DonTheDeveloper Podcast

Hey everyone! I’m starting a new series (monthly) where I get real about my goals, challenges, and the changes I’m making. From recording a LOT more Youtube videos to reviving old projects and setting ambitious 28-day goals, I’m sharing it all. I'll be sharing channel & community updates in this series as well.

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🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching
🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3
❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloper
Disclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:
🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (15% off): https://v2.scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper
🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"
🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

When it comes to breaking into the tech industry, there’s a labyrinth of myths and misconceptions about what it really takes to be job-ready as a developer. In this eye-opening podcast episode, Derek, a seasoned web developer and educator known as Sheriff Derek, debunks these myths and offers a candid look at the essentials of tech education and the reality of coding bootcamps.
Derek begins by addressing the widening skills gap among aspiring developers. He’s seen first-hand the false expectations and underdeveloped skills of those entering the market. The allure of high-paying jobs post-bootcamp has overshadowed the passion and commitment required to truly excel in web development. He expresses concern that many are not prepared for the realities of the job market, which now demands more due to the influx of developers spurred by the pandemic.
In the next segment, the conversation shifts to the effectiveness of coding bootcamps in preparing candidates for the tech industry. Derek stresses the importance of foundational knowledge in HTML and CSS, arguing that a robust understanding of these technologies is critical given their universal application across the web. He highlights that there is a diversity of jobs within tech, suggesting that a broader preparation could prevent disillusionment and career stagnation for those not suited for traditional software engineer roles.
Derek then critiques the coding bootcamp model for often rushing into advanced coding concepts without a solid foundation in the basics. He emphasizes the importance of understanding foundational elements before moving on to more complex tools. This approach is not only essential for mastering web development but also for adapting to the evolving landscape of technologies and frameworks.
Further into the discussion, Derek talks about the challenges coding bootcamps and self-taught developers face in fostering the necessary curiosity and drive. He argues that beyond following a curriculum, developers must experiment hands-on and cultivate a genuine interest in technology to succeed. The tech industry offers vast opportunities for those who are willing to explore and innovate.
The episode also touches on the value of mentorship and immersive learning environments. Derek warns against superficially navigating through computer science programs without true engagement and learning. He compares traditional computer science degrees with coding bootcamps, noting the varied outcomes and opportunities each path presents.
Lastly, Derek examines the trend of developers gravitating towards frameworks that allow for rapid development, often at the expense of essentia

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🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching
🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3
❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloper
Disclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
===========================
WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:
🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (15% off): https://v2.scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper
🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"
🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

Colby, a previous student of General Assembly, reached out to me concerning an incident that happened at GA, which really concerns me. Even worse, it sounds like several potential negative reviews of that experience were legally silenced if the students wanted a full refund after the incident. Let's talk about it.
Colby Jax (guest):
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-jax
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ColbyJaxCodes

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🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching
🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3
❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloper
Disclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
===========================
WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:
🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (15% off): https://v2.scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper
🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"
🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

Curious about what a mock technical interview could look like for an aspiring JavaScript developer? I invited on Matt (with an extensive background interviewing junior developers and also prepping them for interviews) to conduct the interview with Brian who is aiming for his first software engineering job. Matt also shared tons of great feedback for Brian at the end that you may find relatable for your own interviews. Hopefully, this can give you a glimpse into a common type of interview you may encounter when trying to land your first job.
Matt Oates (interviewer):
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maoates
Website - https://coachmatt.io
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrPusfUgx-5dm1WDoTv_HRA
Brian Lam (interviewee):
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-lam-software-developer

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🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching
🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3
❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloper
Disclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
===========================
WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:
🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (15% off): https://v2.scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper
🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"
🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

Are you considering signing up for the coding bootcamp, App Academy in 2023? I invited on 3 graduates from the program to share their REAL experiences - no BS. Enjoy!
Guests:
Max Fong - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfong415
Jason Greenberg - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-g-greenberg
Patrick McKinney - https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-mckinney-97aab0245

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🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching
🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3
❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloper
Disclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
===========================
WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:
🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (15% off): https://v2.scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper
🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"
🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper