Episode Summary

In this episode, Trevor Page delves into the challenges aspiring software developers face when trying to land their first job. Drawing from his 15 years of programming experience and 12 years of teaching, Trevor offers a unique perspective on the realities of breaking into the tech industry. He discusses the common misconceptions new developers have, the difficulties of finding a job, and why having coding skills alone isn't enough to secure a position.

Trevor also introduces Coders Campus's new Guaranteed Internship Program, designed to provide real-world coding experience in a team environment while working on software projects for actual customers. This innovative program offers a profit-sharing model, allowing participants to earn money based on the success of the projects they work on. He shares insights into the structure of the internship, the roles participants will play, and the long-term benefits of gaining practical experience.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Reality of Getting a Coding Job: Understanding that having the skills does not mean you are guaranteed a job.
• Common Pathways to Employment: Exploring traditional methods like open source contributions, volunteering, and unpaid internships, and why they might not be sufficient.
• Introducing the Guaranteed Internship Program: A detailed overview of Coders Campus's new initiative to help aspiring developers gain real-world experience while working in a team and potentially earning income through profit-sharing.
• The Importance of Real-World Experience: How hands-on coding in a collaborative environment can significantly improve job prospects.
• Case Study - JP's Success: A real-life example of a Coders Campus student who secured a job after participating in the internship program.
• Opportunities for Non-Bootcamp Participants: Trevor hints at a future program for those who already have coding skills but need certification and experience.

Call to Action: If you're ready to take your coding career to the next level and join a program that offers real-world experience, visit coderscampus.com/bootcamp to apply for the next cohort. For those interested in the upcoming certification program, email Trevor directly at trevor@coderscampus.com.

Quotes:

• "Just because you have the skills does not mean you are owed the job."
• "If you and any other entry-level developer are applying to the same position, but you have real-world experience on your resume, guess who they're going to look at first?"

Links and Resources:

• Coders Campus Bootcamp
• Email Trevor: trevor@coderscampus.com

Summary

To reach out and connect with Alex, here's her LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-mamolo-2a1b57222/

In this episode, Trevor interviews Alex, who shares her journey from being a musician to transitioning into the tech industry. Alex talks about her background in music, playing drums in a band, and the challenges she faced in her musical career. She then discusses her experience working in data entry and her decision to pursue a career in technology. Alex explains how she discovered coding and her decision to join a coding bootcamp. She shares her struggles with understanding methods and functions and the support she received from her instructors. Alex emphasizes the importance of understanding the fundamentals of coding and how it has impacted her personal growth and progress. In this conversation, Alex discusses her experience in the coding bootcamp and the challenges she faced. She shares how she overcame those challenges and gained confidence in her coding abilities. The conversation also explores the difficulty curve in learning programming and the importance of perseverance. Alex talks about her job search process and the need for relentless follow-up. The conversation concludes with an invitation for listeners to connect with Alex and seek advice on their own coding journey.

Takeaways

• Transitioning from a non-technical career to the tech industry is possible with the right support and guidance.
• Learning HTML and CSS is a great starting point for beginners in coding.
• Struggling with certain concepts is common in coding, and seeking help from instructors is crucial for overcoming challenges.
• Understanding the fundamentals of coding, such as methods and functions, is essential for building a strong foundation. Overcoming challenges in the bootcamp can lead to significant growth and improved coding skills.
• The difficulty curve in learning programming often means that the second half of the bootcamp is easier than the first half.
• Struggling on the job is different from struggling in the bootcamp, but both experiences can be valuable learning opportunities.
• Relentless follow-up in the job search process can significantly increase the chances of getting an interview.
• Revisiting assignments and focusing on mastering core skills can help improve coding abilities.
• Networking and interpersonal skills are just as important as coding skills in the job search process.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:09 Interest in Technology and Music

05:31 Transition from Music to Data Entry

06:26 Exploring Tech Education Options

08:23 Choosing a Coding Bootcamp

09:52 Learning HTML and CSS

12:43 Struggles with Methods and Functions

15:35 Support and Guidance from Instructors

23:00 Importance of Understanding Fundamentals

24:25 Personal Growth and Progress

24:54 Overcoming Challenges in the Bootcamp

26:15 The Difficulty Curve in Learning Programming

27:44 Struggling on the Job vs. in the Bootcamp

29:38 The Excitement and Satisfaction of Coding

31:04 Job Search Process and Challenges

32:33 The Importance of Relentless Follow-up

34:01 Conversion Rate in Job Applications

36:55 Balancing Time Between Assignments and Job Search

38:23 Avoiding the Comfort Zone and Focusing on Networking

39:20 Revisiting Assignments to Improve Skills

40:46 Alex's Strong Understanding of Programming Terminology

42:35 Follow-up and Feedback in the Job Search Process

45:29 Proving Interest and Following Up After Rejection

47:22 Closing Remarks and Invitation to Connect

To reach out and connect with Tony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmonds-tony/

Takeaways
- Negotiate your salary and consider the market conditions in your area.
- Remote work opportunities are available, but starting with a hybrid role can provide valuable experience.
- Working in an office and collaborating with experienced developers can accelerate your learning and career growth.
- Having mentors and leveraging their expertise can help you progress quickly in your career.
- Bootcamp graduates can pivot to different roles within a company and apply their skills in various domains.
- Don't be discouraged by negative news and focus on your own journey and progress.
- When starting a new job, be resourceful, spend time learning on your own, and ask for help when needed.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:23 Becoming a Digital Nomad
03:42 Fascination with Latin America and the Digital Nomad Lifestyle
06:33 Choosing the University Path
09:20 Transitioning to a Bootcamp
13:03 The Benefits and Limitations of University Education
20:05 The Job Search Process
23:43 The Importance of a Structured Job Search
28:03 Seeking Remote Job Opportunities
30:50 The Interview Process
31:48 Job Offer and Salary
33:15 Remote Work Opportunities
34:39 The Value of Working in an Office
35:03 Transitioning to Remote Work
37:24 The Importance of Mentors
38:18 Opportunities for Development within a Company
39:39 Pivoting to Different Roles
40:36 Enjoying the Data Role
41:32 The Reality of Getting a Job
42:31 The Influence of News and Media
44:30 Advice for Bootcamp Students
48:16 Tony's Advice for Himself
49:41 Tony's Final Project
53:52 Connecting with Tony on LinkedIn
54:22 Questions for Trevor