Today's episode features Jamie Pittman, whose transition from teacher to software engineer embodies the spirit of embracing new challenges. Jamie's willingness to dive headfirst into a coding boot camp with little prior experience shows us that with dedication, the tech industry is accessible to all.

Jamie and Ryan discuss the hurdles of acquiring a diverse skill set, the significance of gender diversity in tech, and the impact of representation. Jamie's candid revelations about the biases in a male-dominated field, and how she and her female peers have navigated this landscape, underscore the importance of perseverance and self-belief.

If you're contemplating a career change or eager to hear a story of true grit within the tech world, Jamie's insights are sure to motivate and guide you. Get ready for an episode that celebrates the journey of learning and the courage to reinvent oneself.

Time stamps:

03:43 Injury led to tech learning and career.

07:07 HTML, CSS made sense while JavaScript frustrated.

11:51 Nervous, but jumped into new technical skills.

13:51 Uncomfortable beginning led to love for coding.

20:05 Transitioned to engineering, empathizing with clients. Communicating efficiently.

22:17 Curiosity in technology; diverse experiences beneficial.

24:18 Specializing in one area can be beneficial.

31:56 It's never too late to pursue interests.

We sit down with Aishwarya Sureban to discuss her journey from pursuing a Master's degree in Computer Science at the Illinois Institute of Technology to landing a role as a software development engineer at Amazon. Aishwarya shares her experiences of visualizing her dreams through vision boards, how networking on LinkedIn helped her secure interview calls, and the importance of preparing for interviews and seeking referrals to leverage job opportunities. Join us as we delve into her story and gain insights into her career in tech and personal development strategies.

Check out the full episode here: https://techguide.org/podcast/aishwarya-sureban/

Shubham Patel shares his journey of breaking into the tech industry and offers advice for aspiring software developers. He discusses falling in love with technology during high school and choosing to pursue software engineering despite societal expectations. Shubham emphasizes the importance of starting projects in school and gaining hands-on experience. He also highlights the significance of technical skills, preparation, and listening to others in succeeding in tech roles. Shubham suggests strategies such as developing projects, creating a personal website, and reaching out to alumni for networking and mentorship. He concludes by encouraging continuous learning and curiosity in the ever-evolving tech industry.

Time Stamps:

01:06 Falling in Love with Technology

03:13 Early Career and Developing Technical Skills

05:24 The Importance of Starting Projects in School

09:16 Gaining Experience and Skills in Large Responsibilities

13:29 Breaking into Big Tech Roles

19:31 Strategies for Success in Tech Roles

23:17 The Importance of Listening and Curiosity

28:50 Reaching Out to Alumni and Networking

31:38 Strategies to Break into Tech

33:30 Rating Coding Skills and Conclusion

Join us as we dive deep into Manoj's journey, from falling in love with technology during his school days in India, to transitioning from electrical engineering to software development. Manoj shares valuable insights on how to stand out in your career, the importance of long-term goals, and the unique experiences that come with working for both startups and large corporations. Tune in to discover the advantages of working in a startup environment, including direct access to CEOs, decision-making power, and innovation opportunities. Don't miss out on this exciting conversation with Manoj Singhal on breaking into tech and thriving in the ever-evolving tech industry.

Mayank Jindal shares his journey into the world of software engineering and his experience getting a master's degree in computer science. Mayank discusses how he fell in love with technology during his undergraduate studies, his exploration of web and app development, and his involvement in the Google Summer of Code program. He also shares his insights on the coursework he completed at the University of Chicago and his path to landing a job at Amazon as a software developer. Tune in to learn about the importance of code quality, the value of asking for help, and the differences between coursework and real-world projects in the tech industry.

Time Stamps:

09:05 Google Summer of Code

09:12 Getting a Job in Amazon

16:23 Tips on Aspiring Programmers

20:50 Course Work vs Actual Work

Who is Mayank Jindal?

Mayank Jindal is a software engineer at Amazon with over 3 years of experience. His primary focus has been on improving advertising moderation efficiency across Amazon using AI-based techniques and building scalable software around that. Mayank has worked with most of the major AWS technologies and gained expertise in building cloud-based microservices. He is passionate about sharing knowledge and mentoring in the tech community. He has served as a judge in many global hackathons and mentored underrepresented college students.In the past, Mayank has made significant contributions to the open-source community through participating in Google Summer of Code and mentoring in Google Code-In. Mayank holds a Master's degree in Computer Science from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur.

Connect with Mayank Jindal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayankjindal97/

Join us on a fascinating journey with Erik Andersen as he shares his knowledge when it comes to the modern job search, particularly in the tech sector. With empathy bridging the gap between job seekers and employers, he imparts invaluable insights on what it takes to thrive in a fiercely competitive environment.

If you're an entry-level software developer, Erik's coaching is a beacon of hope. He knows the path and imparts wisdom from his own experiences, preparing you for success in a competitive landscape. 

For aspiring web developers, Erik offers indispensable mentorship, guiding them not just on technical skills but also the art of understanding employer needs and effectively showcasing their value.  Don't miss this chance to learn from one of the industry's finest! 

Time stamps:

05:55 Modern Tips on How to Succeed in a Job Search

09:14 Job Application Strategies

13:52 Differentiating Your LinkedIn Profile

21:28 Advice for New Software Developers Seeking Entry-Level Jobs

Who is Erik Andersen?

Erik Andersen is a Senior Software Engineer and Developer Advocate at YUM Brands, the world's largest restaurant company. He is also a co-organizer of the largest developer meetup in the DFW Metroplex and the host of the Junior Jobs Podcast. Through this podcast, he volunteers his time to assist new software engineers in finding their first job in tech. Erik resides in Dallas, Texas, with his wife and two children.In his 10+ years as a developer, Erik Andersen has contributed to the hiring and staffing of projects at 14 companies, spanning from small startups to Fortune 100 enterprises. When you engage with Erik, he leverages this extensive experience to assist you in Understanding the recruiter's mindset, mastering the art of self-presentation for maximum effectiveness, and ultimately increasing your success rate in securing and excelling during job interviews

Connect with Erik Andersen

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebandersen/

If you are looking to make extra money in 2023, freelancing may be for you. Learn how Mohamed became a freelance software engineer, and the tips he has for you. From buying his own programming book to pursuing a degree in computer engineering, Mohamed developed a deep understanding of algorithms, data structures, and coding challenges. He discusses the benefits and challenges of freelancing, including the flexibility to work with clients from around the world and the need to showcase experience. Tune in to hear Mohamed's insights on the evolving landscape of freelancer platforms, the importance of diversifying skills, and his tips for landing your first freelance job.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

04:25 Started as software engineer, transitioned to freelancer.

07:19 Lack of knowledge led to job search.

13:27 Freelance platforms grow post-COVID with more jobs.

16:25 Coding skills are crucial for job interviews. If you lack experience, lower your rates.

17:35 Cut rates, send video to get noticed.

23:25 Interesting, flexible, skill-building work with pros and cons.

25:36 Cash for emergencies, contracts end, no power.

27:43 Traveling: new places, people, mindset, growth.

How can you be promoted to a leadership position? Adi Kalidindi joins us to discuss engineering and leadership – two crucial topics in the tech world. Adi brings a wealth of experience to the table, having held various management and senior engineering roles throughout his career. Tune in as we delve into Adi's journey into tech, the influence of Bill Gates, and how his passion for creative arts shaped his understanding of leadership. Plus, Adi shares his thoughts on the essential traits of a great leader and the importance of curiosity and empathy in driving success. Get ready for an engaging conversation filled with valuable insights.

How much is a coding bootcamp? How long is a coding bootcamp? Will Cline comes on the podcast to discuss the projects he worked on at the University of Austin Texas online boot camp, and how it impacted his career growth. Will shares his journey of transitioning from data analysis to full stack development and the motivation behind his decision to attend the bootcamp. They also explore the benefits of structured learning and the challenges faced during the intensive program.

Check out the full episode here: https://techguide.org/podcast/will-cline/

What data does Bleacher Report look at to help drive it's content decisions? How can you get a job in sports media? In this episode, Francisco Gonzalez-Cos, Analytics Manager at Bleacher Report shares his love for sports and analytics, tracing his journey of discovery to Bleacher Report. Learn how he caught the eye of the Bleacher Report team and stood out in the competitive world of sports media. Discover the ins and outs of his job at Bleacher's Report, gaining insight into his daily tasks and responsibilities. Join us for a deep dive into the intersection of sports, analytics, and personal motivation, and get ready to be inspired by Francisco Gonzalez's incredible journey! 

Check out the full episode here: https://techguide.org/podcast/francisco-gonzalez-cos/

Chapters

Who is Francisco Gonzalez-Cos?

Francisco Gonzales-Cos is a globe-trotting sports enthusiast hailing from Mexico, known for his adventurous spirit and insatiable curiosity. Having resided in six different cities across three countries, he has always sought to immerse himself in new places, cultures, and ideologies. Currently, Francisco is a dedicated member of the B/R team, where he channels his expertise into harnessing the power of Social Media for fanbase growth.

Throughout his career, Francisco's path has been significantly influenced by the world of data and its role in storytelling. Born and raised in Mexico City, he embarked on a journey to the United States for college, initially delving into politics and international relations. However, he soon realized that his true passion lay elsewhere. A transformative Marketing Internship with NYCFC ignited his love for sports, prompting him to relocate to Barcelona in pursuit of comprehensive knowledge about the sports industry.

Returning to Mexico and the US, Francisco recognized his potential to make a difference by leveraging and interpreting data to craft compelling narratives and shape digital strategies. After a determined quest for opportunities within his dream industry, he finally found his way to B/R. Francisco's story is a testament to the belief that sometimes, taking the longer route is the most fulfilling path to achieving one's dreams, and the journey itself is an integral part of the adventure.