Develop Yourself

Brian sits down with Fardeen Khimani, a 21-year-old Georgia Tech ML student and co-founder of Rounds, to talk about why technical interviews are broken and why AI just made it worse. They cover why LeetCode is dying, why companies have no idea how to respond, and what skills actually matter now. Fardeen's take: if AI can pass an interview that maps to the real job, just hire the AI.Find Fardeen: linkedin.com/in/fardeenkhimani

AI didn’t kill software jobs.But it did throw a grenade into the hiring funnel.In this episode, I break down 8 harsh truths about getting hired as a developer in 2026 — and none of them are the feel-good LinkedIn advice you’re used to hearing.Why vibe coding isn’t a careerWhy no one cares about your certificateWhy your portfolio probably doesn’t matterWhy full stack is now the baselineWhy AI productivity claims are mostly nonsenseWhy waiting until you feel “ready” is killing your momentumWhy titles matter more than people admitAnd why hiring is broken — but not hopelessThis isn’t theory. I’m sharing what I’ve seen as a hiring manager, what I’ve seen in interviews, and what I’ve seen work for developers I’ve mentored.The market isn’t dead.But the rules have changed.If you want to land your first job — or level up in this AI-first world — you need to understand what actually matters now.If you’re serious about switching careers and becoming a software developer, go to parsity.io or schedule a chat using the link in the show notes.

Disclaimer: this episode is my thoughts on coding bootcamps and online education and where Parsity is going in the future.If you're interested in either of the programs I mentioned in this you can check them out here:Parsity AI AcceleratorFull Stack Accelerator

Should you get a computer science degree, enroll in a coding bootcamp, or teach yourself how to code?You’re probably not going to love the answer… but it depends.In this episode, I shares my unfiltered, experience-backed take after working with hundreds of aspiring developers and hiring developers myself.Let's breaks down what actually matters when trying to land your first software job — and where each path (college, bootcamp, or self-taught) helps or hurts.Why a college degree might help… but often not for the reason you thinkWhen bootcamps give you an edge — and where they fall shortThe uncomfortable truth about the “self-taught developer” mythHow hiring really works at startups vs big tech companiesWhy fundamentals and computer science matter more later in your careerHow AI is changing the skills new developers need to stay employableThe role of structure, accountability, and mentorship in actually getting hiredIf you’re trying to break into software development and feeling overwhelmed by all the options, this episode will help you choose a path based on your time, money, learning style, and career goals — not hype.If you are considering a coding bootcamp program, I encourage you to consider Parsity. Apply Here.

What if I had to break into tech today… with no degree, no connections, and a completely unrelated job?In this episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and self-taught developer Jeremy “Smitty” to map out exactly how we’d do it if we were starting from zero in 2026.We walk step-by-step through a realistic path from beginner to hireable — not theory, not hype, but the practical moves that actually work in today’s market.We cover:How to choose what to learn (without wasting years)The fastest way to build real, job-ready skillsHow to escape tutorial hell for goodWhen you’re actually ready to apply for jobsHow to create experience before anyone hires youThe smart way to network when you don’t know anyone in techWhy AI isn’t the career killer people think it isThe mindset shift that separates people who make it from those who quitIf you’ve ever thought:“I want a tech career, but I don’t know where to start”or“I’m stuck in a job that has nothing to do with coding”This episode gives you a clear, actionable roadmap.You don’t need to be special.You don’t need a CS degree.You just need the right plan — and the consistency to follow it.Shameless Plugs:1. Become an AI engineer. In 45 days, you'll learn the specific skills and technologies to transition from full stack to AI. We use project-based-learning and the teach-back method to accelerate your learning. Apply here. If you're a CTO or engineering manager, this is the program your team needs BEFORE you drop 200K+ on an AI engineer. Reply "AI" to learn more about how we can make your roadmap a reality. 2. Become a hireable software engineer in 2026. Follow a proven system to go from 0 to HIRED with 1 on 1 mentorship and project-based-learning. Take the self-assessment test here to see if you're ready to join.

The hiring bar for junior developers has changed, and pretending it hasn’t will only slow your career. Let's break down a simple strategy to beat the “no experience” trap: Ship a small product you intend to sell, get one or two real users, and use those lessons to tell stronger stories in interviews. Instead of another tutorial portfolio, you’ll learn to show autonomy, reliability, and ownership—the exact traits teams are optimizing for in tighter markets.By the end, you’ll know how to replace vague “potential” with proof of autonomy: shipped features, hard-earned trade-offs, and stories that map directly to the realities of modern teams.Resources:Side project planner: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uJ5Bom0WmS410K5B2m5TkbZ7d1G9BdTaX4nKprYschI/editSide project video: https://youtu.be/2TWioJCIaxESend us a textShameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Free 5 day email course to go from HTML to AI 🤔 Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Apply for 1 of 12 spots at Parsity - Learn to build complex software with AI integrations. AI Bootcamp - for software developers who want to be the expert on their team when it comes to AI

AI is writing more code than ever, layoffs are everywhere, and it feels like software careers might be disappearing. In this episode, we explore why that narrative is misleading—and what’s actually changing in tech.We break down why learning to code still matters, how to use AI without becoming dependent on it, and which core skills will help you stay relevant as the industry evolves. If you’re trying to make sense of the noise and figure out how to move forward in software development, this episode is here to help you navigate what’s next.If you want to join our next cohort to learn AI through project based learning - sign up here: https://parsity.io/ai-devSend us a textShameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Free 5 day email course to go from HTML to AI 🤔 Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Apply for 1 of 12 spots at Parsity - Learn to build complex software with AI integrations. AI Bootcamp - for software developers who want to be the expert on their team when it comes to AI

Grab your free interview prep crash course here: https://parsity.io/interview-prepWhiteboard interviews aren’t broken — most candidates just prepare for them the wrong way. This episode shows why copying Big Tech interview prep is a trap and walks through three algorithm patterns that consistently appear in everyday software interviews. It’s a no-nonsense roadmap for learning just enough DSA to pass interviews without wasting years on theory.Send us a textShameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Free 5 day email course to go from HTML to AI 🤔 Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Apply for 1 of 12 spots at Parsity - Learn to build complex software with AI integrations. AI Bootcamp - for software developers who want to be the expert on their team when it comes to AI

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act but a habit."Habits beat motivation; small, daily actions reshape identity and make success inevitable without relying on willpower.The problem is that most people create goals with no system in place. They rely on raw, fragile willpower and motivation and then wonder why they fail.Let's explore how to make habits that actually stick to give you the best possible chance of success in the new year.Send us a textShameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Free 5 day email course to go from HTML to AI 🤔 Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Apply for 1 of 12 spots at Parsity - Learn to build complex software with AI integrations. AI Bootcamp - for software developers who want to be the expert on their team when it comes to AI

Grab this project to learn the basics of RAG and working with agents https://www.parsity.io/ai-with-rag2025 was one of the most confusing years to be a software developer.We were told AI would replace us.Then we were told it would make us 10× more productive.Neither actually happened — but the hype affected careers, hiring, education, and mental health in real ways.In this episode, I break down the 5 worst tech trends of 2025, based on what I saw firsthand as a working engineer and bootcamp owner — layoffs that never stopped, juniors getting squeezed out, AI being used as a crutch, the collapse of coding bootcamps, and the biggest lie in tech: the AI productivity myth.Then we flip the script.I also cover the best trends that quietly emerged and how I’m personally planning to take advantage of them going into 2026 — from AI agents and coding tools that actually help, to why generalist engineers and system-level thinking are winning again.If you’re:A junior developer trying to break inA senior wondering how AI really affects your careerOr just tired of LinkedIn hype and doom headlinesNo magic prompts. No fake roadmaps. Just reality — and a practical way forward.Send us a textShameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Free 5 day email course to go from HTML to AI 🤔 Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Apply for 1 of 12 spots at Parsity - Learn to build complex software with AI integrations. AI Bootcamp - for software developers who want to be the expert on their team when it comes to AI

I want to offer you some politically incorrect career advice that the gurus on LinkedIn won't share with you.From job hopping to the #1 skill you need as a developer: I cover the things that helped me go from struggling bootcamp grad to engineering manager.Resources mentioned in the pod:My article outlining my salary jumps through interviewing: https://brianjenney.medium.com/i-used-to-suck-at-coding-interviews-then-i-quadrupled-my-salary-9d5260389a09Here's your templates for writing on LinkedIn: https://www.parsity.io/learning-in-publicMerry Christmas!!!Send us a textShameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Free 5 day email course to go from HTML to AI 🤔 Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Apply for 1 of 12 spots at Parsity - Learn to build complex software with AI integrations. AI Bootcamp - for software developers who want to be the expert on their team when it comes to AI

We’re in a strange moment right now.The AI bubble is showing signs of popping and the tech industry is waking up from a long night of partying.We were told to “do more with less” and “just use AI” for the past 12 months.After spending a year building production systems this way, I can tell you there’s a growing gap between what people think AI can do and what it actually does.To say I’m annoyed with the media and talking heads online is an understatement.It is really starting to boil my potato.Here are my takeaways after grinding on a 5 person team to build a product using AI.🚨If you're interested in learning how to REALLY work with AI as a software developer - apply for our new program for working developers who want to learn AI: parsity.io/AIDevSend us a textShameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Free 5 day email course to go from HTML to AI 🤔 Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Apply for 1 of 12 spots at Parsity - Learn to build complex software with AI integrations. AI Bootcamp - for software developers who want to be the expert on their team when it comes to AI

In this episode of the Develop Yourself Podcast, I talk with three email and growth experts about something most developers overlook: email as a serious  money maker.I’m joined by:Mike, founder of Seventh Sense, an AI-powered email timing platformBoris, Senior Digital Marketing Manager at Educative, one of the largest developer learning platformsDoug, CEO of Optimize 3.0, a HubSpot Diamond Partner agencyWe dig into:How AI is reshaping email marketingWhy email is still the most reliable channel you can ownThe biggest email marketing mistakes that founders and developers makeWhat it actually takes to build a product that sells—not just one that worksAnd real advice for developers who want to turn skills into a business🎙 Guest LinkedIn ProfilesMike Donnelly — Founder, Seventh Sensehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedonnelly1/Boris Robles-Slyusar — Senior Digital Marketing Manager, Educativehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/borisslyusar/Doug Kirk — CEO, Optimize 3.0https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglastkirk/🏢 Company PagesSeventh Sense (AI-powered email timing platform)https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-seventh-sense/https://www.seventhsense.ai/Educative (developer learning platform)https://www.linkedin.com/company/educative-inc/https://www.educative.io/Optimize 3.0 (HubSpot Diamond Partner agency)https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimize-3-0/https://optimize3-0.com/Send us a textShameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Free 5 day email course to go from HTML to AI 🤔 Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Apply for 1 of 12 spots at Parsity - Learn to build complex software with AI integrations. AI Bootcamp - for software developers who want to be the expert on their team when it comes to AI

I lay out the project with tons of resources right here 👇https://brianjenney.medium.com/your-learning-roadmap-to-become-a-software-developer-2e15e1ce1e22Send us a textShameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Free 5 day email course to go from HTML to AI 🤔 Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Apply for 1 of 12 spots at Parsity - Learn to build complex software with AI integrations. AI Bootcamp - for software developers who want to be the expert on their team when it comes to AI

Amber argues that the biggest problem facing new developers isn’t coding ability…It’s lack of real experience, and an over-reliance on feel-good advice that doesn’t translate into hireability.We dig into:Why contributing to real, medium-complexity open-source projects is the fastest path to becoming job-readyWhy most juniors aren’t actually hireable yet — and how to fix thatHow toxic positivity on LinkedIn is misleading beginnersWhy “passion” means nothing if it isn’t backed by proof-of-workThe kinds of projects and habits that actually impress hiring managersThe mindset shift every junior dev must make to survive today’s marketWhat Amber wishes she knew as a brand-new developerHow to stand out when 30,000 other bootcamp grads are competing for the same jobsIf you’re early in your software career — or mentoring someone who is — this conversation will challenge your assumptions, push you out of the fluff zone, and give you a clear, actionable roadmap to becoming the type of junior developer who actually gets hired.Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeOpen Source Projects & Communities:Dance-Chives Prototype (Amber’s breakdancing app project): https://github.com/BenTheChi/dance-chives-prototypeBuild In Public community: https://buildinpublic.com/Gridiron Survivor project: https://github.com/LetsGetTechnical/gridiron-survivorMentorship:ADPList (free mentorship sessions): https://adplist.org/Connect With Amber:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-adamson-a33a3860/Send us a textShameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Free 5 day email course to go from HTML to AI 🤔 Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Apply for 1 of 12 spots at Parsity - Learn to build complex software with AI integrations. AI Bootcamp - for software developers who want to be the expert on their team when it comes to AI

Am I too old to learn how to code?If you're alive then the answer is NO.BUT, you are going to need a different game plan than your 22 year old co-workers if you want this to work.I was 31 when I got my first job as a coder. Here's what worked for me and others I've taught over the years.Send us a textShameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Free 5 day email course to go from HTML to AI 🤔 Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Apply for 1 of 12 spots at Parsity - Learn to build complex software with AI integrations. AI Bootcamp - for software developers who want to be the expert on their team when it comes to AI

There are some major changes coming to Parsity and this podcast. As a listener, I appreciate you sincerely for listening and I want to extend the largest discount we've ever done for our 30 day Javascript program. It's usually $49 but I'm reducing it to $10.Complete the 30 days and you got yourself a $1400 discount to Parsity's software engineering program.👉 Join Dev30 👈I want to hear from you! What are the guests and topics you want in 2026?Send us a textShameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Free 5 day email course to go from HTML to AI 🤔 Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Apply for 1 of 12 spots at Parsity - Learn to build complex software with AI integrations. AI Bootcamp - for software developers who want to be the expert on their team when it comes to AI

"We don't really need developers any more""In 2 years, the tools will be so good, that no one will be writing code""Learn a trade bro"I've heard all of these phrases in the last week and it's honestly getting to me. Too often, the people with the loudest microphones have the least experience with the tools we're using.Besides being a talking head on a podcast, I'm also a father and full time software developer. I made this episode not only to vent about why AI hype is so dangerous but why the future isn't as bleak as the mainstream media is leading us to believe.Send us a textShameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Free 5 day email course to go from HTML to AI 🤔 Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Apply for 1 of 12 spots at Parsity - Learn to build complex software with AI integrations. AI Bootcamp - for software developers who want to be the expert on their team when it comes to AI

Ryan is a current student at Parsity who build an app for his employer, Smoothie King, to suggest drinks in a chat interface using a powerful and lesser-known AI technology: RAG.RAG stands for retrieval augmented generation. Basically, providing information (like smoothie recipes) to an AI model so it can return a highly specific response.Ryan breaks down how he finds the time to build side projects like this and how he built this app.Want to build your own AI-powered app? Check out this project: parsity.io/ai-with-ragConnect with Ryan here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhardin378/Send us a textShameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Free 5 day email course to go from HTML to AI 🤔 Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Apply for 1 of 12 spots at Parsity - Learn to build complex software with AI integrations. AI Bootcamp - for software developers who want to be the expert on their team when it comes to AI

You’ll learn the six core JS skills to master before frameworks, why TC39 keeps changing the language, and how to test your skills with a challenge you can access below.👉 Try out the JS Form Challenge. 👈We also cover:Why hiring trends still test JavaScript, even when jobs say ReactHow to think like a developer: requests, responses, and UI updatesThe fastest way to level up without AI shortcutsA way to test your JS skillsSend us a textShameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Free 5 day email course to go from HTML to AI 🤔 Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Apply for 1 of 12 spots at Parsity - Learn to build complex software with AI integrations. AI Bootcamp - for software developers who want to be the expert on their team when it comes to AI