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Tech Jobber Podcast
Tech Jobber Podcast
Author: Chris Schwenk
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© Chris Schwenk 2024
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🚀 Tech Career Insights | Startup Stories | Miami Tech Scene 🚀 Discover the hottest tech careers and digital innovation trends on our cutting-edge podcast! We dive deep into the world of technology, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and entrepreneurship. 🎙️ Weekly interviews with: - Fortune 500 Tech Executives - Successful Startup Founders - Miami's Tech Leaders - Software Engineers & Developers - Data Scientists & AI Experts - Cybersecurity Specialists - Product Managers & UX Designers - Tech Recruiting Insights 📈 Learn about: - Career growth in tech - Emerging technologies (AI, ML, IoT, VR/AR) - Startup funding & venture capital - Personal branding for tech professionals - Work-life balance in high-tech jobs - Remote work opportunities - Tech industry networking 🎬 High-quality video content filmed at Content HQ Studios, Miami, FL 📱 Shareable clips for LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
68 Episodes
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Love is Blind star Cameron Hamilton went from firefighter to $2M AI empire founder — and nobody was paying attention to the career behind the love story. His story is the opposite of our recent episode on Singles Inferno Star Samuel Lee's journey to become a Quant Trader.
In this breakdown, I map every stage of Cameron's path:
💰 Firefighter & EMT → $35K–$50K
🎓 Double Master's (Biomedical + AI) → $60–100K investment
🔬 AI Scientist at Weill Cornell Medicine → $130K–$180K
📺 Love is Blind → attention converted into career assets
🚀 Alliance AI Founder → $2M+ net worth
If you're wondering how to become an AI consultant or pivot into tech from a completely different field — this is your roadmap.
I break down the exact 5-stage framework Cameron used (whether he knew it or not) so you can apply it to YOUR career
🔔 Subscribe for weekly tech career breakdowns 📩 Connect with me: [www.linkedin.com/in/christopherschwenk ~ www.instagram.com/chris_delosstaffing]
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 – The Samuel Lee Comparison
1:00 – Stage 1: Firefighter ($35K–$50K)
2:30 – Stage 2: The Double Master's
4:30 – Stage 3: Weill Cornell Medicine ($130K–$180K)
6:30 – Stage 4: Love is Blind Effect
Get paid to learn AI with AI Trade Pilot - https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/2UJ6AW0lfugS50ol7pxY?am_id=techjobberpod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
AI is replacing jobs faster than ever — but these 7 tech careers are virtually untouchable AND still pay $150K+. I break down exactly why AI can't automate these roles and how you can start positioning yourself NOW.
Whether you're in a tech career transition or just want to future-proof your income, these AI-proof jobs offer real security in 2026 and beyond.
🔗 RESOURCES & TOOLS FOR EACH ROLE:
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
1. Cybersecurity / Security Engineer — [Linux Foundation Cyber Courses: Use Code "TECHJOBBERPOD" for 30% off - https://training.linuxfoundation.org/...]
Ellington Cyber Academy - https://www.skool.com/eca-cyber-range...https://www.skool.com/eca-cyber-range-4625/about?ref=674cbede79de482fa76b88623c0cf89e
2. Cloud / Platform / DevOps Engineer — [Linux Foundation Cloud and DevOps Courses Use Code "TECHJOBBERPOD" for 30% off https://training.linuxfoundation.org/...
Level Up in Tech Community - https://www.skool.com/luit-academy/ab...]
3. FinOps / Cloud Cost Optimization Engineer —
4. MLOps / AI Platform Engineer — [Linux Foundation Cyber Courses: Use Code "TECHJOBBERPOD" for 30% off - https://training.linuxfoundation.org/...]
5. Data Engineer / Analytics Engineer — [Data Engineer Academy - https://my.dataengineeracademy.com/lo...]
6. Solutions Architect / Sales Engineer — [https://www.skool.com/bigtechmoney/ab...]
7. Technical Product Manager (Platform / AI / Security) — [PMP Mastermind - https://www.skool.com/pmp-mastermind-...]
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
00:00 — The AI job apocalypse is real... for MOST roles
[02:31] — #1 Cybersecurity / Security Engineer
[03:47] — #2 Cloud / Platform / DevOps Engineer
[04:55] — #3 FinOps / Cloud Cost Optimization
[06:08] — #4 MLOps / AI Platform Engineer
[07:27] — #5 Data Engineer / Analytics Engineer
[08:48] — #6 Solutions Architect / Sales Engineer
[08:58] — #7 Technical Product Manager
🎯 IN THIS VIDEO YOU'LL LEARN:
• 7 tech jobs AI can't replace — each paying $150K+
• Why these roles actually get MORE valuable as AI grows
• The skills and certs that make you untouchable
• How to pivot into these roles from your current position
📌 SUBSCRIBE for weekly tech career strategies → https://www.youtube.com/@TechJobberPo...
🎙️ The Tech Jobber Podcast — Career acceleration, job search tactics, and insider insights from hiring managers & industry leaders. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What does it actually take to go from $50K to $120K in ONE year in tech?
Cybersecurity. And not the generic "get a cert" path — the REAL roles nobody on LinkedIn is talking about.
Kenneth Ellington, founder of Ellington Cyber Academy, breaks down the exact cybersecurity career paths driving $120K–$200K salaries right now — and why most people are sleeping on them.
In this episode:
🔐 The top cybersecurity jobs hiring RIGHT NOW (IAM Engineer, GRC Engineer, Threat Hunter, AI Governance)
💰 Real student stories: waiter → Security Solutions Engineer, $50K → $120K in 12 months, Splunk engineer clearing $200K W-2
🤖 Why AI Governance is the cybersecurity career of the next 5 years
🏥 The industries with the most cyber demand (DOD, healthcare, construction)
🎓 How Ellington Cyber Academy trains people with zero experience and places them in roles — using Splunk, IAM, and more
📈 Why 90% of Fortune 100 companies use Splunk and what that means for YOUR salary ceilin
Whether you're trying to break into cybersecurity with no experience or level up your current tech career, this episode maps the exact path from entry-level to six figures — and beyond.
🔗 Ellington Cyber Academy: [https://www.skool.com/eca-cyber-range...]
🎯 The Tech Jobber Podcast helps tech professionals land interviews, negotiate offers, and accelerate their careers. New episodes weekly Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
🔐 Are cybersecurity jobs actually disappearing — or is the bar just getting impossibly high?
In this episode, Chris sits down with Cassandra Mack, CISO at Tensorwave, for one of the most brutally honest conversations about the cybersecurity job market you'll hear right now. From the collapse of junior roles to AI automating away GRC workflows, this is the cybersecurity career roadmap reality check most people never get.
💡 What We Cover:
→ Why junior cybersecurity jobs are disappearing (and what employers actually want)
→ How AI is reshaping the day-to-day of every security professional
→ Cybersecurity certifications (CISSP, Security+, CompTIA) — do they still matter?
→ Hands-on labs vs. theory-based degrees: what CISOs are really hiring for
→ How to write a resume that gets past HR (the CAR method: Challenge, Action, Result)
→ The future of GRC and why automation is killing junior-to-mid level roles
→ How to break into cybersecurity with no experience using TryHackMe & bootcamps
→ Career advice for women in tech and security
→ What keeps a CISO up at night in 2025
Whether you're a cybersecurity beginner trying to break in, a SOC analyst looking to level up, or considering a pivot into information security — this episode lays out the exact cybersecurity roadmap you need.
🔗 Connect with Cassandra Mack: [ 📷 / cassandramack-lasvegas ]
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🎙️ The Tech Jobber Podcast drops new episodes weekly covering tech career strategies, job search tactics, and real talk from hiring managers and executives.
📌 Subscribe so you never miss an episode → [ 📷 / @techjobberpod ] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Mr. Robot is arguably the most accurate hacking show ever made—but how accurate are the careers? In this video, I break down the real-world job titles, compensation packages, and career paths for 5 major characters: Elliot Alderson, Tyrell Wellick, Gideon Goddard, Angela Moss, and Darlene. We’re moving past the drama to look at the numbers: Base salary, equity, bonuses, and what it actually takes to land these roles in today’s tech market.
From Principal Security Engineers to Global CTOs, I’m analyzing the specific skill stacks you need to reach these income levels. Whether you want to be a high-paid individual contributor like Elliot or a corporate power player like Tyrell, here is the roadmap (and the paycheck) for each path.
Timestamps:
0:00 - The Real Tech Careers of Mr. Robot
1:12 - Elliot Alderson: Principal Security Engineer (Salary & Skills)
3:45 - Tyrell Wellick: The Path from VP to CTO (Total Comp Revealed)
6:20 - Gideon Goddard: Enterprise VP vs. Niche Founder
8:50 - Angela Moss: The Non-Technical Power Player Route
11:15 - Darlene: Red Team Lead & Offensive Security Consultant
13:30 - Which Career Path Fits You Best?
🚀 Ready to accelerate your tech career?
To Access All My Resume/Linkedin/Interview Prep Templates:
https://techchris6.gumroad.com/l/xjxkbs
Subscribe for more insider career strategy:
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Hiring in your Tech Department?
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Mainframe is “dead” right?
Cool story. I brought receipts.
In this episode of the Tech Jobber Podcast, I walk through a real mainframe developer role I’m recruiting for right now:
– 💵 $102/hour (yes, really)
– 🌎 Remote
– 🧓 “Legacy” tech everyone told you to avoid
If you’ve been told to only chase software engineer
or FAANG roles, you’re probably sleeping on one of the biggest hidden opportunities in tech: mainframe developer and cobol jobs.
Here’s what we cover:
0:00 – Why everyone says “mainframe is dead”
2:04 – The receipts: real job posting, real pay, real demand
5:17 – Why there’s a critical mainframe skills shortage
9:03 – Who is actually a good fit for mainframe work
12:45 – Step‑by‑step roadmap to get into mainframe in 12–18 months
If you’re:
– Stuck in help desk / support and want a real raise
– A bootcamp grad struggling to land interviews
– A mid-career dev who’s tired of hype cycles
…this might be your fastest path to six figures.
🔔 Subscribe for more high-ROI tech career plays: Chris Schwenk | Tech Jobber Podcast
📌 To Access All My Resume/Linkedin/Interview Prep Templates:
https://techchris6.gumroad.com/l/xjxkbs Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What do CIOs really look for when they’re hiring — and which tech roles in enterprise retail are secretly paying the most? 💰
In this Tech Jobber Podcast episode, Ken Widener (CIO at Do it Best) pulls back the curtain on CIO hiring decisions, high‑paying enterprise IT roles, and the hidden‑gem jobs in retail tech that can quietly pay FAANG‑level compensation over time.
If you’re a Software Engineer, Architect, Data/Analytics pro, or IT Leader who wants to move into higher‑pay, higher‑impact roles (and eventually CIO/CTO track), this episode is your playbook.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
• How CIOs actually review resumes (and the #1 mistake that gets candidates skipped)
• The highest‑paying roles in enterprise retail IT — and why some beat FAANG on stability & upside
• Hidden‑gem retail IT jobs (integration, mainframe modernization, ERP, supply chain) most engineers ignore
• How to position your experience for Director, VP, and CIO‑track roles
• Skills and project types that justify $200K+ total comp in enterprise tech
• How Ken led IT through a massive retail acquisition without breaking the business
• Why mainframe–to–Oracle Fusion ERP and AI/data work are career goldmines right now
• How CIOs think about AI, automation, and the future of software engineering jobs
⏱️ CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Introduction to Ken Widener and Do it Best Group
08:34 – Tech challenges in the retail space and the role of IT
15:34 – High‑paying and in‑demand tech roles in retail IT
23:08 – Implementing AI and working with data engineers
36:09 – Challenges and opportunities in the tech industry
🎯 WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR
• Mid–Senior Software Engineers & Architects
• Data Engineers, Analytics & BI professionals
• IT Managers, Directors, and aspiring CIOs/CTOs
• Anyone targeting high‑impact, high‑pay roles in enterprise tech & retail IT
📌 To Access All My Resume/Linkedin/Interview Prep Templates: https://techchris6.gumroad.com/l/xjxkbs
📱 CONNECT WITH CHRIS (HOST)
LinkedIn: / christopherschwenk
Twitter/X:
/ techjobberpod
🤝 WORK WITH ME For all of your hiring needs, go to https://www.delostaffing.com
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Software engineering is dead.
At least that’s what YouTube, Twitter, and every AI doomer headline wants you to believe.
In this episode of the Tech Jobber Podcast, I sit down with Staff Software Engineer RJ Robinson to break down what’s actually happening inside engineering teams as AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and coding agents become mainstream.
Is AI replacing software engineers?
Are junior developers in trouble?
What is “vibe coding” — and is it a real threat to professional engineers?
And what skills will actually matter over the next 24 months?
RJ has over a decade of experience in software engineering and tech hiring, and he shares a real-world perspective on:
The rise of coding agents and AI-assisted development
Why rebuilding something like monday.com with AI in an hour is pure hype
What entry-level engineers must learn now
Why fundamentals and systems design matter more than ever
AI security vulnerabilities (40%+ of AI-generated code has issues)
Claude vs ChatGPT vs other AI tools
How AI is changing engineering interviews
The coming surge in AI compliance, ethics, and regulatory roles
Why AI engineers will be needed in every industry
What technologies (Ruby, Python, TypeScript, React) still matter
The real future of AI + software engineering careers
We also discuss:
Coding interviews in the age of AI
How senior engineers are using Claude and AI agents daily
The productivity explosion happening right now
Why cheap tokens and faster feedback loops will change development
Why early-career engineers risk losing core fundamentals
AI ethics, compliance, and SOC 2 demand
Whether small businesses will start hiring “AI engineers”
If you’re:
A software engineer worried about job security
A bootcamp grad wondering what to focus on
A junior developer trying to stand out
A tech professional thinking about pivoting into AI
Or someone asking, “Is software engineering still worth it?”
This episode will give you clarity.
AI isn’t killing software engineering.
But it is changing it.
And the engineers who adapt will be more valuable than ever.
🔔 Subscribe for weekly deep dives into tech careers, software engineering, cloud, AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and high-paying roles in tech.
📺 Check out RJ’s AI Engineering Brief channel here: [@EngInTheLoop]
💼 Connect with RJ on LinkedIn: [ 📷 / robert-j-robinson ] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What does it actually pay to work on GTA 6? In this video, we break down real Rockstar Games developer salaries, total compensation, and career tradeoffs so you can compare a “dream job” on GTA 6 vs a traditional big tech 9 to 5. If you’ve ever Googled GTA 6 developer salary, Rockstar Games pay, or wondered if game dev is worth the crunch, this is for you.
We’ll look at what Rockstar pays software engineers, gameplay programmers, artists, and other GTA 6 dev roles, then stack that against FAANG / big tech companies like Google, Meta, Apple, Amazon and Microsoft. You’ll see how base salary, bonuses, and stock compare — and what you might be giving up for the chance to work on the most hyped game in the world.
📍 TIMESTAMPS
0:00 – GTA 6 dev salaries: expectation vs reality
1:39 – How much does Rockstar Games actually pay? (real data)
4:02 – Game dev vs big tech: salary & total comp breakdown
6:25 – Crunch culture, hours, and burnout at game studios
8:47 – GTA 6 prestige vs boring but high-paying tech jobs
11:10 – Is working on GTA 6 worth it for your career?
13:05 – Final verdict & who should (and shouldn’t) chase game dev
🎮 IN THIS VIDEO YOU’LL LEARN
• How much GTA 6 developers really make at Rockstar Games
• How Rockstar developer salaries compare to Google, Meta, Apple, etc.
• The truth about crunch culture, work–life balance and burnout in game dev
• Whether a game developer career is good for long-term earnings and promotions
• How to think about passion vs pay when choosing between game dev and other tech jobs
💼 WHO THIS IS FOR
• Software engineers and developers curious about game industry pay
• Students considering a game dev degree or bootcamp
• Tech workers debating Rockstar / game studios vs big tech / fintech / boring enterprise
• Anyone who loves GTA 6 and wonders what the people building it actually earn
📣 MORE TECH CAREER BREAKDOWNS
Subscribe for deep dives on tech salaries, “boring” high-paying jobs, and realistic career strategy:
/ @techjobberpod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
WORK WITH US / JOIN THE COMMUNITY Broadus runs Level Up In Tech, and I’m also part of the community helping with career coaching. If you’re serious about breaking into cloud and want structured guidance, check out Level Up In Tech. https://www.skool.com/luit-academy/about?ref=674cbede79de482fa76b88623c0cf89e Cloud careers are still some of the highest-paying and most flexible paths in tech — but most people don’t actually understand what a cloud engineer does day-to-day, what to learn first, or how to stand out in the 2026 job market. In this episode of the Tech Jobber Podcast, I’m joined by Broadus Palmer, founder of Level Up In Tech, who has helped thousands of people break into cloud and level up their careers. We break down cloud roles in plain English, share a real beginner roadmap, and talk about what matters most now: projects, business impact, and the ability to explain what you built — not just collecting certifications. IN THIS INTERVIEW, WE COVER:✅ What a cloud engineer actually does (build, deploy, monitor, secure)✅ The best cloud learning path for beginners (step-by-step progression)✅ Linux fundamentals: why Linux is still the core skill for cloud careers✅ AWS vs Azure vs GCP: which cloud provider should you learn first?✅ Why big companies use multi-cloud (AWS + Azure + GCP)✅ Cloud Engineer vs Cloud Solutions Architect (key differences)✅ Cloud Data Engineer vs Data Engineer (what changes, what doesn’t)✅ Entry-level cloud jobs in 2026: what hiring managers want now✅ How to talk about projects using the SORT framework✅ The truth about cloud certifications (what’s worth it and what’s not)✅ Where cloud careers can lead: DevOps, SRE, Platform, Security, FinOps, Data If you’re trying to land your first cloud job (or you’re already in IT and want to move into cloud), this episode will help you stop guessing and start following a real roadmap. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What does it actually take to get hired in FinTech in 2026? In this episode of the Tech Jobber Podcast, I sit down with Chris Neudecker, Senior Director of AI Engineering at BHG Financial, to break down what’s really happening inside fintech hiring. We cover the hottest skills in fintech right now — including AI engineering, data analytics, data engineering, cybersecurity, and the growing overlap between data and security. If you’re trying to break into fintech, Chris explains why AI and data skills are becoming non-negotiable. Without clean, structured data, AI can’t function — and companies are aggressively hiring talent who understand both. We also talk about how developers and architects don’t need to be “AI experts,” but must know how to leverage AI tools to improve coding, workflows, and security practices. We dive deep into Salesforce careers as well — one of the most underrated and high-paying career paths in tech. Chris shares insight into:• Salesforce admin vs developer vs architect career paths • Why QA and data-focused Salesforce roles are growing • How to stand out when 2,000+ applicants apply for one role • Why culture fit and curiosity matter more than perfect resumes • How managers can help you grow from developer to architect We also discuss FinTech vs FAANG careers — including compensation, RSUs, stress levels, work-life balance, and which path might be better depending on your goals. If you’re deciding between big tech and fintech, this segment is especially important. Whether you’re interested in AI careers, data security jobs, Salesforce roles, fintech engineering, product management in fintech, or understanding what hiring managers are really looking for in 2026, this episode gives you practical insight from someone actively leading teams in the space. If you’re serious about building a high-paying tech career, this conversation will give you clarity on where to focus next. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Breaking into tech in 2026 isn’t about guessing the right certification — it’s about building the right career roadmap. In this episode of the Tech Jobber Podcast, I sit down with Vinod Akunuri, founder of Jumpstart to Tech, to break down how people are actually transitioning into high-paying tech careers. We cover the most in-demand tech career paths in 2026, why career switchers often outperform entry-level grads, and how leveraging transferable skills can fast-track your career by years. We dive into the major tech pathways — including cybersecurity (GRC, SOC), cloud, data, technical sales, and project management — and explain how AI is reshaping these roles. Contrary to the fear headlines, AI isn’t replacing tech jobs; it’s amplifying them, creating new opportunities in areas like prompt engineering, AI-augmented cybersecurity, and technical project management. Vinod also shares real success stories of professionals transitioning from healthcare, sales, customer service, and other non-technical backgrounds into tech roles by building proof through labs, projects, and public documentation. We explore why technical project management offers some of the highest upside in tech, how the PMP certification can accelerate earnings, and why GovTech and security clearances can act as a “golden ticket” for certain careers. If you’re trying to break into tech, pivot careers, understand how AI impacts tech jobs, or figure out the smartest tech career path in 2026, this episode gives you a clear framework to stop guessing and start executing. To connect with Vinod or more information on Jumpstart to Tech: http://www.jumpstart2tech.com https://www.instagram.com/jumpstart2t... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
So I was watching Single’s Inferno with my fiancée when this guy Samuel walked in and casually dropped that he's a quant trader on Wall Street. The other contestants had NO idea what that meant... but I immediately knew this guy probably makes more than everyone else on the show COMBINED. I had to pause the show and look him up on LinkedIn. What I found was absolutely insane. In this video, I break down:- Who Samuel (Lee Seung Hun) actually is and his career path- How he went from Google engineer to Jump Trading quant trader- EXACTLY how much money he's probably making (it's wild)- Why quant trading pays WAY more than FAANG companies- What quant traders actually do all day- How software engineers can break into quant trading roles Quick Stats:Education: UC Berkeley Computer SciencePrevious: Software Engineer at Amazon, Google, SnowflakeCurrent: Quant Trader at Jump Trading (one of the most elite prop trading firms)Estimated Comp: $500K-$750K minimum (potentially mid-7 figures in a good year)While other contestants are hoping for protein powder sponsorships, this guy is making $500/hour just doing math. If you're a software engineer wondering how to level up your career and earnings, this is the path most people don't talk about. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
DevOps is evolving fast. In this episode, we reveal the Platform Engineering Roadmap for 2026 with industry leader Clint Hill. Discover exactly what is a platform engineer, how this role differs from traditional DevOps, and why it's becoming one of the most critical careers in tech. We break down the essential skills you need—from software architecture to building internal developer platforms (IDPs)—and discuss the controversial impact of AI in software development on your job security. If you want to know how to future-proof your engineering career, this conversation is mandatory listening. In this episode, we cover: 🚀 DevOps vs Platform Engineering: The key differences and career trajectory. 🗺️ Platform Engineering Roadmap: Step-by-step guide to the skills that matter in 2026. 🤖 AI & The Future: Will AI replace programmers or make them faster? 💼 Hiring Insights: Specific advice for landing platform roles at top tech companies.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction: Why Platform Engineering is Booming00:34 - What is a Platform Engineer? (vs Product & DevOps)02:24 - Will AI Replace Programmers? The Honest Truth04:33 - Why Human Judgment Still Matters in AI Workflows07:56 - Software Architecture & System Design Skills10:20 - The Dangers of AI in Platform Systems16:49 - DevOps vs Platform Engineering: API Layers Explained18:19 - Metrics & KPIs: Justifying the Platform Team24:18 - Who Should Switch to Platform Engineering?31:16 - JUNIOR ENGINEERS: Focus on These Non-Functional Requirements Resources & Links:90.ioKubernetesBuilding AI Agents: YouTube PlaylistCI/CD Best Practices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Is Silicon Valley really back? In this episode of Tech Jobber Podcast, we sit down with Eric Jones, founder of Memberly, to break down what’s actually happening in tech right now — from the AI funding gold rush to the post-pandemic revival of San Francisco. Eric shares his unconventional journey from fashion into tech entrepreneurship, how identifying a real-world pain point led to building a community-driven events startup, and why bootstrapping is becoming the default path for founders without access to venture capital. We also dive deep into why human connection and live events are becoming more valuable — not less — in an AI-dominated world. This conversation is packed with real founder insights, including:- Why today’s tech cycle feels eerily similar to the dot-com era- What investors are actually funding in 2026 (hint: it’s AI)- Why only ~2% of startups succeed — and how founders can beat the odds- The resurgence of opportunity in Silicon Valley and San Francisco- How to bootstrap a startup without VC money- Free startup resources (including AWS for Startups) most founders overlook- Why community, IRL events, and subscriptions are the future of tech businesses Whether you’re a founder, aspiring entrepreneur, tech professional, or career switcher, this episode delivers an unfiltered look at the real startup landscape — beyond the hype. 👇 Watch now and learn how founders are building resilient businesses in the AI era. Silicon Valley comeback, tech startups 2026, AI startup funding, bootstrapping a startup, founder advice, San Francisco tech scene, live events startup, community-driven business, AWS for startups, tech entrepreneurship, startup failure rates, AI and human connection Subscribe for weekly tech career & startup insights Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Big Tech Is Quietly Giving Away Free Training (No Degree Required) What if I told you Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Salesforce, Cisco, and IBM are giving away the exact training they use to build their own talent pipelines — for free? This isn’t charity. It’s strategy. In this video, I break down how Big Tech trains its future workforce, why they need you to learn their platforms, and how you can use these free programs to land a *high-paying tech job without spending thousands on bootcamps or degrees. We cover:- Where to find legitimate, free training from Big Tech- What jobs each platform leads to- Realistic salary ranges for each career path- How to turn free courses into interviews and offersIf you’re trying to break into tech — or pivot into a higher-paying role — this is one of the smartest moves you can make in 2025.🔗 FREE TRAINING LINKS (START HERE) 🔹 Microsoft Learn (Azure, Security, Data, AI) [https://learn.microsoft.com/training/](https://learn.microsoft.com/training/) Best for: Cloud Administrator Security Engineer Data Analyst AI / Copilot roles --- 🔹 AWS Skill Builder (Cloud & Architecture) [https://skillbuilder.aws/](https://skillbuilder.aws/) Best for: Cloud Practitioner Solutions Architect Cloud Support / Engineering 👉 Start with: AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials --- 🔹 Google Career Certificates (via Grow with Google) [https://grow.google/certificates/](https://grow.google/certificates/) Best for: IT Support Data Analytics UX Design Cybersecurity Project Management ⚠️ Tip: Many libraries, nonprofits, and workforce programs offer these 100% free via scholarships. --- 🔹 Salesforce Trailhead (CRM & Business Tech) [https://trailhead.salesforce.com/](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/) Best for: Salesforce Administrator Salesforce Consultant Business Systems / RevOps One of the highest ROI, non-coding career paths in tech. --- 🔹 Cisco Skills for All (Networking & Cyber) [https://skillsforall.com/](https://skillsforall.com/) Best for: Network Administrator Cybersecurity Analyst CCNA prep Includes free labs with Cisco Packet Tracer. --- 🔹 IBM SkillsBuild (AI, Data, Cyber) [https://skillsbuild.org/](https://skillsbuild.org/) Best for: Data Analyst AI Fundamentals Cybersecurity Enterprise Cloud Includes *verifiable digital badges* you can add directly to LinkedIn. --- 🧠 How To Use This Strategically ✅ Pick *ONE ecosystem* ✅ Complete *ONE foundational learning path* ✅ Post progress publicly on LinkedIn ✅ Frame yourself as *already in the field*, not “trying to break in” This is how recruiters actually notice you. --- 💬 COMMENT QUESTION Which ecosystem are you starting with? *Microsoft, AWS, Google, Salesforce, Cisco, or IBM?* I’ll use the comments to decide which platform I do a *full step-by-step deep dive* on next (courses, projects, resumes, interview talk tracks).-- 🔔 Subscribe for More I break down *realistic tech careers**, **actual salary ranges**, and **what hiring managers care about* — no hype, no bootcamp fluff. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The worst-named job in tech might also be one of the smartest paths to a $200K tech career: becoming a MuleSoft Developer. In this video, I break down how an “unsexy” integration role with a ridiculous name can quietly turn into a high-paying, stable tech career. If you’ve been chasing AI, data science, or FAANG roles with no luck, and you’re tired of the hype, this is the kind of hidden tech career you should be looking at. You’ll learn what a MuleSoft Developer actually does, why MuleSoft integration is so valuable to big companies, and how this niche skill can lead to total compensation approaching $200K in the right markets and roles. Timestamps / Chapters:0:00 – The worst-named job in tech (and why it secretly pays so well)1:05 – Why chasing AI & FAANG roles is weakening your tech job search2:20 – What is MuleSoft? (And why Salesforce paid $6.5B for it)3:35 – What a MuleSoft Developer actually does day-to-day (API-led connectivity)5:00 – MuleSoft Developer salary breakdown ($100K–$200K+ realistic ranges)6:15 – Who a MuleSoft career is best for (Java devs, Salesforce pros, integration folks)7:30 – 12‑month roadmap to become a MuleSoft Developer (skills, certs, projects)9:10 – Is a MuleSoft career worth it in 2026 and beyond? (hidden tech careers vs hype) In this video, we’ll talk about:• What is a MuleSoft Developer?• MuleSoft Developer salary and total compensation• How MuleSoft skills fit into integration engineer and API engineer roles• Why MuleSoft and API-led connectivity are mission-critical for banks, airlines, healthcare, and enterprise tech• How to pivot from Java Developer, Salesforce Admin, Salesforce Developer, systems analyst, or integration specialist into a MuleSoft career• A realistic 12-month roadmap to go from zero to MuleSoft Certified Developer – Level 1 If you’re searching for realistic $150K–$200K tech jobs, not just hype, this video is for you. If you want to go deeper: • Start learning API fundamentals (REST, SOAP, JSON, XML, Postman) • Explore MuleSoft’s Anypoint Platform and free training resources • Look for integration projects inside your current company that you can automate or improve 🚀 If you’re serious about breaking into or leveling up in tech, hit subscribe. On this channel, we talk about real-world tech careers, salaries, and strategies to land offers in: • Integration & API engineering • Salesforce and CRM careers • Data engineering and data governance • Identity & access management (IAM) • Other “unsexy” but highly paid enterprise tech roles Subscribe for more deep dives into hidden tech careers, niche skills like MuleSoft, and practical roadmaps to six-figure jobs in tech. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Be honest: are you trying to “break into” tech… or actually becoming the person hiring managers fight to hire? In this episode of Tech Jobber, I sit down with TEDx speaker and hiring leader Bobby McNeil Jr to unpack his powerful idea: “Becoming, Not Breaking In” — and how that mindset shift changes everything about how you job search in 2026. We break down, step-by-step, what actually gets you hired now (AI, cloud, skills-based hiring) and why so many smart candidates are still getting rejected. In this conversation, we cover:• Why “breaking in” is the wrong goal — and what “becoming” looks like in real life• How hiring leaders REALLY decide who gets interviews, callbacks, and offers• Why AI literacy is now a baseline skill (even for non-engineering roles)• The cloud, AI, and data skills that instantly level you up as a candidate• How to stand out as a junior with “no experience” using a becoming mindset• The #1 interview mistake that kills otherwise strong candidates• How top performers tell their career story without sounding fake or rehearsed• The non-technical skills that separate $200K+ earners from everyone else• How to prep differently for recruiter screens vs hiring manager interviews• Why networking still beats blindly applying — and how to do it without being cringe This episode is for you if you’re:• A junior or mid-career tech professional trying to grow fast• Getting interviews but not offers — and you don’t know why• Learning cloud, AWS, AI, or data analytics and want that to actually pay off• Feeling stuck using outdated “spray and pray” job search tactics• Tired of trying to “break into tech” and ready to actually become the obvious hire We also dive into Bobby’s TEDx talk “Becoming, Not Breaking In” and his book “Cracking the Code: 10 Possible Reasons You Didn’t Get the Job” — both linked below if you want to go deeper. Watch this before your next interview. One mindset shift could save you months of frustration. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Most IT project managers are told to be versatile, adaptable, and able to manage any type of project.That advice sounds smart — but it’s the reason many PMs are underpaid, overworked, and stuck competing on price. In this video, I break down why generalist IT project managers become commodities in today’s job market and why specialization is the fastest way to increase your value, salary, and career leverage. You’ll learn:- Why “being versatile” hurts IT project manager salaries- How executives actually evaluate IT project managers- Why risk reduction matters more than tools, certifications, or frameworks- How top IT PMs reposition themselves as specialists without starting over- Which project management niches command higher pay If you’re an IT project manager stuck at the same pay level or struggling to stand out in a crowded job market, this video will change how you think about your resume, LinkedIn profile, and long-term career strategy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.




