Develop Yourself

Brian Jenney
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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.

  1. #303 - 8 Harsh Truths for Software Developers in the AI Era

    7 HR AGO

    #303 - 8 Harsh Truths for Software Developers in the AI Era

    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 career Why no one cares about your certificate Why your portfolio probably doesn’t matter Why full stack is now the baseline Why AI productivity claims are mostly nonsense Why waiting until you feel “ready” is killing your momentum Why titles matter more than people admit And why hiring is broken — but not hopeless This 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.

    18 min

  2. 3 DAYS AGO · BONUS

    Bonus Episode: Coding Bootcamps, Online Education and the Future for Parsity

    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 Accelerator Full Stack Accelerator

    14 min
  3. #302 - Why a CS Degree Might NOT Be the Best Way to Become a Developer

    9 FEB

    #302 - Why a CS Degree Might NOT Be the Best Way to Become a Developer

    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 think When bootcamps give you an edge — and where they fall short The uncomfortable truth about the “self-taught developer” myth How hiring really works at startups vs big tech companies Why fundamentals and computer science matter more later in your career How AI is changing the skills new developers need to stay employable The role of structure, accountability, and mentorship in actually getting hired If 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.

    13 min
  4. #301 How We Would Break Into Tech If We Had to Start Over (2026 Blueprint)

    2 FEB

    #301 How We Would Break Into Tech If We Had to Start Over (2026 Blueprint)

    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 skills How to escape tutorial hell for good When you’re actually ready to apply for jobs How to create experience before anyone hires you The smart way to network when you don’t know anyone in tech Why AI isn’t the career killer people think it is The mindset shift that separates people who make it from those who quit If 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.

    36 min
  5. #300 - Build a Product, Not a Portfolio

    26 JAN

    #300 - Build a Product, Not a Portfolio

    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/edit Side project video: https://youtu.be/2TWioJCIaxE Send us a text Shameless 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

    12 min
  6. #299 - Yes, You Must Learn to Code and Then Never Write Code Ever Again

    19 JAN

    #299 - Yes, You Must Learn to Code and Then Never Write Code Ever Again

    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-dev Send us a text Shameless 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

    16 min
  7. #298 - Data Structures and Algorithms 101 (3 patterns you must know for your next interview)

    12 JAN

    #298 - Data Structures and Algorithms 101 (3 patterns you must know for your next interview)

    Grab your free interview prep crash course here: https://parsity.io/interview-prep Whiteboard 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 text Shameless 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

    11 min
  8. #297 - From Crime to Coding: How to Build Bullet Proof Habits in 2026

    5 JAN

    #297 - From Crime to Coding: How to Build Bullet Proof Habits in 2026

    "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 text Shameless 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

    11 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Brian Jenney
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    313
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Brian Jenney
  • Show Website
    Develop Yourself

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