Junior Developer Toolbox

Junior Developer Toolbox episodes:

• 04.09.2019

  Episode 39 - Starting a Project on the Side

  In this episode we’ll be talking about different considerations when building an application outside of your day job. We’ll talk about gathering requirements, choosing a tech stack, and setting the right expectations with your client. “Sharpening the Tools” – the section of...

  
• 02.26.2019

  Episode 37 - LOL: Lexicon of Languages

  In this episode we’ll be talking about popular languages in 2019, some common traits they share, and deciding which ones to learn next. “‘Sharpening the Tools’ is the section of the show where we discuss what tools we’re using, concepts we’re...

  
• 02.12.2019

  Episode 36 - The Bootcamp Experience: Landing the Job with Jonathan Edwards

  In this episode we talk to Jonathan Edwards about final bootcamp projects and presentations, job interviews, and landing your first developer job! Jonathan is a recent graduate of NSS cohort 27. Previously, he received his BS in Communication Advertising from UT...

  
• 01.29.2019

  Episode 35 - The Bootcamp Experience: In the Trenches with Lesley Boyd

  In this episode we have a special guest! Lesley Boyd is deep in the thick of her Nashville Software School bootcamp, and is here to talk about her experience. She has a background in corporate roles, from supply chain management...

  
• 01.15.2019

  Episode 34 - The Bootcamp Experience: First Steps with Sarah Weatherbee

  In this episode we’ll be talking about the planning that goes into attending a software bootcamp, comparing different programs, and factors in making the right decision. We have a special guest today, Sarah Weatherbee is here to talk about her...

  
• 01.01.2019

  Episode 33 - Making Goals, and Checking Them Twice with Corey Gross

  In this episode we’ll be talking with Corey Gross about setting goals for the new year, and reviewing some goals we set this time last year, and discussing how we did! “‘Sharpening the Tools’ is the section of the show where...

  
• 12.18.2018

  Episode 32 - Exploring Quality Assurance with Peggy Sturman

  In this episode we’ll be talking about the QA role on an agile team, skills and knowledge beneficial to this role, and how developers and QA can work together collaboratively. Today we’re happy to welcome Peggy Sturman to the show. Peggy...

  
• 12.04.2018

  Episode 31 – Exploring Information Security with Alon Diamant-Cohen

  In this episode we’ll be discussing Alon’s role as a Security Service Delivery Lead, how he applies digital anthropology to his job, and security issues facing companies and developers. Alon’s IT career spans academic, start-up, and corporate environments. His experience ranges...

  
• 11.20.2018

  Episode 30 - Hiring Junior Developers with Dan Weese

  In this episode we’ll be talking with Dan Weese about his perspective on interviewing and assessing developer candidates, and building strong teams. ‘Sharpening the Tools’ is the section of the show where we discuss what tools we’re using, concepts we’re learning,...

  
• 11.06.2018

  Episode 29 - Jr. Dev Self Care, Part 2

  In this episode we’ll be talking about giving your brain a break! We’ll touch on strategies for recovering from mentally taxing work, and the importance of taking time for ourselves. “‘Sharpening the Tools’ is the section of the show where we...

  
• 10.23.2018

  Episode 28 - Masters of the Scrumiverse with Becca Hiller

  In this episode we’re diving deeper into Agile and Scrum, and continuing our exploration of various tech roles. We’ll have a chat with Becca Hiller about what she does as a Scrum Master. We’re excited to introduce a special guest on...

  
• 10.09.2018

  Episode 27 - What Is Scrum? Baby Don't Hurt Me

  Today we’ll be talking about Scrum! We explore roles, ceremonies, and more! We’ll discuss the agile manifesto and our experience working with this project management style. “Sharpening the Tools” Erin: I honestly haven’t had a whole lot of time the past few weeks...

  
• 09.26.2018

  Episode 26 - Finding Your Voice

  Today we’ll be talking LIVE for our anniversary episode, and leading a discussion with developers about impostor syndrome, and finding ways to contribute to the tech community. “Sharpening the Tools” Erin: Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve mentioned an Application Performance...

  
• 09.12.2018

  Episode 25 - Treat Yourself: Junior Dev Self Care (Part 1)

  In this episode we be talking about developing good habits to reduce the health strains of a sedentary career. “Sharpening the Tools” ————————— Erin: We’ve been learning more about New Relic at work. New Relic is the leading Software as a Service (SAAS) provider...

  
• 08.28.2018

  Episode 24 - Head In the Cloud: DevOps with Ryan Tanay

  We’re excited to introduce a special guest on this episode: Ryan Tanay has background in digital art, networking, and server administration. He is Nashville Software School graduate and now works as a DevOps engineer here in Nashville. We thought he’d...

  
• 08.15.2018

  Episode 23 - To Bootcamp? Or Not to Bootcamp?

  This is Episode Number 23 “To Bootcamp? Or Not to Bootcamp?”. Today we’ll be talking about advantages and disadvantages of software bootcamp programs and different considerations in your decision on whether a bootcamp program is right for you. This week on...

  
• 08.01.2018

  Episode 22 - Junior Jumpstart

  In this episode, we discuss how we would approach learning to code if we were starting from the beginning. “Sharpening the Tools” ————– Erin: Been digging into Web and Software Security a little bit more using resources from the OWASP Vulnerabilities Treehouse course I...

  
• 07.18.2018

  Episode 21 - Working Remotely, or Remotely Working?

  This week we’re talking about working from home, and discussing the pros and cons of working remotely. “Sharpening the Tools” —————————- Erin: Finally finished the Angular course I stared on Pluralsight a couple of months ago. Other miscellaneous courses on Treehouse. Design Fundamentals, OWASP Top...

  
• 06.20.2018

  Episode 19 - Are All Requirements Required? A Closer look at Job Listings

  This week we’re talking about knowing when to apply to a job. Do you need to have all of the experience and listed requirements? How do you know you’re ready? We’ve all seen job descriptions with a long laundry list of...

  
• 06.06.2018

  Episode 18 - Music City Tech 2018

  Today we’ve got a special episode for our listeners. This past weekend, we attended Music City Tech, which is a 3 day local tech conference in Nashville, held this year at Vanderbilt University. If you’re been tuning into recent episodes,...

  
• 05.22.2018

  Episode 17 - ImPress with WordPress

  In this episode we discuss our experience using WordPress, why it might be a good tool for those just starting out with development (or freelancing), and how to learn to this popular skill. Sharpening the tools: Resources for Flexbox What the Flexbox...

  
• 05.08.2018

  Episode 16 - Making the Most of Tech Conferences

  In this episode we’ll be talking about tech conferences, how to plan your schedule to get the most out of the content without getting burned out, strategies for participating in coding workshops, networking tips, and more. With Music City Tech coming...

  
• 04.11.2018

  Episode 14 - Good Enough for Government Work

  Today, we’ll be looking at what it’s like to be a government software developer, and how this area differs from working in the private sector. We’ll touch on differences in work life balance, how branches of government can affect your...

  
• 03.28.2018

  Episode 13 – The Sharpening

  In this episode, we dive a into some code katas and walk through a coding exercise. We’ll talk about sites we like to challenge ourselves with to keep our skills sharp. What is a code kata? It’s a term for...

  
• 03.14.2018

  Episode 12 - The Missing Link(ed)In Your Career Growth

  In this episode, we’ll be discussing tips and techniques for utilizing LinkedIn for your job search and continuing to build your network even after you’ve landed a job. So since LI is a social network, a common question that users grapple...

  
• 02.27.2018

  Episode 11 - The Polyglot Dev With Will Gant

  In this episode we discuss the impact of learning multiple languages on your career, language families, parallels with learning foreign languages, and specialization v. diversification. 01:26 – Welcome, Will Gant! Will is a host on our sibling podcast, The Complete Developer....

  
• 02.13.2018

  Episode 10 - That Contractor Life

  In this episode we explore different types of contract employment and career implications of taking these kinds of roles. 1:27 – “Sharpening the Tools” Erin – A bit overloaded with learning business and development processes at her new job, and helping out...

  
• 01.30.2018

  Episode 9 - You're Hired! Now What?? With Josh Kilgore

  In this episode we explore what it’s like to walk in to a new role as a junior dev and start on the right foot. We’ll touch on making impressions, staying thirsty to learn, navigating the onboarding process, and meeting...

  
• 01.16.2018

  Episode 8 - Striking a Balance

  In this episode, we discuss our experiences and thoughts about finding a work / life balance in development roles. 0:54 – Sharpening the Tools Erin is continuing her Treehouse track for iOS development. She’s also earning some WordPress basics, with an eye...

  
• 01.02.2018

  Episode 7 - Goal Setting for Devs

  In our first episode of 2018, and in the spirit of New Year’s Resolutions and bettering ourselves, we thought it would make sense to talk about goal planning. While it’s not always specifically tech or development related, it can still...

  
• 12.19.2017

  Episode 6 - Gear, Gadgets, and Apps - Oh My!

  For our holiday episode we discuss some fun tools, and programs we use at home and around the office. 00:55 – Sharpening the Tools 00:57 – Erin is still learning Swift and Beginner iOS development track on Treehouse. 2:50 – 4:30 – Dave...

  
• 12.05.2017

  Episode 5 - the n00b Never Stops

  Do you feel like a total n00b sometimes, overwhelmed at the sheer volume of things to learn? Well the bad news is that never quite goes away – you’ll always have more to learn, and feel like you’re back...

  
• 11.21.2017

  Episode 4 – The Inner Workings of InterNetworking

  It’s not what you know, but who you know! Wait, whaaat? I have to interact with PEOPLE? In PUBLIC?!? I’m only here for the food!! In this episode we share stories, tips, and tactics from the much maligned...

  
• 11.07.2017

  Episode 3 - Diagnosis: Imposter Syndrome

  In this episode we explore ‘Imposter Syndrome’ and how it has manifested itself in our careers. Are you an imposter, or do you just play one on TV? How do you deal with it, and what does it mean? 1:13...

  
• 10.26.2017

  Episode 2 - Git R Done

  In this episode we talk about version control – essentially a way to track your work and collaborate with others on projects so that you’re not stepping on each others toes. In fact it’s kinda like saving in Skyrim … 0:54...

  
• 10.11.2017

  Episode 1 - How to Hello World

  Welcome back to the toolbox! In this episode we dive into how we first dove in, and discuss how to get started learning to program. 1:04 – “Sharpening the Tools” – What’s Everyone Learning This Week? Felix Gray computer glasses filter out...

  
• 09.26.2017

  Episode 0 – Welcome to Junior Developer Toolbox!

  Welcome to the first episode of the Junior Developer Toolbox Podcast! We’re excited to be here, and this episode is all about letting you get to know us and what to expect from the show. Erin Orstrom is a graduate of...