FASTEST Way to Learn Coding and ACTUALLY Get a Job in 2024

Summary

The video discusses strategies to increase retention rates for those learning to code, so they can successfully become software developers. It advises taking a long-term view, getting real-world experience through internships, focusing on building functional code rather than perfect code, being relentlessly reliable, mastering basics like data structures first, embracing rejection as part of the process, and finding motivational stories that inspire you to keep learning.

Takeaways

• 📈 The '100 Days of Code' challenge had a low retention rate, with only 5% of the 2.3 million starters completing it.
• 🔥 Avoiding early drop-off in your coding journey is crucial for becoming a successful software developer.
• 📊 Successful participants focus on long-term goals rather than immediate results, embodying the principle that slow and steady wins the race.
• 💻 Acquiring a Computer Science degree or getting an internship through connections can provide a significant advantage in the tech industry.
• 👌 Being scrappy and focusing on practical outcomes can be more beneficial early on than adhering to perfect code standards.
• 👩‍💻 Reliability, resourcefulness, and result-orientation are highly valued traits in the tech industry, often more than pure technical skills.
• 🚀 Embracing the journey and preparing for a long career in tech, including facing inevitable rejections, builds resilience and success over time.
• 📚 Meeting the bare minimum standards in the industry, like mastering data structures and algorithms, is essential before seeking unique opportunities.
• 💡 Motivation plays a key role in sustaining effort and passion in tech, with inspirations often coming from success stories and industry documentaries.
• 🙋‍♂️ Networking and getting a foot in the door through internships or underpricing yourself initially can lead to invaluable learning and future opportunities.

Q & A

What was the completion rate for the 100 Days of Code challenge by Replate in 2023?

Less than 5% of the approximately 2.3 million participants were able to finish the challenge.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of avoiding early dropout in learning to code?

The speaker believes avoiding early dropout is crucial because it leads to higher retention and success in becoming a software developer.

What is the perspective of the 5% who completed the challenge on their learning journey?

The 5% who completed the challenge focus on long-term goals, understanding that slow growth leads to sustainable progress in building a tech career.

How does getting a CS degree help in retaining technical knowledge according to the speaker?

A CS degree forces engagement with fundamental subjects like DBMS, Operating Systems, and Computer Networks, providing essential jargon and background that make practical coding easier.

What does 'grabbing the unfair advantage in Tech' mean?

It refers to taking actions that significantly increase one's chances of staying in the tech industry, such as getting a CS degree or securing a position through connections.

Why does the speaker suggest working in a scrappy manner early in one's tech career?

Working in a scrappy manner allows for learning through doing, focusing on delivering outcomes even if the methods are not polished, which is valuable for growth and avoiding dropout.

What qualities does the speaker believe are most valued by founders when hiring?

Founders value resourcefulness, reliability, and results-orientation, appreciating employees who can figure things out and deliver value reliably.

Why is it important to prepare for rejections in the tech industry?

Rejections are common, and building resilience helps one bounce back and continue pursuing opportunities without being discouraged.

What is the speaker's view on interview preparation?

The speaker believes that interview success comes from consistent practice over time rather than last-minute cramming, emphasizing the importance of real-world coding experience.

How does the speaker suggest using motivation to advance in a tech career?

The speaker recommends seeking inspiration from successful stories, documentaries, and the potential of creating impactful technology to maintain motivation throughout the learning journey.