk through some tips here . BTW, it's getting really close to the deadline to ...
Dec 18, 2023•19 min
Erik Andersen, the World's Happiest Engineer did not hold back when I asked him what he felt about coding bootcamps. 😅 Erik is an amazing and knowledgeable engineer. He’s not just an influencer online but he’s also a full time tech lead who runs a YouTube podcast dedicated to helping junior developers land their first job . You should check it out . Listen to one of my favorite people on LinkedIn talk to us about: Ways to stand out as a new developer Why you should be using LinkedIn and how to ...
Dec 11, 2023•37 min•Ep. 102
So last week I wrote to Kyle Simpson, world famous JavaScript developer and author of the incredibly popular You Don't Know JS series . I asked if he'd appear on the Develop Yourself Podcast and I was bracing for a rejection email. Within about an hour, I saw a new email in my inbox. Here we go. "Well, maybe next time", I thought... He said "sure". 😮 I freaked out. I've read all his books and in fact, I credit them with making me a better, more confident developer. I also follow him on social m...
Dec 04, 2023•1 hr 3 min
In this week's podcast you're going to learn the 3 types of interviews you WILL encounter as a developer on the job market and how to beat them 💪. Interviewing may be the most high paying skill you can develop as a developer. It takes a different approach than creating software which is why most people kinda suck at it. I should know, I sucked for years! Like pitifully so. Then I studied a ton around year 3 of being a software engineer and over the years, I've spent over 10k learning how to nai...
Nov 27, 2023•25 min
This week's podcast is a bit different... I only know 2 things fairly well: 1. Coding and 2. Getting in shape I've only shared my advice on #1 thus far and I feel guilty because I know that my "secret" to success as a developer and in life has been my exercise routine and diet. Shame on me. Don't worry, this won't become a fitness influencer podcast and next week we'll be back to hard-hitting topics like front end system design and how to nail your interviews. I have some great guests we're sche...
Nov 20, 2023•17 min
In this week's podcast, Brian explores how you should approach becoming a web developer in 2024. What you should learn. How you should learn it. When to start applying for roles. Plot twist: it's mostly the same as what you should have done in 2023 but there are a few trends I think you should be aware of that will make 2024 different. Brian lays out the path in this episode, which should work for you even if you don't decide to join us at Parsity. It's an opinionated, practical guide and we hop...
Nov 13, 2023•28 min
Check out this week's podcast where I expose the not-so-secret TC39 committee and how much JavaScript you need to know before moving on to a framework like React or Angular or whatever. It's an opinionated break down of what you should study and how to test your knowledge to build a solid foundation. As a challenge that you will either find easy or incredibly difficult, check this out . I used to give this out to junior and not-so-junior developers as a test of their skills. All the best, Brian ...
Nov 06, 2023•23 min
Some big changes are happening at Parsity and the podcast! Aaron and Peter will be pursuing other endeavors and Brian Jenney, who you've heard host a few guest episodes already, will be taking over. Brian is an engineering manager and JS developer. If you'll miss Aaron, don't be too sad -- Aaron will be a recurring "guest" on the podcast, so you will still get to hear from him now and then. Brian is really looking forward to building on the amazing foundation Aaron has created and will be unveil...
Nov 02, 2023•34 min
Join this week's returning guest host Brian Jenney as he tells you all about his experience being the worst software developer on a team. He goes into those uncomfortable feelings and inadequacies but also discusses why he is thankful for that opportunity. Not only did it end up being one of the best moments in his career, but it helped to shape it in the long run. Shameless Plugs Parsity dev30 Brian's LinkedIn Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to p...
Oct 23, 2023•18 min
In this episode, Peter discusses the value of vanilla JavaScript. In particular, we talk about the importance of learning the foundations of JavaScript when you're first starting out, the boost given to developers by updates to the JavaScript standard, and the appeal of vanilla JavaScript in a world of breaking dependencies. Shameless Plugs Parsity dev30 Peter's YouTube channel Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a quest...
Oct 16, 2023•13 min
Join Aaron and Peter for their catchup episode as they share success stories, failure stories, and stories in-between from their 10+ years of bootcamp experience. Their big takeaway was from those "in-between" stories they share, where students are taking a turn for the worst, then turn it around and persevere to be successful. They've said it before and will say it again: If you don't quit, you will have success! Peter shares his own story of being on the failing path, then evolving his work et...
Oct 09, 2023•41 min
This week we are excited to have Brian Jenney back on the podcast, this time in the interview chair. Aaron wanted to dive more into Brian's story of being a self-taught coding student, to a LinkedIn influencer with 20k followers, and running his own programs, all while working as a senior engineering manager. Pay special attention to Brian's advice and LinkedIn content, as it is the most practical, hands-on, and actionable guidance for engineers entering the field today. He has experience teachi...
Oct 02, 2023•48 min
This week we have a special guest episode, hosted by Brian Jenney, Engineering Manager at Clorox. Brian is an incredible teacher, passionate about software development, and has an incredible story to tell. From having no idea what to do with his life and selling drugs to becoming an engineering manager and LinkedIn influencer with 19k followers, he has built his own courses and is currently helping Parsity develop some of the best curriculum we've ever had. Listen and be encouraged! Brian's Link...
Sep 25, 2023•29 min
Grant Hushek of Hampton joins the pod this week to talk about how he got his job, what it looks like to be the automations expert at a company, how to keep learning, and strategies for B2B sales. Grant's story offers a ton of takeaways for those looking to get into technology! Thanks to Grant for coming on. Links https://grantbot.co/ Shameless Plugs Parsity dev30 Peter's YouTube channel Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Go...
Sep 18, 2023•41 min
Join Aaron this week as he dives into the introduction of Git and Github, which is perfect for anyone new to coding and programming. Learn the context of Git and Github, as well as Aaron's recommended workflow for using them. This episode is an auditory way to learn the fundamentals and background of Git, Github, and Version Control. Shameless Plugs slaptask Parsity dev30 Peter's YouTube channel Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into softwa...
Sep 11, 2023•39 min
Join Peter this week as he shares his experience using the React framework Remix. With the React team officially recommending the use of React frameworks, familiarity with Remix or another option will be important in the future. In this episode, Peter shares his pros, cons, and things to look out for when using Remix. Shameless Plugs slaptask Parsity dev30 Peter's YouTube channel Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a que...
Sep 04, 2023•18 min
Catch up with co-hosts Aaron and Peter as they chat about a few topics they are interested in when it comes to entering the tech world as a software engineer. They build off last week's episode where Aaron mentioned the "underemployed", and how those individuals can learn new skills to be able to trade their time for money. Plus, they talk about those "ah-ha" moments that click when you think about your career and how to climb the ladder. Hear about what those moments were for them in their job ...
Aug 29, 2023•58 min
Join Aaron this week as he discusses how you can 10X, or leverage, your career as a software engineer. Ever wonder how some people are doing more, have more freedom, and are making more money, all while working less? It's something few people speak about. Here, Aaron talks about his own career path and how he built it, and he also gives you the formula for how you can do the same. Shameless Plugs slaptask Parsity dev30 Peter's YouTube channel Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑💻 Join Parsity - F...
Aug 21, 2023•42 min
Join Peter in this episode as he details a pattern he's noticed at every engineering job he's had. It's a story about how the best engineers grow and keep going. Shameless Plugs slaptask Parsity dev30 Peter's YouTube channel Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)...
Aug 14, 2023•6 min
This week, join Aaron as he discusses radical accountability and how you can accomplish all of your goals by using an accountability partner. Over the past six months, Aaron has done daily check-ins with his accountability partner; In this episode, he will talk about learning how to identify a strong partner, set commitments, and run check-ins together to not only support one another while learning to code but also in taking the next steps to become a software engineer. Send us a text Shameless ...
Jul 31, 2023•35 min
Join Peter as he tackles an automation grab-bag including How much code do you need to learn to automate tasks at your job? The magic of Puppeteer.js Examples of things you can do with basic scripting and Puppeteer How to schedule things (cron jobs) The role of no-code tools like Zapier Automation agencies His writing on LinkedIn Links Puppeteer tutorial Liam Ottley Shameless Plugs Peter's LinkedIn slaptask Parsity dev30 Peter's YouTube channel Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑💻 Join Parsity -...
Jul 17, 2023•21 min
Join Aaron and Peter in their monthly catchup as they discuss a variety of topics in this episode, including: Creating systems for building an audience on LinkedIn (how Aaron when from 0 to 8k followers in a few months) Peter’s plan to build a business around automation business practices with low-code AI solutions. Where to start when it comes to building a side-gig Shameless Plugs Junior to Senior Parsity dev30 Peter's YouTube channel Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑💻 Join Parsity - For car...
Jul 02, 2023•46 min
After you've had your first engineering job for a while, you may start wondering about how to take the next step in your career. The thing is, approaches for getting promoted often aren't obvious or discussed. In this episode, we talk about the best strategy we've found for getting promoted. By taking advantage of a technique that most rarely practice, you can stand out and take on greater leadership at work. Links You Are Your Own Best Hype Person Shameless Plugs Junior to Senior Parsity dev30 ...
Jun 27, 2023•18 min
Join Aaron this week as he goes back to the basics and teaches you how to go from a code newbie to a software engineer within this next year. Whether you're a new college graduate or settled and looking for a career change, is a job as a software engineer still a viable path? And if so, what does that path look like? Let Aaron explain what the next year of your life could look like with the end goal of being a working engineer, and gain advice on other episodes to listen to if you're feeling stu...
Jun 19, 2023•32 min
If you're listening to this episode, you probably want to learn to code. But, you might be overwhelmed and wondering how to learn or where to start. Thankfully, the best-articulated strategy we've come across for learning anything is dead simple: do the real thing. In this episode, we talk through the core tenets of this idea as well as approaches for applying it when learning to code. We originally covered this topic in episode #20. Links Do the Real Thing: https://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/2020...
Jun 12, 2023•21 min
Join Aaron and Megan Dias, Parsity's Career Services Coach, as they talk about the current job state for engineers and her strategies for landing your new gig. Megan turned getting laid off from work into a career of coaching others and has had a large success in doing so. Listen and learn from her wealth of knowledge about job searching-- If you are looking for a job, or will be soon, this is an episode you don't want to miss! Find Megan here: Megan's LinkedIn Get Megan's Help! Shameless Plugs ...
Jun 05, 2023•35 min
Join Aaron and Peter in their monthly catchup as they discuss a variety of topics in this episode, including: AI and how it could affect your future in software Building systems and how they have both used their engineering skills to automate other parts of their lives Seasons of work: How to build leverage and balance work and rest Shameless Plugs Junior to Senior Parsity dev30 Peter's YouTube channel Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into...
May 22, 2023•53 min