

Develop Yourself
Brian Jenney
To change careers and land your first job as a Software Engineer, you need more than just great software development skills - you need to develop yourself. Welcome to the podcast that helps you develop your skills, your habits, your network and more, all in hopes of becoming a thriving Software Engineer.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 3, 2025 • 28min
#219 - The 3-Step No-BS Guide to Getting in Shape After 30
Don't worry - this won't become a fitness podcast... or I dunno, maybe it will.Seriously, I know how much exercise has changed my life and directly contributed to my ability to debug code, stay sane during stressful periods and make me feel a bit more confident.Next episode we'll be back to tech focused content but I sincerely hope you find this show useful.Grab Your simple fitness guide 👈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

Feb 27, 2025 • 17min
#218 - The 3 Worst Developers I Ever Worked With
There are enough stories out there about how to be a 10x developer, whatever the hell that means.I want to share with you the 3 worst developers I ever worked with and what made them so awful.The names have been changed to protect the innocent.Except for the first one…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

Feb 24, 2025 • 25min
#217 - How to Get Your First Tech Job - Straight from a Recruiter
Henry Ngo is a tech recruiter who wants to see you win the game of job hunting. We chat about:• The Importance of a compelling hero section in resumes• Utilizing technology and AI in the recruitment process• Tips for effective communication during interviews• Addressing myths about the competition in job applicationsYou can connect with Henry on LinkedInSend 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

Feb 20, 2025 • 11min
#216 - Take-Home Coding Challenges Suck. Here’s 3 ways to Beat Them...
Take-home coding challenges can be daunting, but there are effective strategies to tackle them. The discussion reveals three key approaches: honing your unit testing skills, enhancing documentation, and creating a project walkthrough video. The importance of follow-up communication after submission is also emphasized. Personal anecdotes and insights add depth, making the advice practical and relatable for aspiring developers.

Feb 17, 2025 • 32min
#215 - Building Software with AI: Dr. Robert Toth on the Future of Coding, Cursor and True Prompt Engineering
I used to roll my eyes when someone talked about "prompt engineering."Then Dr. Toth showed me what's possible in a video where he created facial recognition software in under 9 minutes.Toth is the CEO of an AI Medical Tech company with decades of coding experience. He's a smart cookie.He schooled me on how to use new coding tools like Cursor, writing better prompts and what he sees in the future for software developers.Here's his Cursor file for you to steal: https://github.com/Theta-Tech-AI/llm-public-utils/blob/production/system_prompts/cursor.mdYou can read his articles here: https://substack.com/@thetatechrob or find him on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robtoth/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

Feb 12, 2025 • 21min
#214 - A step by step guide to building a really good side project
Let's cut to the chase.Here's the video for building a side project: Watch on YTGrab the cheat sheet for side projects here.Here's the waitlist for the AI Mentorship Program: Apply hereSee ya!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

Feb 10, 2025 • 37min
#213 - The Google Interview: Luck, LeetCode, and What Actually Matters
Explore the art of preparing for high-stakes tech interviews with unique insights into luck and effective strategies. Discover the balance between technical skills and cultural fit as well as unconventional job-hunting methods from the early 2000s. Delve into managing interview anxiety and the often-overlooked importance of common sense in career decisions. With thoughts on continuous learning, mentorship, and personal circumstances, this discussion offers a fresh perspective on navigating the competitive landscape of the tech industry.

10 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 14min
#212 – Learn Fast(er): The Uncomfortable Method That Actually Works
Discover how teaching others can turbocharge your own learning in software development. The use of tools like Loom allows you to record your explanations, which not only deepens understanding but also prepares you for interviews. Learn about effective self-recording to uncover knowledge gaps and improve communication skills. AI tools, like ChatGPT, play a crucial role in verifying comprehension, enhancing your value as a developer. Embrace the uncomfortable methods that truly accelerate your journey in tech!

Feb 3, 2025 • 32min
#211 - 5 Things Salespeople Know About Getting Hired (That Developers Don’t)
In this conversation with Jeremy Smith, a former salesperson who transitioned into tech without a formal education, listeners learn how sales skills can drastically enhance job hunting for developers. He shares insights on resilience in the job search, stressing that rejection should be embraced, not feared. Jeremy highlights the power of networking over cold applications and explains how urgency and persistence can often outshine coding perfection. His candid advice unlocks a new perspective for aspiring developers looking to land their dream jobs.

Jan 30, 2025 • 18min
#210 - Why You Keep Failing Tech Interviews (And It’s Not Your Fault)
A student at Parsity recently bombed a tech interview—and it wasn’t just their fault. The hiring process in tech is broken, with endless interview rounds, AI filtering out candidates, and companies that don’t even know what they’re looking for. In this episode, we break down why tech interviews are so flawed, what really happens behind the scenes, and how you can play the game to win.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


