How I Learned to Code in 4 MONTHS & Got a Job Offer (no CS Degree)

Summary

This video script narrates the inspiring journey of a self-taught software engineer who, without a computer science degree or boot camp, learned to code in just four months using free online resources. Starting with Python and web programming basics, the individual progressed through Harvard's CS50 course and its web programming follow-up, gaining proficiency in programming languages and web development frameworks. The script emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and problem-solving in the field of software engineering. It concludes with the speaker's successful job acquisition through an internship conversion and encourages viewers to pursue coding as a valuable, in-demand skill.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The speaker learned to code from scratch in four months without a computer science degree or attending a boot camp.
• 💻 All learning materials for coding were found for free on the internet, proving that it's possible to become proficient without incurring costs.
• 🌐 The initial exposure to coding was through Python and web programming, highlighting the importance of starting with accessible languages and technologies.
• 📚 Harvard University's CS50 course on edX was a pivotal learning experience, providing a solid foundation in computer science and programming.
• 🛠️ Problem-solving is a key aspect of programming that the speaker enjoyed, which is not for everyone but is essential for those pursuing coding.
• 🏗️ Understanding the fundamentals of how computers work at a low level is crucial for becoming a better programmer, as emphasized by the CS50 course.
• 🌟 The speaker's passion for learning and solving complex problems drove their journey through the challenging but rewarding field of software engineering.
• 📈 The speaker's progression from basic coding to building full-fledged web applications was facilitated by continuous learning and practice.
• 📈 The speaker secured a software engineering job by leveraging an internship and demonstrating their coding skills and motivation.
• 🚀 The importance of being a lifelong learner in the ever-evolving field of software engineering was highlighted, as new technologies and practices emerge.
• 🌟 Coding is presented as a valuable and in-demand skill, akin to a 'superpower', with high demand and numerous job opportunities for software engineers.

Q & A

How long did it take the speaker to learn coding from scratch?

It took the speaker around four months to learn coding from scratch.

What was the speaker's educational background before learning to code?

The speaker had an economics degree from university and had done an internship at a bank.

Why did the speaker decide to learn coding?

The speaker decided to learn coding to find an industry where they could make a good income and have a more humane lifestyle while working on problems they are excited about.

What resources did the speaker use to start learning coding?

The speaker started with resources called 'Python for Everybody' and 'The Odin Project', which they found online for free.

What is the difference between computer science and programming according to the speaker?

Computer science studies how computers work, whereas programming is more about practically creating programs and communicating with computers to accomplish tasks.

Which course did the speaker take to get an introductory understanding of computer science?

The speaker took Harvard University's CS50 course on edx, which they found to be an excellent and challenging course.

What programming languages did the speaker learn during their journey?

The speaker learned Python, C, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and also got introduced to web programming and using databases via SQLite.

What is the significance of understanding low-level implementations for a programmer?

Understanding low-level implementations can make someone a better programmer by providing a deeper understanding of how functions work, which can be beneficial in the long run.

What course did the speaker take to improve their web programming skills after CS50?

The speaker took CS50's follow-up course called 'Web Programming with Python and JavaScript' to get better at web programming.

How did the speaker secure their first software engineering job?

The speaker secured their first software engineering job by doing a non-software engineering internship at a big company, performing well, and convincing the company to give them a return offer as a software engineer.

What advice does the speaker give for those wanting to learn coding?

The speaker advises to try before you think you're ready, to keep learning as the field is always evolving, and to consider if a lifelong learning mindset is suitable for the individual.

What does the speaker suggest about the future of software engineering jobs?

The speaker suggests that there will be more software engineering jobs in the future, and that currently, there are not enough software engineers to fill the available positions.

What is the speaker doing while waiting for their job to start?

The speaker is building projects on their own to get even better at coding and is digging deeper into computer science using free materials on the internet.