9. Interview with Danny Thompson
Listen here:
Episode 9 on Anchor.FM
Episode Description:
High energy conversation with an upcoming titan in the Tech industry!
I recently interviewed Danny Thompson with a view to reflect upon his meteoric rise through in the world of Software Development. Check out this episode for pearls of wisdom from 2 voices of experience in the industry, as well as some VIGOROUS motivation for those of you who want to start, or have just started, on your Programming Journey!
Danny is *the* poster-child for changing your life by learning tech.
A few years ago he was frying chicken in a Gas Station, and now he's been invited to speak at Microsoft Events, as well as running Bootcamps, mentoring, multiple podcast & speaking engagements, etc... - all while holding down a steady programming job!
Regardless of your age, location, experience or education level - there is a seat for you at the technology table!
Interested in getting into the Software Development industry?
Get in touch with me via speakingsoftwareshow@gmail.com or DM me on twitter/Instagram.
Episode Notes:
Rather than a 1-1 interview transcription, I figured I’d extract the most important points/lessons from this episode with Danny. Its definitely worth listening to the Audio version if you can, as there’s so much more value to be brought out of it. If you’re strapped for time though, then there’s some nuggets of wisdom below:
No matter where you are as a Developer - it’s okay to use Google!
Its' not cheating - you're allowed to do it.
You don't need to know everything, but you do need to know the resources you can turn to.
Get comfortable reading the docs for your library, framework and toolset - just remember that you don't need to memorize it!
You don't need a degree to get started.
Degrees are great, and can open you up to opportunities or a professional network that you would otherwise not have access to. Its not a hard requirement though!
Being able to demonstrate the value your bring via a portfolio or catalog of work is more than enough to get you a decent job in software.
Try not to get sidetracked
Find a direction you want to go, and run at it full steam.
Don't be caught by distractions, alternative paths, etc... Pick a direction, and run towards it. Your course will naturally alter as you progress.
The important thing is to learn, make projects and keep working.
It costs nothing to get started as a Programmer
There's no buy-in, no up-front or deferred investment, and certainly no pay-to-play.
The only thing you'll lose is a few evenings or weekends if it doesn't work out.
Some of the best resources are the free ones!
Once you've mastered some of the free resources, you can find instructors who offer advanced courses for €10-€20.
For the same price as a ticket to the Cinema for a 2 hour movie - you can get access to a course that will last you 8-12 weeks.
Get to know your toolset.
The more time you invest here, the faster you'll work and the easier it will be to both sell your skillset and take part in those key conversations about Development Projects.
You need to invest in yourself until you get to the point where others are willing to invest in you.
Use your time to level up your skills to where an employer can see as a valuable addition to the team.
Don't just stop when you feel you've learned enough to be effective.
Always keep Learning. Companies aren't paying you 6 figures to follow tutorials.
Everything goes right in tutorials, but you need to progress beyond them! Adding you own features, styles, configuration, etc.. can break things - and that's how you learn.
You start off adding 10 lines of your own, then 20, then 50, then 100, then 1000, then you're writing apps, tools, programs, etc... on your own.
Practice makes the master!
Don't be afraid to fail.
Get as much experience as possible.
Fail fast, fail forward and then learn/reflect upon the lessons from your failures.
Pick yourself up afterwards and pivot your actions based on what you've learned.
Failure shouldn't be seen as a scary thing! Its removing an obstacle in the way on your path to being right.
Being a developer is being a problem-solver.
You bring the tools, and its up to you to find solutions for the problems at hand.
You may not know the answer, directly, but you've got strategies and methodologies required to fix those bugs, write those features and ship those products
Facing errors and challenges is one of the core ways to upskill.
Necessity is the mother of invention. You need to figure things out.
Trial and Error can be a big part of it, and that's okay!
Change your mindset
Need to come with an open mind.
The thought-process that got you through your retail, office or food-related job won't serve you here.
You need to become an active-problem solver, instead of a passive follower.
In an Interview situation - remember you're bringing value.
It doesn't matter how much or how little - but you're there to bring value.
Don't go in with a begging mindset of "Please just give me a chance".
Instead, turn up with a mindset of "I am here to deliver!"
I've mentioned in previous episodes that you're invited to interview.
They have literally requested your presence - you deserve to be there.
Hold you head up high and tell them the value you can bring.
If they don't give you the job opportunity, someone else will!
If you’re looking to get started in a Career in Software Development, or you’re already in the industry and needs guidance/mentoring, then contact me today.
I’d love to discuss your situation and how we can get you into a place of confidence and success.