Keeping on our theme of becoming a success story with programming as a self-taught programmer, I interview a successful self-taught programmer by the name of John Sextro.  As a seasoned programmer and agile coach with no degrees or diplomas, John made it to 'the big show' by impressing one of the gatekeepers of that coveted 'entry level programmer' position.  Find out how he managed to kick start his career in today's interview.

From self-taught programmer to self-made success story - Interview with John Sextro

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Summary To reach out and connect with Alex, here's her LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-mamolo-2a1b57222/ In this episode, Trevor interviews Alex, who shares her journey from being a musician to transitioning into the tech industry. Alex talks about her background in music, playing drums in a band, and the challenges she faced in her musical career. She then discusses her experience working in data entry and her decision to pursue a career in technology. Alex explains how she discovered coding and her decision to join a coding bootcamp. She shares her struggles with understanding methods and functions and the support she received from her instructors. Alex emphasizes the importance of understanding the fundamentals of coding and how it has impacted her personal growth and progress. In this conversation, Alex discusses her experience in the coding bootcamp and the challenges she faced. She shares how she overcame those challenges and gained confidence in her coding abilities. The conversation also explores the difficulty curve in learning programming and the importance of perseverance. Alex talks about her job search process and the need for relentless follow-up. The conversation concludes with an invitation for listeners to connect with Alex and seek advice on their own coding journey. Takeaways  Transitioning from a non-technical career to the tech industry is possible with the right support and guidance. Learning HTML and CSS is a great starting point for beginners in coding. Struggling with certain concepts is common in coding, and seeking help from instructors is crucial for overcoming challenges. Understanding the fundamentals of coding, such as methods and functions, is essential for building a strong foundation. Overcoming challenges in the bootcamp can lead to significant growth and improved coding skills. The difficulty curve in learning programming often means that the second half of the bootcamp is easier than the first half. Struggling on the job is different from struggling in the bootcamp, but both experiences can be valuable learning opportunities. Relentless follow-up in the job search process can significantly increase the chances of getting an interview. Revisiting assignments and focusing on mastering core skills can help improve coding abilities. Networking and interpersonal skills are just as important as coding skills in the job search process.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:09 Interest in Technology and Music 05:31 Transition from Music to Data Entry 06:26 Exploring Tech Education Options 08:23 Choosing a Coding Bootcamp 09:52 Learning HTML and CSS 12:43 Struggles with Methods and Functions 15:35 Support and Guidance from Instructors 23:00 Importance of Understanding Fundamentals 24:25 Personal Growth and Progress 24:54 Overcoming Challenges in the Bootcamp 26:15 The Difficulty Curve in Learning Programming 27:44 Struggling on the Job vs. in the Bootcamp 29:38 The Excitement and Satisfaction of Coding 31:04 Job Search Process and Challenges 32:33 The Importance of Relentless Follow-up 34:01 Conversion Rate in Job Applications 36:55 Balancing Time Between Assignments and Job Search 38:23 Avoiding the Comfort Zone and Focusing on Networking 39:20 Revisiting Assignments to Improve Skills 40:46 Alex's Strong Understanding of Programming Terminology 42:35 Follow-up and Feedback in the Job Search Process 45:29 Proving Interest and Following Up After Rejection 47:22 Closing Remarks and Invitation to Connect    

Alex almost quit coding forever while in this Bootcamp

To reach out and connect with Tony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmonds-tony/ Takeaways - Negotiate your salary and consider the market conditions in your area. - Remote work opportunities are available, but starting with a hybrid role can provide valuable experience. - Working in an office and collaborating with experienced developers can accelerate your learning and career growth. - Having mentors and leveraging their expertise can help you progress quickly in your career. - Bootcamp graduates can pivot to different roles within a company and apply their skills in various domains. - Don't be discouraged by negative news and focus on your own journey and progress. - When starting a new job, be resourceful, spend time learning on your own, and ask for help when needed. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:23 Becoming a Digital Nomad 03:42 Fascination with Latin America and the Digital Nomad Lifestyle 06:33 Choosing the University Path 09:20 Transitioning to a Bootcamp 13:03 The Benefits and Limitations of University Education 20:05 The Job Search Process 23:43 The Importance of a Structured Job Search 28:03 Seeking Remote Job Opportunities 30:50 The Interview Process 31:48 Job Offer and Salary 33:15 Remote Work Opportunities 34:39 The Value of Working in an Office 35:03 Transitioning to Remote Work 37:24 The Importance of Mentors 38:18 Opportunities for Development within a Company 39:39 Pivoting to Different Roles 40:36 Enjoying the Data Role 41:32 The Reality of Getting a Job 42:31 The Influence of News and Media 44:30 Advice for Bootcamp Students 48:16 Tony's Advice for Himself 49:41 Tony's Final Project 53:52 Connecting with Tony on LinkedIn 54:22 Questions for Trevor

From Struggling University Comp Sci Grad to Employed Coder - Tony Edmonds

  Summary      If you want to connect/reach out to Jeff, here's his LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffpodmayer/      In this episode, Trevor interviews Jeff, who made a transition from being an outdoor guide to pursuing a career in tech. Jeff shares his experiences working as a guide in the mountains and his journey into the tech industry. He discusses his interest in coding and how he researched different bootcamp options before choosing Coders Campus. Jeff also talks about his learning experience at the bootcamp and provides feedback for improvement. In this conversation, Jeff and Trevor discuss various aspects of the bootcamp experience and the job search journey. They talk about the importance of exercises and assignments in solidifying learning, as well as the need for more exercises in the later stages of the bootcamp. They also discuss the challenges of covering advanced topics and the length of the videos. Jeff shares his preparation for the job search and the support he has received from the career services team. Trevor emphasizes the importance of networking and finding a support system during the career transition. They conclude the conversation by discussing the value of honesty and support in the bootcamp experience.      Takeaways   Transitioning from one career to another requires thorough research and exploration of different options.  Choosing a bootcamp with experienced instructors who have worked in the industry can provide valuable insights and guidance.  Learning to code is a skill that can be compared to learning a trade, and it requires practice and hands-on experience.  The struggle and frustration are part of the learning process, and it's important to learn how to respond to challenges in a calm and focused manner.  Completing a bootcamp program can provide the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career in the tech industry. Exercises and assignments are crucial for reinforcing learning and should be included throughout the bootcamp.  More exercises should be included in the later stages of the bootcamp to solidify knowledge.  Covering advanced topics in the bootcamp can be challenging, and there should be a balance between depth and length of videos.  Preparation for the job search is essential, and networking is a valuable strategy for finding opportunities.  Having a support system during the career transition can provide encouragement and guidance.  Honesty and support are important in the bootcamp experience, both from instructors and fellow students.    Chapters    00:00  Introduction and Background 02:58  Transition from Outdoor Guide to Tech Career 05:47  Love for Nature and Outdoor Activities 10:00  Exploring Coding as an Option 26:09  Choosing Coders Campus 31:49  Learning Experience at Coders Campus 39:08  Feedback and Improvements 39:38  Exercises and Assignments 40:56  Topics Covered Towards the End 42:25  Revamping the Videos 46:43  Preparing for the Job Search 47:42  Networking and Support 53:54  Advice to the Younger Self 01:08:12  The Importance of Support 01:16:29  Rejection and Selectivity 01:17:26  Connecting with Jeff 

From Backpacking Instructor to Coder in 5 Months - Jeff Podmayer

  Summary   In this episode, Trevor interviews Kevin, who made a career transition from fashion to technology. Kevin shares how his interest in Microsoft Excel and his curiosity about technology led him to pursue coding. He discusses the challenges and rewards of the coding bootcamp, emphasizing the importance of building a strong foundation in programming and much more.       Connect with Kevin via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kgallaccio/         Takeaways   Curiosity and a willingness to learn are essential for success in the tech industry.  Building a strong foundation in programming is crucial for future learning and development.  Imposter syndrome is common among aspiring coders, but it should not deter them from pursuing their goals.  Committing a significant amount of time and effort to coding can accelerate learning and progress in a bootcamp. Set realistic expectations and be prepared to work hard in the coding industry.  Take initiative and don't rely solely on a bootcamp to secure a job.  Follow up with employers and engage in conversations with real human beings.  Continuously code and build projects to enhance skills and stand out from the crowd.  Reach out to experienced coders for advice and support, and advocate for yourself throughout the coding journey.    Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:22 Transition from Fashion to Technology 06:14 Curiosity and Excel Skills 09:01 Imposter Syndrome and Learning Journey 12:21 Experience in the Coding Bootcamp 23:38 Future Plans and Job Prospects 27:22 Setting Expectations and Working Hard 29:14 The Importance of Taking Initiative 30:39 The Reality of the Job Search Process 31:35 The Need for Follow-Up and Marketing Yourself 34:03 Engaging with Human Beings and Overcoming Objections 36:17 Continuing to Code and Building Projects 45:41 Reaching Out to Coders for Advice 49:03 The Importance of Advocating for Yourself 53:25 Wrap-Up and Contact Information 

From the Fashion Industry to Full-Stack Coder - Kevin Gallaccio

Embarking on the journey to learn coding can be both exciting and challenging. Unfortunately, several misconceptions often deter aspiring programmers from pursuing their goals. In this episode, I'll debunk six common myths about learning to code and provide valuable insights to help you overcome potential roadblocks. One prevailing myth is that you need to be a math genius to succeed in coding. However, in reality, coding doesn't require advanced math skills. Most coding tasks involve basic arithmetic, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Problem-solving and logic are far more critical in coding. Don't let past academic performance dictate your coding journey. Being a poor student in traditional subjects doesn't mean you can't excel in coding. Coding offers diverse paths, from front-end development to back-end development and more. Find the niche that suits your interests and strengths. Learning to code is an achievable goal for anyone with the dedication and determination to overcome common misconceptions. Tune in to this episode to learn of the common misconceptions that often lead people to quit their coding journey and how to overcome them. Key Takeaways - Intro (00:00) - I’m terrible at math (00:28) - It doesn't click right away (01:46) - I dont have enough time (03:01) - I wasn't a good student (04:54) - Too much stuff to learn (09:10) - Other people are better than me (12:30) - Outro (14:57) Additional resources ✅ Learn more at: https://www.coderscampus.com/ ✅ Jumpstart your coding career today at: https://www.coderscampus.com/bootcamp ----- Coders Campus helps people learn how to code and launch their coding careers in just 6 months. On this podcast, we share coding tips and insights for beginners. These will help you overcome early coding challenges and stick with it long enough to see your true potential.  

From self-taught programmer to self-made success story - Interview with John Sextro

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