FASTEST Way to Learn Coding and ACTUALLY Get a Job

Summary

This video shares a software engineer's journey to landing jobs at Amazon and Google without a Computer Science degree or coding bootcamp. The speaker outlines the best approach for beginners to become full-time software engineers in less time by avoiding common mistakes. They emphasize learning Python, coding by practice, and building personal projects. Additionally, the video covers essential steps for interview preparation, including learning data structures, algorithms, and practicing with Leetcode. It also addresses the mindset needed to handle rejections and persist in the job application process.

Takeaways

• 🚀 The speaker achieved employment at Amazon and Google within 4 years without a formal Computer Science degree or bootcamp.
• 📚 The speaker emphasizes the importance of avoiding common mistakes and learning efficiently to become a Software Engineer quickly.
• 💡 Choosing the right programming language is crucial; Python is recommended for beginners due to its simplicity, versatility, and efficiency.
• 🛠️ Beginners often make the mistake of learning by watching instead of coding, which can lead to a false sense of progress.
• 📝 Learnpython.org is suggested as a free resource to start learning Python with a focus on basic lessons.
• 🔧 Following along with coding tutorials and building projects is essential for practical learning and building a portfolio.
• 🖥️ Using an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like VS code is necessary for writing and running code effectively.
• 📈 Working on personal projects helps in understanding real-world software development, building a portfolio, and gaining confidence.
• 📊 Interview preparation is critical, with a focus on Data Structures and Algorithms, a course provided by Google on Udacity.
• 📘 Regular practice and completion of exercises on Leetcode are advised to sharpen interview skills and solve problems within a specific timeframe.
• 🏆 Persistence is key; the speaker warns against quitting due to interview rejections and encourages a detached approach to outcomes.

Q & A

How long did it take the speaker to get a job at Amazon and then Google?

It took the speaker 2 years to land a job at Amazon and another 2 years to get into Google.

What does the speaker attribute their longer path to becoming a Software Engineer to?

The speaker attributes their longer path to not having a Computer Science degree or attending a bootcamp, and making countless mistakes along the way.

What are the three major mistakes that can slow down one's progress to becoming a full-time Software Engineer?

The speaker will share these three major mistakes during the video but does not specify them in the provided transcript.

Why does the speaker recommend Python as the first programming language to learn?

Python is recommended because it is easy and intuitive to write, versatile with many applications, and fast to write with concise code.

What is the first major mistake most beginners make when learning programming?

The first major mistake is learning by watching others code instead of actually writing and debugging code themselves.

What website does the speaker suggest for learning Python basics?

The speaker suggests using learnpython.org to focus on the basic lessons for Python.

What is the importance of building projects when learning to code?

Building projects helps in understanding real-world software engineering, building a portfolio, and gaining confidence to tackle new challenges.

What video does the speaker recommend for starting 12 beginner Python projects?

The speaker recommends the video '12 beginner Python projects' by freecodecamp.org on YouTube.

What is the second major mistake new programmers make?

The second major mistake is not preparing for the specific kinds of programming questions asked by tech companies in interviews.

What course does the speaker recommend to prepare for software engineering interviews?

The speaker recommends Google's free course on Udacity about Data Structures and Algorithms.

What website does the speaker suggest for practicing interview questions?

The speaker suggests using Leetcode to practice interview-style questions.

What is the third major mistake that new programmers make according to the speaker?

The third major mistake is quitting early due to overthinking and personalizing rejections during the interview process.