How to find your First Software Job - Ultimate Guide
So, you’ve got your degree in computer science (or you're self-taught and ready to dive into the tech world)—but now what? The path to a fulfilling and impactful career isn’t always straightforward, and sometimes, it’s not even where you think it should be. In this video, I’ll unpack everything you need to know to navigate your software engineering journey (or pivot entirely) and give yourself the best possible chance of success.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
🌟 Understand Your Education: Why a degree is just the beginning. Learning never stops, and every job you take will require mentorship and continued growth.
🔍 Master the Hiring Process: From HR screenings and take-home projects to technical tests and panel interviews, I'll show you how to navigate the steps (and where tools like LeetCode actually help).
🌐 The Power of Your Network: You already have one—family, friends, neighbors, classmates. Learn how to leverage local connections to open doors.
🏢 The Case for Boring Jobs: FAANG might be flashy, but the real opportunities could be in the businesses no one’s talking about. Boring can mean stability, profitability, and massive room for growth.
🚪 Find the Back Door: What if the best career path isn’t as a software engineer? Coding skills are a superpower in nearly any role. I’ll share how applying them in "regular" business jobs can fast-track your career and set you apart.
🤝 Help People, Solve Problems: Whether you’re in tech or not, asking “What’s the worst part of your day?” and building tools to solve real problems can skyrocket your value.
This video is for anyone who feels stuck, uncertain, or curious about what’s next. Whether you’re chasing a coding job or exploring other ways to make an impact, this advice will help you think differently and take smarter steps toward a fulfilling career.
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00:00 Introduction
00:30 Your Education
01:40 The Process
04:10 Getting the Interview
05:58 Shop Local
07:14 Is FAANG worth it
08:50 Help Everyone
10:00 Don't Do It
12:10 Conclusion
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I've been a software engineer since 2008 and with over a decade of experience, the industry is as crazy and as varied as ever.
I continually get asked for career advice and how to navigate writing code for a living and I wanted to share everything I've learned in hopes that I can help someone who is just starting in software engineering, who has been in it for a while and is too afraid to ask, or the seasoned vet to either agree or argue with me.
The intent of this channel is to have multiple series that include the following topics:
💰 Compensation
📈 Negotiations
📚 Career advice and guidance
📈 Stocks, RSUs, Stock options, and ESPP plans
👨🏫 Engineering interviews
I've done just about everything in software from working for 3 person start ups, 300 person start ups, silicon valley companies, Fortune 500 companies, small teams, big teams, W2 employment and 1099 contracting, full time contracting and moonlight part time work, independent development, launching my own web apps and iphone app.