

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

Jun 12, 2025 • 11min
#247 - I Was the Worst Developer on the Team... Again
Feeling like the weakest developer on your team? You're not alone! The discussion dives deep into the struggles of self-doubt and comparison in the tech world. The speaker shares their personal story of overcoming panic attacks and inadequacy through a transformative three-step system for growth. This approach not only addresses skill gaps but also fosters a positive mindset. Tune in for inspiration and practical strategies to build confidence as a developer!

Jun 9, 2025 • 28min
#246 - Coding Bootcamps, Burnout, and the Hard Truth About Breaking Into Tech: An Engineering Manager's Perspective
What do engineering leaders really think about bootcamp grads?Why are so many developers so stressed?Is it even worth learning to code in 2025?Michael Greenspan pulls back the curtain on the realities of engineering leadership, interviewing and the state of the industry, drawing from his extensive experience as both a software engineer and engineering manager before becoming a coach for burnt-out tech professionals."Moving into management is a job change," Michael emphasizes, describing how this transition often comes with minimal guidance and significant imposter syndrome. Both Michael and host Brian share their personal experiences of feeling lost when first stepping into leadership positions.Find Michael at TheCompleteEngineer.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.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

Jun 5, 2025 • 36min
#245 - What Developers Get Wrong About Interviews
Dive into the world of technical interviews as seasoned insiders share their insights. Discover why trust matters more than perfect answers and how AI is transforming the hiring landscape. Learn the importance of cultural fit and interpersonal skills in startups. Explore common misconceptions that skew candidates' preparation and get strategies on how likability can influence decisions. Uncover tips for junior developers to showcase their abilities effectively while navigating the high-pressure interview game!

Jun 2, 2025 • 19min
#244 - From Zero to Software Engineer After 30: My Journey and What You Need to Know
Ever felt like you missed your chance to break into tech after 30? A journey from addiction to software engineering shows it's never too late! While juggling family responsibilities, discover how real-world experience adds value to tech. Learn the importance of time management and focused effort over hours spent. Coding opens doors to new opportunities, and your life experiences are assets, not hurdles. Embrace the challenge of learning something new instead of remaining stuck in a life you don't want!

May 29, 2025 • 35min
#243 - The 70% Problem: When AI Coding Falls Short
What happens when software engineers rely too heavily on AI-assisted coding tools? Brian and Zubin (an ex-Google engineer) dive deep into what they call "The 70% Problem" – the phenomenon where AI coding tools excel at initial scaffolding but falter when tackling the crucial final 30% of engineering work.Drawing from Addy Osmani's insightful article, these experienced developers share their firsthand experiences with tools like Cursor, ChatGPT, and GitHub Copilot. They explore how AI-assisted coding creates a dangerous illusion of competence while potentially masking fundamental knowledge gaps. As Zubin aptly puts it, giving powerful AI coding tools to inexperienced developers is like "giving a Formula One car to someone who's only driven on city streets."Visit parsity.io to learn how Brian and Zubin are training the next generation of engineers to excel in this new paradigm.Addy Osmani's ArticleVS Code Cheat SheetSend 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

May 26, 2025 • 34min
#242 - How Anne Got a Developer Job WITHOUT LinkedIn or LeetCode
In this engaging discussion, Anne Linebarger, a former music educator turned front-end developer, shares her unique journey into tech. She draws parallels between music and coding, emphasizing how her background helped develop her pattern-based thinking. Overcoming social anxiety, Anne challenges the norms of job hunting, finding her role through a casual conversation rather than traditional networking. Her insights on mindset shifts and the importance of community engagement provide invaluable advice for aspiring developers.

May 22, 2025 • 18min
#241 - The Bootcamp Era Is Dead — And That’s Great News for Developers
AI didn’t kill bootcamps — shallow learning did.So what skills actually matter now that building a CRUD app is a commodity?And can you learn them without working at a company or getting a CS degree?In this episode, I’ll break down why the bootcamp model no longer works, what’s replacing it, and how to develop the old school engineering mindset that will set you apart in the AI era — even if you’re self-taught.If you’re serious about becoming a software engineer and want mentorship that’s not just YouTube and vibe coding, check out Parsity.io or hit the link in the show notes to chat.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

May 19, 2025 • 24min
#240 - Navigating the Front-End Landscape: A Senior Developer's Perspective on AI Tools, Front End interviews and What Makes You "Senior"
A seasoned front-end developer discusses the important mindset shift needed to transition from junior to senior roles. She emphasizes that being a senior isn’t just about technical skills; soft skills and mentorship matter too. The conversation dives into the evolving landscape of coding driven by AI, stressing collaboration over complexity. There’s also a focus on JavaScript fundamentals and the changing nature of front-end interviews, showcasing the crucial shift from technical quizzes to behavioral assessments. Aspiring developers are encouraged to connect for insights.

May 15, 2025 • 14min
#239 - Is Learning to Code Still Worth It? A Senior Developer's Perspective
The podcast dives into the future of coding careers amidst fears of job automation. It confronts the skeptics, emphasizing the ongoing demand for skilled developers. Personal stories reveal the intricate nature of programming and the importance of maintaining codebases. Listeners learn about the resilience coding offers in an evolving job market, along with the vast opportunities and earning potential it provides. The episode also underscores the importance of supporting junior developers as the industry adapts to change.

May 12, 2025 • 21min
#238 - My Experience in Vibe Coding Hell
Dive into the world of coding as the speaker shares their journey through the pitfalls of modern software development. Discover the surprising drawbacks of vibe coding for real projects and the essential role junior developers play in the industry. Learn why critical thinking is crucial for engineers and explore the challenges of integrating AI into coding. Plus, understand the importance of credible advice in a crowded field and what skills will truly advance your career in the ever-evolving tech landscape.


