TechGuide

TechGuide

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TechGuide episodes

  • 32. Mainframe, Apprenticeship, AI and Software Engineering with Marna Walle of IBM

    What is mainframe, and how can you get a job within the industry? Marna Walle, IBM Senior Technical Staff Member, shares her extensive expertise and career wisdom in the mainframe environment. She begins by explaining the fundamentals of "Mainframes," offering a foundational understanding of this technology. Marna then delves into the roles and responsibilities of Software Engineers, providing valuable insights for both newcomers and seasoned professionals. The episode also explores the advantages of AI technology in the IT industry, highlighting its transformative potential. Marna shares her invaluable perspective on the benefits of long-term commitment to a company, drawing from her own experiences at IBM. Lastly, she imparts practical tips and advice for emerging young IT professionals, serving as a guiding light for those embarking on their career journeys.

    Who is Marna Walle?
    Marna Walle is an IBM Senior Technical Staff Member within the z/OS Development organization specializing in z/OS installation and system programming activities. She is an expert in z/OS release upgrades, with a particular focus on new technology exploitation. Marna is a frequent speaker on z/OS topics at customer conferences around the world.
    Marna has authored a number of technical articles on z/OS topics that have appeared in industry publications. She is also the technical owner of the z/OS upgrade path, which is critical to anyone needing to use the latest release.
    Timestamps:
    00:00 Introduction
    2:23 - What is a Mainframe?
    6:28 - Duties and Tasks of Software Engineers
    17:26 - Advantages of AI technology in the IT Industry.
    21:22 - Benefits of long-term commitment to a company.
    24:34 - Tips and advice for emerging young professionals
    #mainframe #informationtechnology #softwareengineer

    26 min
  • 31. How to Get a Job in Tech with Ayman El-Ghazali, Senior Software Engineer at Microsoft

    How can you get an entry-level job in tech? Take it from Ayman El Ghazali, an international student, that is now working as a Senior Software Engineer at Microsoft. Aymn joins to discuss his journey in the field of computer engineering and information systems. From his experiences at Drexel University to navigating the job market, Ayman shares valuable insights on perseverance, networking, and the importance of staying curious.


    Check out the full episode here: https://techguide.org/podcast/ayman-el-ghazali/


    Time stamps:

    00:00 Introduction
    01:25 Growing up in Saudi Arabia
    06:01 Moving to Philly
    07:37 Life is like climbing Everest, adjusting and alone.
    10:34 Networking and perseverance led to success.
    16:09 Question why and be clear in communication.
    16:57 Tech people talk, leadership needs financial perspective.
    22:08 Actionable data is crucial for decision-making.
    24:48 Curiosity and learning expand your world.
    28:13 Fundamentals are key for building a firm foundation.

    29 min
  • 30. How to Become a Software Engineer in 2023 with Aneesh Lal

    What should you know about a career in software engineering? What are the ways you can enter the field, and how can you stand out? Our guest, Aneesh Lal, shares his insights into the motivations behind attending coding academies, the tailored curriculum they offer, and the resources provided to software engineers to help them excel in their careers. They discuss the challenges faced by software engineers, including the rise of AI coding tools and the importance of finding a mentor within the industry. Aneesh also sheds light on a unique coding academy in New York called Pursuit.org and their mentorship program. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of coding academies, the future of software engineering, and the rising prominence of prompt engineering.


    00:00 Introduction

    01:09 Early interest in computer games sparked career.

    03:14 Coding academies focus on job placement in tech.

    09:03 Having a mentor is crucial for success.

    12:48 Coding academy offers mentorship, job support, resources.

    18:51 Adapt, change, complement: Copilot aids coding.

    20:43 AI, Web Three, VR, and cryptocurrency trends

    26:41 Leadership skills, social skills, communication = essential for software engineers.

    30:42 Closing


    33 min
  • 29. What a Career in Data Analytics Looks like Working at Walmart with Ajay Yvs

    What are actual projects that someone with a Data Analytics Career works on? Ajay Yvs, Data Analyst at Walmart, joins the podcast to talk about the special projects he's worked on at Walmart. Ajay who shares his experience working on the onboarding process for sellers on Walmart's marketplace platform. From reducing onboarding time to improving seller satisfaction, our guest sheds light on the challenges and strategies involved in this crucial aspect of the e-commerce giant's operations. Join us as we uncover the inner workings of analytics within Walmart's operation analytics team and discover the importance of understanding frameworks, leveraging data, and collaborating with stakeholders. Get ready to explore the world of data analytics in one of the largest retail companies in the world.


    Check out the full episode here:


    Time stamps:

    00:00 Introduction

    01:10 Ajay finds an analytics career at Walmart.

    04:18 Wanted an analytics job, and chose Walmart over Amazon.

    08:55 Sequential onboarding process with parallel steps.

    12:14 Updating Walmart's website

    19:08 Different titles for data analysts, translating business needs, answering questions, framework for project approach.

    25:13 Special projects across teams. Support for data engineering and analysis.

    29:50 Product analytics for business questions and monitoring.

    34:38 Technical skills crucial for modern journalists.

    38 min
  • 28. What Size of Company Should You Work for with Brad Messer, CTO and Co-Founder at Structure ai

    If you are looking for a job, how do you know if a larger organization or startup would fit your skill set better? We have Brad Messer, CTO and Co-Founder of Structure ai on the podcast to talk about that. Brad and Ryan discuss what to evaluate in a company and how to play to your strengths to be successful in your role. They also explore the importance of leveraging ideas and the role of automation in software engineering. Brad shares insights from his experience in the industry, including the challenges and opportunities they've encountered along the way.


    Check out the full episode here: https://techguide.org/podcast/brad-messer/

    Time stamps:
    00:00 Introduction
    01:42 IP licensing important for code merging, collaboration.
    04:45 We offer AI licensing for idea development.
    07:40 Leverage ideas for societal impact, give back.
    12:22 Importance of authenticity in business and promotion.
    17:50 75K from angel investor, no more money. Sweat equity in early stage startups.
    18:59 It depends on your knowledge and stage.
    22:58 Automate tasks to improve efficiency as a developer.
    29:10 Choose your involvement wisely, find role models.
    00:30:52 Closing

    32 min
  • 27. How Brad Daw went from House of Representative to Senior Software Engineer at Adobe

    What's it like making the transition from tech into politics? Today, Brad Daw, a Senior Software Engineer at Adobe, joins us. What makes Brad's background truly fascinating is his experience as a Utah House of Representative for 14 years. In this episode, we'll delve into Brad's journey, from his early days in hardware engineering and programming to his foray into politics. Discover how Brad balanced his tech job with his role in the legislature and the insights he gained from working with diverse individuals. Stay tuned for an insightful conversation with Brad Daw on navigating both the world of technology and politics.

    Check out the full episode here: https://techguide.org/podcast/brad-daw/

    Time Stamps:
    00:00 Introduction
    01:09 Part-time legislator turned full-time political career.
    04:14 Election night party in Utah County went well.
    08:22 High school athlete gets hooked on opioids. Rehab helped but eventually died.
    11:37 Online transparency for political campaign finance records.
    14:56 First time in legislature, expected conflict but found civility in government.
    19:46 Taking time off for politics, be discreet.
    22:33 Learning to work with others is essential.
    24:22 Small fish, big pod, exciting data analytics. Satisfaction in improving and achieving success.

    26 min
  • 26. Everything You Should Know About Entry-level Data Science Jobs with Leon Shpaner

    What are some of the things you should know if you are wanting an entry-level data science job? Leon Shpaner, Data Scientist at UCLA Health comes on the podcast to discuss just that. Leon gives advice on how the job is different from what they teach you in school, and what you can expect. Leon shares projects that you can work on to stand out in your career, and how you can stand out early on in your career.


    Check out the full episode here: https://techguide.org/podcast/leon-shpaner/

    Time stamps:
    00:00 Introduction
    01:26 Limited major options at UCLA, chose economics.
    03:31 Lucky career journey leads to a passion for data analytics.
    10:49 Exposure to Python, R, and data analysis.
    13:59 Industry professionals teach real-world data analysis at the University of San Diego, emphasizing statistical concepts.
    19:38 Communication is key, but sometimes difficult.
    22:43 Use LinkedIn and networking events for job opportunities.
    27:31 Start project, iterate, take initiative, and overcome fears.
    30:43 Write down your thoughts on your career. Seek advice, track your progress, make connections, volunteer, think outside the box, be passionate, focus on the journey.
    33:54 Ending with gratitude for Leon.

    35 min
  • 25. How Sports Analytics Drives Decision Making in Ticket Sales and Marketing with Billy Nayden

    What are some of the ways Sports Analytics are being used to drive business decisions for companies like the WWE? How can you get a sports analytics job? Billy Nayden, Fan Analytics Manager at WWE, comes on the show to talk about his role and how the WWE is using data for their business. Billy gives us real projects that he’s worked on, and how they are leveraging data to improve their decision making when it comes to ticket sales. Billy shares the value of creativity in sports, storytelling, statistics, and more.

    Time stamps:
    00:00 Introduction
    01:48 Interest in sports led to pursuing analytics. Transitioned from ticket sales to data science.
    06:00 Limited opportunities in team sports analytics; diversify.
    09:52 Analyze market grades and regional differences for promotions.
    13:10 Python is crucial in data analysis and modeling. Understanding statistics is also important for the industry.
    16:30 Hard skills focus, learning, master's degree, accountability, network
    19:36 Buddies in various industries boost data science.
    21:32 Business analytics is complex but brings simple solutions.
    25:29 Collaborative process of data analysis and reporting.
    28:36 Fans' ticket-buying habits remain consistent in changing markets, relying heavily on historical data to project sales.
    31:46 WWE successful in various markets, considering similarities.
    35:57 Creativity is key in analytics-driven industries.

    39 min
  • 24. What to Know Before you Enroll in a Master’s Degree with Arpita Mangal

    How long does a Master’s Degree take to complete? What are the benefits of getting your Master's Degree? Arpita Managal, a recent graduate student from UC Davis Graduate School of Management, joins us to talk just about that. Arpita believes that work experience is not necessarily a requirement for a course, but it certainly adds tremendous value. With prior expertise in programming languages like Python and R, she found her course to be even smoother and more fulfilling. Tune in as Arpita discusses the importance of hands-on experience, the benefits of the Master's program she pursued, the power of networking in San Francisco, her innovative projects in the healthcare sector, and so much more.

    Check out the full episode here: https://techguide.org/podcast/arpita-mangal/

    Timestamps:

    00:00 Introduction

    02:00 Lack of formal education hindered career growth.
    03:11 Tech innovation hub, SF program sparks opportunities.

    09:16 Courses in San Francisco lacked flexibility, but covered a range of topics including statistics, machine learning, and business. Project work is a key component.

    13:58 Master's program with group work & networking opportunities.
    15:41 Undergrad student explores different fields, chooses analytics.

    18:19 Closing off the podcast with valuable career advice.


    20 min
  • 23. An In-Depth Look at the Role of Cybersecurity at AWS with Syed Rehan

    In this episode of the TechGuide podcast host Ryan Atkinson sits down with guest Syed Rehan, a C++ engineer turned ethical hacker. Syed shares their journey from discovering the importance of memory allocation in C++ programming to uncovering a loophole in an email system. Their experiences led them to pursue a career in ethical hacking, and they now work with AWS in the field of cybersecurity. Syed discusses the significance of competency and curiosity in the industry, as well as the various services offered by AWS in securing data and analyzing connected devices. Tune in to learn about the world of ethical hacking and the importance of learning and curiosity in the field of cybersecurity.


    Check out the full episode here: https://techguide.org/podcast/syed-rehan/

    Time stamps:
    0:00 Introduction
    00:59 Curiosity leads to career change in tech.
    07:21 Became C++ engineer, and discovered ethical hacking.
    13:10 Malicious actors target companies for financial gain.
    17:21 Data security and anomaly detection with machine learning.
    24:57 Focus on one cybersecurity category: zero trust.
    27:27 Action speaks louder than words in AWS cybersecurity. Interest and competency are key.
    30:08 Thank you for being amazing!

    31 min

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