In this episode of Stories From The Hackery, we chat with Spencer Sharpe and Jack Parsons, two NSS graduates and lead software developers. We catch up on their journeys of transitioning from music to tech and explore the impact and utilization of generative AI tools in their current roles. They also share their insights on the evolving landscape of software development. Listen in for their advice on leveraging AI tools, maintaining code quality, and shaping a career in tech today.

SHOW NOTES

00:00 Introduction to Stories from the Hackery

00:37 Meet the Guests: Spencer Sharpe and Jack Parsons

02:34 Musical Backgrounds and Career Shifts

9:52 Generative AI Tools and Productivity

17:31 Generative AI for Unit Testing

19:21 Quality and Context in AI-Generated Code

29:12 AI in Code Review

29:29 The Required Human Element

31:53 Training and Assessing Junior Developers

37:52 Resources for Learning to Use Generative AI

42:18 Advice for Aspiring Tech Professionals

44:06 The Future of Software Engineering

50:33 Technology Guilty Pleasures

52:19 Final Thoughts

Links from the show:

Nashville Software School: https://nashvillesoftwareschool.com

How are NSS Alumni Using Generative AI Tools on the Job (Survey 2024): https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/2024/06/26/how-are-nss-alumni-using-generative-ai-tools-on-the-job

Ethan Mollick: 15 times to Use AI and 5 Not to

https://www.oneusefulthing.org/p/15-times-to-use-ai-and-5-not-to

Prompt Engineering LLMs by John Berryman and Albert Ziegler

https://www.amazon.com/Prompt-Engineering-LLMs-Model-Based-Applications/dp/1098156153/

In this episode of Stories from the Hackery, John Work, founder and CEO of Nashville Software School, sits down with NSS graduates Pemberton Heath and Rob Schulteis to discuss their careers post-NSS. They share insights on how they have integrated generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude into their daily work routines, focusing on generative AI as a learning and productivity aid. The conversation also delves into the evolving skills needed for tech careers and the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on generative AI for learning when you’re first starting out. Tune in to hear real-world applications and thoughtful reflections on the impact of generative AI on professional growth and learning in the tech industry.

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to Stories from the Hackery

00:33 Meet our Guests: Pemberton Heath and Rob Schulteis

02:23 Pemberton Heath's Journey to Full Stack Development

06:39 Rob Schulteis' Path from the Music Industry to Data Analytics

14:00 Using Generative AI Tools for Learning

33:21 Prompt Engineering and Effective Generative AI Use

38:25 Adding A Human Touch & Generative AI's Infinite Patience

42:00 A Tool To Fight Imposter Syndrome

43:45 Using Generative AI to Write Code

47:18 Challenges of Generative AI in Learning Environments

51:06 Understanding Codebases with Generative AI

58:52 The Evolving Role of Developers

01:05:04 Integrating Generative AI in Education

01:18:36 Final Thoughts

Links from the show:

Nashville Software School: https://nashvillesoftwareschool.com

How are NSS Alumni Using Generative AI Tools on the Job (Survey 2024): https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/2024/06/26/how-are-nss-alumni-using-generative-ai-tools-on-the-job

The Effects of Generative AI on High Skilled Work: Evidence from Three Field Experiments with Software Developers: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4945566

Can GenAI Actually Improve Developer Productivity?: https://resources.uplevelteam.com/gen-ai-for-coding

The Impact of Large Language Models on Programming

Education and Student Learning Outcomes: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/10/4115

Coding on Copilot: 2023 Data Suggests Downward Pressure on Code Quality: https://www.gitclear.com/coding_on_copilot_data_shows_ais_downward_pressure_on_code_quality

Onboarding to a 'legacy' codebase with the help of AI: https://martinfowler.com/articles/exploring-gen-ai.html#memo-09

In this episode of Stories from the Hackery, we catch up with Brandon Valentine, a founding board member at NSS and a lifelong software developer. Brandon departed GitHub this spring after five years, where he spent most of his time leading a team that collaborated with some of the largest development shops in the world. Brandon shares his insights from his front-row seat on how generative AI is, or is not, shaping the careers of software developers and the job market.

00:00 Introduction to Stories from the Hackery

00:35 Meet Brandon Valentine

10:33 Generative AI and the Job Market

34:35 Generative AI: Opportunities and Risks

44:36 Upskilling the Workforce: The Role of AI

47:28 Training the Next Generation of Developers

52:21 The Evolution of Software Development Roles

01:07:08 Personal Reflections and Recommendations

01:13:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links:

Nashville Software School: https://nashvillesoftwareschool.com

Brandon Valentine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonvalentine/

Goldman Sachs - GenAI: Too much spend, too little benefit?: https://www.goldmansachs.com/insights/top-of-mind/gen-ai-too-much-spend-too-little-benefit

Explore UI & UX design with Susan Culkin, a senior product designer and instructor at Nashville Software School. In this episode of Stories from the Hackery, Susan shares insights on the evolving field of user experience design, the importance of collaboration between designers and developers, and how she's giving back to the tech community through teaching and philanthropy.

Show Notes:

Introduction: 00:00

Susan's Journey to Nashville: 04:38

Defining UI and UX Design: 07:22

Common Misconceptions about UI & UX: 12:20

Collaboration Between Designers and Developers: 15:53

Staying Current in UI & UX Design: 24:00

Impact of Generative AI on UI & UX: 27:37

Teaching UI & UX at NSS: 32:10

Student Backgrounds at NSS: 39:32

Supporting NSS and Giving Back: 43:03

Nashville Diaper Connection: 46:07

Glass Blowing Passion: 49:19

Conclusion: 52:20

Links from the show:

Nashville Software School: https://nashvillesoftwareschool.com

Susan Culkin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanculkin/

Nashville Diaper Connection: https://www.nashvillediaperconnection.org/

Wilmington Trust: https://www.wilmingtontrust.com/

Figma Config Conference: https://config.figma.com/

Corning Museum of Glass: https://home.cmog.org/

Chartres Cathedral Stained Glass: https://www.cathedrale-chartres.org/en/cathedrale/monument/the-stained-glass-windows/

In this episode of Stories from The Hackery we catch up with Data Science 3 alumni Dibran Rexhepi, a former biology graduate turned data engineer and now instructor for the Part-time Analytics program at Nashville Software School. From his humble beginnings in a chemistry lab to discovering the world of programming through a bioinformatics class, our guest shares how he found his passion for coding. Tune in as Dibran reflects on his experience at Nashville Software School, the challenges he faced, the lessons learned, and how he now gives back by teaching others.

Are you or someone you know ready to begin your NSS Journey? Visit our website to learn more about our upcoming programs and apply today! https://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/calendar/upcoming-programs/

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

01:54 - Transition to Tech

03:30 - Discovering Nashville Software School

05:03 - Embracing Challenges

06:46 - Teaching and Giving Back

07:45 - Thriving Amidst Challenges

09:05 - Mentoring and Growth

11:24 - Advice for Aspiring Developers

12:34 - Insights from Industry Experience

15:30 - Reflecting on NSS Experience

As we continue to discuss generative AI on Nashville Software School’s podcast, Stories from the Hackery, Founder and CEO John Wark and lead Data instructor Michael Holloway, dive into various techniques for leveraging large language models (LLMs) like generative AI. They explore the potential of using hosted public LLMs via chatbot interfaces and discuss strategies for embedding LLMs into applications. One such technique discussed is the use of a prompt engineering, which involves wrapping the LLM API to tailor user prompts for more effective responses.

They also discuss more advanced techniques like retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), which involves using external data to tailor LLM responses further. This approach helps mitigate challenges like hallucination and ensures contextually relevant responses. Additionally, they touch on fine-tuning LLMs for specific applications, which requires more computational resources and domain expertise.

John and Michael highlight the importance of having machine learning skills to implement these techniques effectively. While fine-tuning LLMs may require specialized skills and resources, the emergence of smaller LLMs makes certain applications more accessible. They also mention the potential of multi-agent models for deeper and more focused outputs, indicating an exciting direction for LLM applications.

For more information on the evolving landscape of LLMs and the need for organizations to stay informed about these advancements to harness their full potential in this episode of Stories from the Hackery by Nashville Software School.

START YOUR NSS JOURNEY

To learn more about Nashville Software School and our upcoming programs, visit our website at https://NashvilleSoftwareSchool.com

SUPPORT NSS

Want to support NSS in our mission to teach adults skills needed for careers in tech? Visit our website to donate to the scholarship fund and learn about other volunteer opportunities! Nashss.com/Give

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Introduction

01:57 - Public Chat Bot Usage

02:47 - Prompt Engineering

03:21 - Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG)

3:57 - Fine Tuning of Models

04:37 - Technical Implementation

05:10 - Product Engineering and Its Role

08:17 - Implementing Prompt and Product Engineering

10:15 - Utilizing External Context with RAG

11:20 - Responsible AI Considerations

16:57 - Overcoming Challenges and Limitations

23:53 - Future Trends and Considerations

29:48 - Prompt and product engineering techniques

In this episode of Stories from the Hackery, Founder and CEO of Nashville Software School, John Wark, sits down with lead analytics instructor, Michael Holloway, to provide insights into the impact of generative AI tools like ChatGPT on data analytics and data science. They highlight the importance of human oversight and contextual understanding in leveraging these tools effectively as well as strategies for adapting programs at Nashville Software School to prepare students for evolving roles in data analytics and data science are discussed, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and skill development.

START YOUR NSS JOURNEY

To learn more about Nashville Software School and our upcoming programs, visit our website at https://NashvilleSoftwareSchool.com

SUPPORT NSS

Want to support NSS in our mission to teach adults skills needed for careers in tech? Visit our website to donate to the scholarship fund and learn about other volunteer opportunities! https://Nashss.com/Give

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Introduction.

03:10 - An overview of data analytics and data science.

04:30 - The evolution and impact of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and their role in supporting data analytics and data science tasks.

05:33 - Similarities and differences between software development and data analytics/data science are explored, focusing on how generative AI tools transform learning and work processes.

06:31 - Similarities in using generative AI tools for coding tasks and the importance of understanding contextual knowledge and problem domains.

08:12 - Key differences between software development and data analytics/data science, such as exploratory nature and iterative problem-solving approaches, are highlighted.

10:18 - The iterative exploration process in data analytics is discussed, emphasizing the need for planning, design, and contextual understanding of the data.

12:10 - Limitations of generative AI tools like ChatGPT in reasoning and understanding complex data contexts are explained.

13:05 - Capabilities and limitations of generative AI tools, emphasizing their dependence on training data and human validation.

17:42 - The importance of human oversight in using generative AI tools.

22:58 - Domain expertise in data analytics and data science tasks, emphasizing the limitations of generative AI tools.

24:48 Training strategies at NSS to prepare students for evolving roles in data analytics and data science.

46:08 - Strategies for adapting training content to incorporate skills relevant to generative AI tools.

01:04:2 - Closing.

In this Alumni Spotlight episode of Stories from the Hackery, we catch up with Full-time Web Development Cohort 22 alumna Kimmy Bird to discuss her NSS journey. From her time as a product owner at an international education company to now working as an Elixir backend developer in Germany, hear about the diverse paths NSS graduates have access to in the tech industry after graduation.

Connect with Kimmy on LinkedIn!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-j-bird/

Learn more about Nashville Software School and begin your own journey toward a career in tech, visit our website NashvilleSoftwareSchool.com

Nashville Software School is the nation’s first non-profit coding bootcamp, dedicated to teaching adults how to code through web development, data analytics, and data science. If you’d like to help support NSS’ mission to diversify tech, visit our giving site to make a monthly or one-time donation: https://support.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/ways-to-give

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:31 Transitioning to Tech

04:05 Learning Experience and Overcoming Challenges

08:33 Career Transition and NSS Support

13:36 International Opportunities in Tech

16:31 Gratitude and Acknowledgments

20:43 Final thoughts

21:20 Outro

Gabe Guio is a Nashville Software School graduate who contributed to the recent local data conference, DataTune Nashville, in a big way. He had the opportunity to not only build the website for the conference that serviced over 400 attendee registrations, but also built a conference scanner application that sponsors used to capture the information of attendees as they visited sponsor tables for a raffle prize at the end of the day. In this episode of Stories from the Hackery, Gabe shares how he was connected with the team at DataTune Nashville and what tools he used to create the applications for the conference.

Resources References in this podcast:

Connect with Gabe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabeguio/

Gabe’s Conference Scanner App Walk-through Videos:

Conference Demo Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEyQImODfUw

Advized Raffle Short: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9bG_WHxK00Q

Learn more about Nashville Software School and our upcoming programs when you visit our website: https://NashvilleSoftwareSchool.com

Chapters:

0:00 Intro

2:49 Gabe’s background before attending Nashville Software School

5:29 - Volunteering with Data Tune Nashville Conference

7:30 - Building the Website for Data Tune Nashville

11:39 - Building the Conference Scanner app for Data Tune Nashville

17:44 - Gabe’s experience with the Nashville tech community

20:33 - Outro

Producer & Editor: Jessica Grande

From mock interviews, to resume talks and Demo Day scheduling, there’s no shortage of opportunities for our students to gain the skills necessary to their job search after graduation.! In the latest episode of Stories from the Hackery, NSS’s Career Development Team Lead, Ashley Canino, and Career Development Specialist, Michael Frieh, talk about how they work with every student at NSS to prepare them for their job search post-graduation!

Learn more about Nashville Software School and our upcoming programs when you visit our website: https://NashvilleSoftwareSchool.com

0:00 Intro

1:37 Career Development Services Overview

1:48 What to expect from Career Development at NSS

8:32 Meet the community at Round Table Events Overview

10:25 Preparing with Mock Interviews

14:25 Present your project at Demo Day

17:06 Outro

Producer & Editor: Jessica Grande