College Dropout Making $500K as a Software Engineer | Dev Stories

Hey everyone, welcome to this new series where I interview developers with unique stories! In this video, I interviewed Esco Obong a Senior Software Engineer at Airbnb, and chat about how he was able to break into tech without a college degree! I hope you enjoy this video!
► VIDEO RESOURCES
-Join Esco's Black SWE Facebook group for help with interview prep: / 1561185027368081
-Read Esco's Study Tips for how to land a job at FAANG: bit.ly/3jXNbVS
LET'S BE FRIENDS (IG)
/ bukola.dev
► Music
www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
artlist.io/Bukola-1928571
► Desk Equipment
kit.co/TheComeUp/desk-equipment
► Filming Equipment
kit.co/TheComeUp/filming-gear
► Programming Video
kit.co/TheComeUp/programming-...
BUSINESS INQUIRIES
[e-mail]
📒 Timestamps 📒
0:00 - Intro
1:02 - Childhood & First Experience Programming
2:35 - College Experience & Why He Left
5:00 - Passing Tech Interviews
6:27 - Negotiating Tech Salaries
8:40 - Is College Worth it?
#devstories

[@Bukola1]

Let me know what you think about this new series! Remember Esco's journey took over 10 years! Don't forget to check out Esco's group - Join Esco's Black SWE Facebook group for help with interview prep: facebook.com/groups/1561185027368081 -Read Esco's Study Tips for how to land a job at FAANG: bit.ly/3jXNbVS

[@ninjawatcher1480]

Already loving it thx Bukola🙂

[@Jordan-kh8wt]

thanks so much Bukola! this channel is such an amazing resource.

[@TashaVon]

Amazing!!! I shared with my loved ones.

[@crm3q]

What's his IG?

[@mrdhgirl]

This was such a good idea for a series esp since the CNBC Make It one on you did so well. I have a gut feeling this type of video but on your channel is going to be a big success.

[@devingray1761]

As a fellow black man who didn’t go the college route and finally broke six figures this year, I’m so proud of him and we, I, need more stories like his.

[@devingray1761]

@CriticMind I dropped out of college in 2011 after one year. I got serious about learning it in 2013. Didn’t get my first paid coding gigs until 2016. First full time coding job in 2017, and after some setbacks I got my first high paying job last year and earned my first six figure salary this year. Most stories don’t usually take as long as mine but we all on the same path.

[@zoalerix]

Me too. Congrats!

[@papajohnsuk5965]

@@devingray1761 Whats your job title?? Amazign

[@mjalloh631]

I’m proud of you too

[@1990chula]

@@devingray1761 what's your job title?

[@BlazedOutTurtle]

As a Hispanic software engineer with parents with a 6th grade level education it hit hard when he starts talking about having imposter syndrome caused by your background. This year I hit roughly around the 3rd year mark of experience making around 130k TC and I still have moments where I self doubt myself wondering whether I belong in this field. I can only speak for Hispanic people, but one of the biggest issues that we face when trying to break into these high paying careers is the lack of support from friends and family, I remember being made fun of growing up by extended family for being tech savvy and liking computers, it really be your own sometimes.

[@Playerz714]

Congrats I need to get into tech lol

[@bryanalvarez4389]

Hispanics really don’t support other hispanics. I graduated recently with a degree in mechanical engineering. I started working for Samsung immediately after college and I always had moments of self-doubt. It’s devastating because those moments affect your performance and mental health and it sucks because family doesn’t see that. Anyway, I really want to dive fully into coding. I like the flexibility that computer science has to offer. Any tips/pointers would be appreciated. Wish me luck lol

[@jakiee]

I can definitely understand where you guys are coming from. It's a similar situation in the black community. Whenever I would tell family that I wanted to major in computer science/information systems, they would say, "whoa! Are you sure? That sounds hard." No one really helped me believe in myself. They just helped me doubt myself.

[@josephsevere238]

Jokes on them you’re making it happen and breaking generational poverty within your family. Keep going!

[@branlynmorales8951]

Como haces 130k? acabo de empezar a aprender y tengo esa duda.

[@clem]

What a pleasant surprise! I've chatted with Esco a bit; it was great to hear his story like this. Keep killing it, Esco! 🔥💪

[@ndahayokevin7626]

Clement Have you Interviewed Esco For job at Google ?

[@LuisHernandez-li4fy]

Hey Clement, did he joined AlgoExpert to pass his technical interviews?

[@capitoloneonine4026]

Killing it? Poor choice of words Clement.

[@senz20]

Hi Daddy😍

[@HypeActiveAA]

if clement has spoken with you, you've made it

[@ninjasaru3442]

As a senior software engineer myself I can tell you this guy is right on. University not required (though I do have a CS degree). Learn and experiment like crazy. Set up a study schedule. Apply for lots of jobs and take interviews even when you don’t think it will work out; it gives you experience and helps you grow and helps you know how much your skills are worth to companies. And don’t think “I could never get a job at that company.” Work hard for it, you can do it!

[@freshprince4552]

I honestly think that if you were really a senior software engineer, you wouldnt be giving out such an advice. sure, it may be your job title, but certainly what you do is not even close to what is expected of the profession, otherwise you wouldnt be giving such a terrible advice.

[@shane708]

@@freshprince4552 Please do share what you think is not a terrible advice.

[@LiveRaidei]

@@lottexy honestly I agree with you, it’s very easy to see these success stories and get it in your head that “he did it, so can I!” But that’s not really the case. Esco dropped out of school, but he dropped out of NYU! That should tell you a lot right there! The barrier to entry for not just a software engineer position, but any position that gives you a 6 figure salary is going to be astronomical, especially considering the average Americans salary is like 45k a year. I love these success stories and more power to people able to accomplish these great feats- but I feel like a lot of stuff gets left out in the name of optimism, which can be misleading like the fact that you have to study like 8 months out of the year to take a coding interview for these high paying FAANG positions (not to mention it’s probably stuff that you won’t actually have to do on the job). Realistically the average person who’s not a student or doesn’t have bills or something won’t have that kind of time.

[@tbcstuff3634]

Take interview?! Dude, if I could even get the option to have an interview.

[@biggieshorty]

💗🙏🏾

[@threestheory]

Im a young Black male who's majoring in computer science at North Carolina A&T and I will say seeing your videos really makes me happy and gives me way more hope of going into the field of cyber security. Thank you for doing this!

[@_Delightful.Finds_]

Aggie Pride!! That’s awesome!! I just started my software engineering journey too. I wish you well in the future endeavors.

[@jelani188]

We should connect bro. I’m in Greensboro.

[@isaiah61ministries]

Come thru NC!!

[@internationalpeso1795]

@@jelani188 lets connect im in GBORO to

[@solomonobong4961]

Even as a little child you can see that Esco was destined for great things. He was always at the top of his classes. In high school he was taking college courses in Trigonometry. He is a very intelligent and a good person. He is very generous to all his siblings and family members. He is very interested in elevating others by sharing his knowledge, experience and resources. We are all very proud to have Esco as one of us. Thank you Bukola, for showcasing Esco in this program. I am sure his story will serve as a catalyst to uplift others. Bravo!!!

[@israeliana]

He is lighting fires in the hearts of future techies world over.

[@willl1038]

Did he attend NYU Polytechnic around 2011? I think I might have come across him in NY. Great guy with a great head on his shoulders, hope he accomplishes all his dreams and goals.

[@libreultimate]

Definitely a strong role model

[@RoCkLoBzTeR1]

Qqq1 L

[@raymundoo2879]

The sad thing is a lot of people are like this! They just go through the wrong path.. he's made all the right choices

[@tavaresfurtado6610]

I don't know him but I'm proud of him! I am sure he will inspire more black people with his accomplishment. Good content Bukola!

[@Bukola1]

He's amazing, I felt so motivated after meeting him!

[@AR-st2ho]

I agree. This is amazing. There needs to be more visibility to people like this.

[@moemoe-jb2fw]

And white, Asian, etc stop being racist !

[@ForceField9]

Quit making everything about skin color ffs

[@StarRoseAngelic]

Yes! Representation matters. I'm sure both Bukola and Esco have inspired many aspiring Black engineers of all ages 😊

[@tigerrx7]

THIS is what we should start seeing as normal. We’re out here, we just don’t get enough camera time. I’m wit dat African connect!

[@Bukola1]

Exactly 👏🏾👏🏾

[@chikauzor6950]

I want to like but I don't want to mess up your 100 likes...lol.

[@ExquisiteEtta]

Seriously! I was thinking the same!

[@jonathanpadgett4562]

African? He said he grew up in Brooklyn?? 🤔🤔

[@sissokothierno6641]

@@Bukola1 thank you and I hope you will cover more people like this.

[@beedebawng2556]

This is a prime example of not mistaking someone's socio-economic background with their competence.

[@AlfieTank]

Well a specific group doesn't even think blk people can use internet or find a dMV for personal iD.🤷🏾‍♂️

[@strawberryaImonds]

This is America. Black, white, brown, yellow, purple, pink. Anyone can make it here. Just work. Simple

[@AlfieTank]

@@strawberryaImonds And NO KIDs before you have a stable J O B And ONE other half of a parent. 4 baby daddies/mommy's is a call for disaster 😂

[@jay-rathod-01]

This summarizes major problem. Socio economic background can be a barrier because of lack of comfort and resources that people with good socioeconomic status are already having, still all hail to this man

[@Atlas92936]

@@AlfieTank The kid part is so real. So many people I've met love their kids, but they are struggling with cash. They have a "stable" job but not exactly well paying. It's hard for them to learn new skills and move into other industries. This is because they already work full time, and between all baby responsibilities and all other responsibilities, there is rarely any time to sit down and learn a skill. It's definitely possible .. anything is possible..but you'll be significantly more miserable during the process. People suffer mentally from going to work full-time and learning, so imagine adding a kid on top of that. Guys, don't get a kid until you're at a "if you don't grow from here, you'll be alright" level.

[@forthehomies7043]

"I was in the same neighborhood, making different decisions." -Esco

[@piecesofme8531]

He was also Nigerian, not African-American. There's a difference.

[@Sorel366]

@@piecesofme8531 Nigerians have a different mindset. AAs could use them as a reflection on culture.

[@sissokothierno6641]

@@Sorel366 it’s African in general. Our parents raised us differently.

[@escobyte]

@@piecesofme8531 🤣 shots fired 🔫. Actually I am African American. All African Americans have roots to Africa. I wasn't raised in an African household. I'm actually half Nigerian on my father's side. My mother was born on Staten Island, New York and so was I. My father was born in Nigeria but he didn't raise me. It wasn't until 2012 that I started to learn more about Nigerian culture.

[@piecesofme8531]

@@escobyte That’s nice. Why did your Nigerian parent flee Nigeria and choose to build his legacy in the US, off of the backs of the work of foundational black Americans who built the wealth of this country? Why not return to Nigeria to make the Nigerian tech world great? What is this “different mindset”, a better willingness to use your intellect and labor for the benefit of white corporate America?

[@Rachietutu]

Buky, I'm so proud of you! I'm a Nigerian Dad, a documentary filmmaker; I moved to the US in '79. Your visual story telling skills have improved a lot!!! Keep doing you :)

[@afrohealer]

Oga .. where can we see you films? and you can consider submitting to the Halifax black film festival..

[@Chi_di]

Wow, this is so motivating! Sis, you should moonlight as a director at this point! The quality of your content is on point!

[@Bukola1]

Wow, thank you ❤️❤️❤️

[@nulledrust9809]

Black Privilege. In America Blacks are given opportunities no other race gets simply because of the color of their skin.

[@joanne6030]

❤️❤️❤️

[@InTheGlow135]

This is so inspiring!!! It shows that when you have the drive, you can make it happen! I’m so proud of Esco! Thank you for sharing this Bukola!!

[@JerryRegistre]

It’s dope to have stories like Esco’s to look up to. Keep these coming!

[@061zapolinariosgobi9]

Hearing a story like that it makes me so freaking happy and inspired, thanks for chearing

[@shukri2833]

Please make this a series!!! I'm loving the representation and practical advise. Two of the many reasons I love your content.

[@Tiffanyt899]

I love this! His story has so many relatable elements. I love seeing us win! 💪🏾 Bukola, the quality of this video from the actual video to the content is amazing!

[@Martina-er9bj]

I'm so ready to see more of this series! Great production and interview prompts!

[@maya.lingreen]

This series is so inspiring! I just found your videos a few days ago and I love how your interviewing other POCs in text. So great that you’re using your platform to share your story but also for representation of others. Amazing, thanks for the great content.

[@jmediaonline9749]

This is such an amazing story, thank you both for sharing this!

[@rynndoza]

Loved his story. I just wish he went into more detail about how he actually landed his very first software devop job when he was still in college 🥺

[@HowTo3036]

These stories are so inspiring!! Thank you for sharing them with us!

[@ExquisiteEtta]

I have interviews lined up and I’ve been so scared… thanks to this interview I feel so inspired and motivated! Thank you for sharing this story it was so motivating

[@TashaVon]

I truly enjoyed hearing Esco's journey! What a brilliant man! Please continue this series. ❤️

[@beedebawng2556]

I read the title & started imagining for myself. 😂😂😂

[@AndrewHitti]

Love to see it!!! 😍 so cool of you to highlight Esco's story - so impressive 🚀

[@TravisGarnett]

Refreshing series, @Bukola. Thank-you for sharing Esco's story! Goes to show that there's more than one way to a successful career [in tech]! 👏🏾

[@neto6230]

Truly inspirational man we are in the same path, I need to motivate myself again to keep pushing forward

[@sylvaelendu3730]

I am really happy for him. He's done the hard work to get to where he is. Also thank you for sharing his story with us. It's really inspiring. Great video, Bukola.

[@sekinaherskine5073]

This was awesome! Well Done! So proud and happy for him. I'm definitely going to look into teaching myself in 2022. Great channel. This was very inspiring. Great story!

[@jalanmcrae]

I love what you’re doing for the community. Keep up the good work 👍🏾

[@stephenliao450]

What an awesome life journey for Esco. Great video editing too! Feels like a professional production.

[@kiravd5392]

This is video is so inspirational. Watch a video like this one in the morning right before starting your day, really does help motivate and challenge you do to do better that day and push out any doubts you may have on your journey. A series of this sort of videos would be awesome! Loved it.

[@alexaskills3447]

Great idea for a series! This episode was amazing, can't wait for the next. Never heard of 'The Cliff', we always called stock options the Golden Handcuffs to keep you at a company. Not trying to be negative, but how could anyone give a thumbs down on this video?

[@odewoleabdul-jemeel8859]

This is very inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story of what is possible. Keep soaring, Esco!

[@Freak-B]

What an inspiring story, thank you for filming this piece of art. I mean transitions, background music, editing just perfect.

[@jamesbatsell1336]

My boy Esco I'm a part of his group on Facebook, have been for a minute. The help and gems he provides are next level and I'm glad I joined salute Esco!

[@esco7500]

What’s The Name Of His Facebook Group ?

[@ptpanashe9]

Please add me to the group.I use the same name on Facebook. Or put a link

[@afrohealer]

@@ptpanashe9 the link is posted in the description of the video..

[@JesusMyIshi]

What a STORY!!!! This is it! Defying the odds. He didn’t let his circumstances victimize him, even after he lost his own mother. 😭👏 it’s the strength and perseverance for me! God keep blessing and bless you Esco

[@elizabeth4689]

incredible story. thanks for making this into a video bukola!

[@colorfulcodes]

Omg, what an interview #goals. This is so beautiful. I truly love his story and the FB group is a great resource.

[@tysanddon]

Maybe this is the inspiration i needed to start coding again, thank you for posting and looking forward to more brilliant interviews.

[@Mingota100]

I loveeeee this....Thank you for this. Super inspirational. More pleaseee !!!

[@cimoana2899]

So proud of him! What an inspiring story. So many tips and advice I needed to hear, I am sure others needed/need this too. I don't know him but I am cheering for him. Loved this video!

[@ismaelmarte1171]

You don't understand how much I needed to watch this video. Thank you for the 10 minutes of inspo. Love seeing black engineers doing their thang! Love from Harlem, New York!

[@TheSwede9]

Stories like this just makes me happy. Just as soon as he starts talking you can tell Esco is insanely bright, going through all that and his story and still not giving up. I went through 1/10th of that and felt like I "gave up" at times by not doing all I could. Every time I see or hear a story like this it just motivates me so much and he just seems like one awesome dude, I really enjoyed this one.

[@NetGawker]

I've been in IT since 1993. I'm from Detroit. I'm Black. I've never made $500k in a year but have never gone to college either. Very low 6 figures. It's all about your passion. I've noticed more and more Black people getting into IT which is good because for years I've felt like I've been living in a house with no mirrors.

[@BrwnWndr]

That last sentence speaks volumes. #RepresentationMatters

[@bordezangakombo5066]

Ha! its 12:41 am and I'm just finishing work from my windowless den in the basement! hahaha but I'm not miserable tho.

[@lethanglong9523]

software engineer and IT are not the same.

[@Bayo106]

@@lethanglong9523 I guess software engineering has to do more with bicycles or bread than it had to do with IT .....

[@KaesOner]

@@BrwnWndr representation matters? You do realise black people are literally all over the movies, TV, music, sports, entertainment. Try being a minority with no mainstream representation... Its that victim mentality that differentiates the winners from losers.

[@SandroPadin]

Thanks for sharing this story and thanks to Esco for sharing his story. I have a very similar background, but from PR/Chicago and work for a different tech company. I wish more of us could make it. Thanks again!

[@ericjones9430]

Love to see this for Esco. I am also happy to see he is seeking financial freedom. That way he can live life on his terms ! Good luck brotha!

[@AparnaJain1]

The video production quality is through the roof, the filming, the music and the transitions all so well done! Feels like watching a CNBC video :)

[@kevin-carr]

The production on this is great and Esco’s story is heartwarming!

[@johnb6867]

Wow bukola your content is so good. Love to see you shine the light on someone like Esco! Def helping me stay motivated!

[@moneywithanami2341]

I love this documentary-style interview! Bukola you're a full-on filmmaker wow!! Very inspiring

[@saami9606]

So happy for him. I'm glad he is doing something he enjoys, not just for himself but for his family. I know his mother would be very proud of him!

[@amani_art]

Seeing Nigerians succed makes me feel proud. Shout Esco

[@SunnyDukes]

This made my day! Proud of this guy! Great content!

[@kengizell673]

Thanks for the interview, I always get motivation from younger brothers doing great things...Stay safe and blessed. Peace

[@Aismail96]

This had me reflecting on some things. I have the opportunity to go to community college and finish my associates in web dev without having any debt and I'm slacking. This was a nice wake-up call and I am grateful I found this video. I am enrolled in the Harvard cs50 course and also work doing gig work. If I hustle academically all next year I can graduate. I am looking to get into the front end and make a decent salary. I just want to succeed so my mom is taken care of, after that starting a family and so on. Thanks for inspiring me with this video!

[@MOTIVATIONBYDAR]

His story is truly inspiring. I pray my daughter has a love for creating through coding.

[@TravelingNatural]

This was such a great interview and I love the way it was filmed and edited!

[@thedevbek]

Thank you so much for this video, @Bukola and @Esco!

[@jendevelops2919]

Watching Esco's story was inspiring! This series is so great for breaking the façade that you have to be an elite university Computer Science graduate to be able to be a successful Software Engineer. Looking forward to your next developer interview!

[@kirachoo]

I LOVE THIS!! It’s so uplifting and I love seeing stories from our community and our successes ❤️ it really inspires people who are underrepresented in tech and other industries to reach for the stars

[@mpho8018]

Watching this gave me such a serotonin release. Thank you for this

[@ketarmako6388]

Your editing skills are amazing! I loved the professional seamless flow style of the interview.

[@julianfoster4064]

Love this video!! Very well produced interview. Keep up the great work!!

[@Bukola1]

Thanks so much ❤️❤️❤️

[@janayanguiano4665]

He’s so humble . Bro is fire 🔥🥲🙏❤️ #inspiration

[@guessan154]

This storytelling was amazing. His story, his success then and to come, is phenomenal. I wish you all (including the videographer shoutsout) the best! So glad to have found your channel. So excited for my programming journey.

[@TheSoulCrisis]

You go girl........amazing style interview!!! This guy is exceptional and it was so refreshing to see his unique take on the journey and how he felt "like he wasn't qualified." Totally been there.

[@madekwechijioke5294]

"In the same neighborhood making different decisions". Excellent

[@b1twis3]

What an inspirational dev story! I'm so proud of him! Please share more awesome stories like that, Bukola "Subscribed!"

[@hindelsssh4995]

Love the way you interview!!! Such an inspiring story . Thank you !!

[@1muffinaonly]

It's the 2 black successful professionals for me! I'm so happy for you both!

[@jz2401]

Super motivating! These videos are amazing.

[@Bukola1]

Aww thank you! I'll make more videos like this!

[@adeleketobi1]

Thanks so much for sharing Esco, and thanks for bringing this to us Bukola. Stay blessed and a blessing.

[@BJTangerine]

Really encouraging testimony, thanks for sharing. I have no degree and am going through a bootcamp right now so this is definitely reassuring that I'll be able to get a good job and be settled in the tech industry.

[@abicooks]

Good luck!

[@nabahak6673]

How we can get into bootcamp iam studying python django please tell me how we can get into tht

[@skinnytimmy1]

@@nabahak6673 AWS re/ Start what I am doing right now

[@victoryb.5437]

I've followed Esco for a bit. The man is extremely brilliant and very humble. Great to see him getting the shine he deserves.

[@thepassbtpod]

This was VERY helpful. I definitely have some inspiration. Seeing someone that shows me that it's achievable is KEY!!!

[@srinisekaran4373]

Thanks for sharing your story. Love the path you took filled with curiosity + hard work.

[@mrbiggle2656]

What a great guy. His mother is definately smiling down on how successful he has become

[@AidenFeltkamp]

This was fantastic. Thank you so much to Esco and to you for sharing. It gave me a lot of hope and perspective as a self-taught programmer. I'm looking foward to more videos in this series.

[@jaidaha.4092]

This deserves more likes! He’s definitely going to be even more successful. I see him staying his own bootcamp. great content

[@sbstorage95]

Thank you thank you thank you for sharing w us this incredible dude! Really inspiring, dude is calm cool an collected and its evident thats what led him to build the future he wants despite non optimal starting circumstances

[@SuperBluDude]

Man! His story is very similar to my own. I grew up poor in Miami. When I was 12, I also wanted to be an animator and learned Macromedia Flash 5. Eventually, I joined the military and started working on a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering. I am currently a junior. I do like to code for my self, but I am still very green. I currently know basic C++ and Matlab for engineering. This story is a like a shining beacon that success can happen despite the upbringing. Thank you for the upload!

[@givemeclariti_]

Bukola!!! Yes!!! This is the series I didn’t realize I needed! This story was definitely inspiring. Thank you for sharing!

[@israeliana]

Same. I feel so validated and inspired.

[@freedfalchion9860]

This channel is amazing and we need it so badly right now in the cultural climate. Please keep doing videos like this; they give me hope😅😅😊

[@billykotsos4642]

This is so well -edited and chill ! Great video !

[@jip230]

Very sharp guy - imagine what he could be doing had he lived in a society that encouraged him every step of the way and gave him all the tools he needed to create his success vs having to struggle all steps along the way.

[@joebuydem]

So inspirational. Work hard and consistently guys and you can reach your dreams!

[@Sonny1065LV]

Very excited for this series thank you so much!!

[@maimunalam9465]

Good for you bud. Keep on striving and inspiring !!!

[@Ch1no321]

Its A LOT of hard work behind this. Hes at a high senior level with that salary. Most ppl dont have the discipline to reach this level

[@JoanJimenez]

More stories like this please. When we say that we need representation, we mean this. Thank you.

[@NonyemAgu]

I love that you're doing this!! Keep these stories coming :)

[@buckwheat6245]

I really enjoyed this. Hope you make it an ongoing series.

[@insidepossie]

Just saying Sis, what you are and have been doing with your platform is LIFE!! Me able to see my people in this light is something that was obviously missing, something my Black young Kings can attach themselves too and see themselves in. So for that, I say THANK YOU. new subscriber. (web programmer ;) who keeps telling his 7 year old son about becoming and the importance of being a Software Engineer).

[@94083122]

This is great, Bukola. This type of content really works, you should keep it going

[@Bukola1]

Thank you, this is great feedback to hear and I'll try to make more videos in this series!

[@STOP5133]

I’m in cs and his story is so inspirational. Thank you for your content!

[@Ashe0429]

Wow! Thank you for this! What an inspiring story! Congratulations Esco!!!!

[@DanOhCaptainDaniel]

Thank you for sharing the inspiring story. I was wondering besides from the algorithms, what are some interesting projects you worked on early in your career, to showcase your abilities to recruiters and opportunities for the onsite interview?