FAANG Software Engineer Job in 3 Months Self-taught?

Learn software development in a couple months and land a job at a FAANG company with a huge salary and total compensation package. Is this a good plan? A reasonable expectation? Or is this idea a bunch of nonsense? Here's my take as a software engineer working at a large tech company... And as a disclaimer, it took me a lot longer than 3 months.
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[@skjoldgames]

I got passed up on so many positions this year, but it opened the door for me to be available for Apple when I landed my current role. And considering there was no other company I wanted to be at more, I couldn't be happier or feel luckier. If others are applying for a ton of jobs and getting a lot of rejections, just remember it only takes the right one saying yes. I applied for over 300 positions over six months. Now that I'm where I want to be it's funny that a few of those companies that rejected me are asking if I'm available now. It's so satisfying to inform them that I am not.

[@jamescross]

thanks for sharing your experience. that feeling you get when you start turning places down is quite nice.

[@andrijabakovic8399]

Are u self-taught programmer?

[@skjoldgames]

@@andrijabakovic8399 yes. The thing that really helps me get some attention is having two self published games on Steam. It shows deployment and shipping of a full product. I think the next most important thing is having a good GitHub. Mine isn’t as good as I would like, but it has a variety of Python and C++ projects. My strategy is a little different getting into Apple though. I started on the technical side of Apple retail to get my foot in the door. From there, Apple has internal programs that I can’t talk too much about, that helps draw talent to their corporate roles. I also took a few contracts as a coding instructor to help build my resume. Those jobs don’t pay as well, but they look really really good on a resume. You can go to indeed or LinkedIn and search “coding instructor”. There’s a strong demand for those jobs and very little competition. I used my degree in elementary education to get a leg up in those interviews but it’s not mandatory to have a degree. The last thing I would check out if all else fails is a boot camp. If you’re already decent at coding, a boot camp should be easier to get through than having no past coding experience. Some companies are taking the boot camp certifications seriously. Good luck on your journey. Be open to anything that helps you get closer to your goals as a developer and firmly shut the door on anything else that gets in the way or distracts from that goal. Don’t settle for a crappy job and don’t give up. It takes time!

[@creitosfl]

In the last 6 months I applied to 1000+ jobs here in the USA. Software dev Junior 1 year of exp, from those 1000+ applications I sent, I had around 7 interviews and fail them all.

[@skjoldgames]

@@creitosfl Dang man, sorry to hear about the hard luck. It's tough right now with so many tech companies laying off. I took a contract as a coding instructor to get some experience on my resume, maybe that could help? I've noticed there's a lot more open positions available for coding instructors. I'll be honest, they don't pay great, but it's good resume fodder.

[@smashing_data4292]

As someone with a CS degree, I have been taking Free Code Camp and The Odin Project for about 5 weeks. For everyone that is reading this, it has been about 10 years since I have done some serious coding on a daily basis. I can honestly say it will take a good amount of effort to become employment candidate ready. My goal is to be ready to apply for a remote web development position 7 months from now. Having a CS degree does have its advantages but a couple of times I had to slam on the brakes for my progress to make sure I understand some concepts. It took me a while to realize that HTML and CSS are the foundations of what I need to learn web development so I need to know what I am doing.

[@jamescross]

great thoughts! thanks for sharing!

[@karimheras9462]

Thanks for this info. I just recently stopped watching tutorials and switched to the odin project to learn and it just feels like night and day with the learning. I did make the switch because of people like you puting the info out there.

[@jamescross]

thanks for the feedback!

[@creitosfl]

Hey Devsmak, thank you for making great videos, I enjoy watching them🍻

[@jamescross]

Thanks brunas! How ya been?

[@creitosfl]

@@jamescross Pretty busy, with tickets and applying for jobs:)

[@creitosfl]

@@jamescross How have you been?

[@jamescross]

@@creitosfl Pretty good. Mostly better from the concussion and back on the mountain bike. Just not as aggressive. Have you been getting any good leads on jobs?

[@byun1119]

3 months is a click bait. 99% of people cannot learn front end enough to get a entry level job in that amount of time. Minimum for a super student would be like 7 months. This for anyone who thinks it’s that quick it’s not as he says in the video. You gotta actually like it and you’ll be fine.

[@Nono464.]

Bullshit. He said it took him 9 months doing only a couple hours a day nights. You can easily learn in 3-6 months if you are spending 8 hours a day 7 days a week practicing and studying. Multiple reputable boot camps have timelines shorter than your 7 months for "super students"

[@nerro5569]

Yeah your 7 months analogy is very wrong. Personally know a couple of people who have gone from zero to entry level positions in 4 or 5 months. It's very possible

[@byun1119]

@@nerro5569someone should actually go do a study and survey about this. I think 99% of people cant do it in that amount of time or they are lying to seem like a genius, Trying to play it off like "oh yeah i got a job super fast with a lot of hard work!"

[@nerro5569]

@@byun1119 it is hard to do and requires people who are really intelligent and can retain about 80 percent of what they are learning. But it is possible to do. Not for everyone though. Six or seven months is enough for normal people

[@funshoajayi2224]

Did mine in 4 months....in 4 months I was already writing react

[@eliodrallag4806]

Back in 2021 I started learning how to code for a year then tried to look for a job during my 6th month. Then got hired on my 12th month. But you know what I end up with getting? , i got a job using no code platform that I've been playing around as a hobby way back in 2019. Hahaha, so yeah all my efforts learning how to code just went south. But being lucky enough to get a job in tech using no code platform. Still happy and grateful for it though.

[@midknight3350]

Finally got a project I shelved 6 months ago to work the way I wanted it. An autoclicker that makes my job SO much easier and more efficient. I told my boss about it and he wants to see it. Hopefully Monday

[@jamescross]

That's awesome!

[@sqwert654]

I tend to remember coding related information very well. But have been coding for 40 years on and off and ready enjoy learning. Thesedays I just learn for fun. Don't really need to work. You really need to enjoy learning to code as a living. My best learnings come when debugging, just start coding make mistakes and learn how to fix my mistakes and why the error occurred, patience and pigheaded determination is a very good trait to have.

[@jamescross]

great points. totally agree that it's important to enjoy the process.

[@Darthmiguel89]

that title was about to make me quit my job so quick and learn to code in 3 months 😂

[@cjsport1254]

I used to feel discouraged that I wasn’t working after a year. But recently I’ve had an epiphany that it actually takes more time than that even for most people.

[@seyieneimeyase]

Hi! Sorry to bother you again, but I need your help.🙏 I have been scouring the net to find a solution for images not loading in React when they're placed under 'src', and NOT 'public', without `require()` or `import`. Is there a workaround? And why is it better to put images that are used in components, under 'src'? All the tutorials I have come so far, drag their assets into 'public', even though it's not recommended, I've been told.

[@jamescross]

If you are importing the images and running into problems, I would first make sure that if you are using a tool like webpack to bundle your code, that it is configured to look for the image types you are trying to import. There are pros and cons to how you use images. Depending on the loader used in your bundler, importing images can be base64 encoded and then it becomes part of your javascript bundle. This can bloat the app and take longer to load but the images will be ready to display as soon as the application is ready. Other loaders will create a distribution folder and copy images over so they don't become part of the javascript. By referencing images in the public directory or with a static url, the browser will make a request to fetch those assets which could result in a delay visually while waiting for the request to complete. A benefit is that multiple things can be requested in parallel which can speed up the overall loading time. If you want your images indexed by google for search, you would also want them available with a static url. If you put images in the public directory, you just have to make sure that your build script copies them over to your build directory for deployment or else it will work locally on your computer but not when deployed. If someone give a definitive you should or shouldn't do this on this topic without talking about a specific use case, be wary. Like a lot of things in software, the right answer depends on what you are trying to achieve and there will be tradeoffs.

[@seyieneimeyase]

@@jamescross thank you! 👍 Honestly, i didn't understand much what you said cuz I'm a beginner in tech😅, but I'll just continue using images from 'public' for the time being. 👍

[@GraphicalBoss]

Hey mak, I'm glad you're doing great after the incident you had with your head. Best to you and your family 👪. I want to say thanks to God✝️ I have been contacted by a few fang companies, unfortunately I'm worried about the algorithm exams since I was hoping for the internship position instead the position they want me for is SDE1. 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️ Love your channel. Keep going strong 💪😎.

[@jamescross]

Thanks! Best wishes with the faang interviews!

[@raymondhollingsworth3643]

Amen

[@chembetikarunakar814]

How to apply what are the resources can any one answer to this question

[@roxannestahl2596]

Realistically, transition from a different career and learning from different courses and resources, NO WAY would I want to start my career at a high pace/stress/etc work environment. Maybe at the end of my journey, but not right now…there is too much to learn. The more you learn, the less you know, the more questions you have - it’s a vicious cycle

[@jamescross]

thanks for sharing your perspective

[@twrkhanasparukh]

From zero to hero (FAANG) in 3 months is possible, but it is not plausible. For intern level 3-6 months. For regular job at junior level normally you will require 6-12 months. For high payed job/ medium role -> 12-24 months. For senior positions -> years and years, for some people even decade(s).

[@runder2022]

There is no rule.

[@HardKillaz]

I'd rather an ugly truth, than a pretty lie. Thanks for the truth.

[@sofinagwan4085]

I completed html, css ,bootstrap and basics of Javascript and make some mini projects of it. Can I eligible for front or web developments related jobs??

[@xSatanisticx]

No way

[@byun1119]

Yeah bro you need to learn libraries, and node.

[@jamescross]

Learning a popular framework for building applications helped me with getting interviews.

[@sofinagwan4085]

@@jamescross Yes, now I'm going learn React Fram work. BTW Thanks for Suggestions!!

[@summanzahid4351]

I did high school but due for some reason can't finish my degree, I just learn HTML and CSS and am on my way to learning python, is it enough to find a job, considering my background anyone, please?

[@darelbvcr687]

learning for 3months i can barely do miserable to do list, color flipper and portfolio without JS lol

[@jamescross]

Yeah. Not sure how some people pull it off.

[@darelbvcr687]

@@jamescross probably talented individuals, remembering 90% of what they've learned and getting lucky when it comes to hiring.

[@TheReactionOfficial01]

I sad because i can't do code, I go to the vocational high school in my town and I choose code for my major. But now i feel so sad and feel so bad, over 1 years I'am still can't coding😭. I have a lot of problem in my journey like lazy, lost motivation, and many more. Do you have solution for my problem ?

[@TheReactionOfficial01]

Sorry for bad english😊

[@uwotm8634]

Develop a routine, stay in shape, eat healthy, go to a doctor and get your bloodwork done to see if you have any problems. Go to a therapist if you can, and if you want to work faster take Adderall

[@christenw.1726]

Find what your 'why' is. Why do you want to code besides the paycheck? What motivates you generally in your life?

[@Ou8y2k2]

I blinked once. Ended up CEO of fApple.

[@jamescross]

🤣

[@oceanview3165]

I graduated in May 2002 with a BS in Computer Science from one of the California State Universities but I'm really struggling to get interviews since I didn't do any internship. Should I focus on Front-end or Back-end to get an entry level job faster? I am currently learning Django framework since I enjoy API development but at this point I am really frustrated. Any suggestions or thoughts would be appreciated.

[@jamescross]

Don't forget the macroeconomics aren't great right now and lots of places are holding off on hiring to see what happens, so don't take it personal. What helped me get interviews was focusing on getting good at a popular in demand framework. Might be worth doing similar and then once in the industry start looking for opportunities that really align with your interests. Not sure how things are where you live, but here lots of the larger companies use Java for backend stuff. If that's the case where you live, then might be worth spending some time with that.

[@tofahub]

Leetcode hard if you already have a CS degree. I got a job as a developer in 2018 as a developer for a big bank with a Math degree along with some CS courses and solving only 50 problems. Any decent and big company will teach you the hottest and greatest fraemwork. What they can't teach you is how to solve problems without handholding. Your time is better spent with getting good at algorithms. I have a lot of recruiters from FAANG reach out to me and currently solved close to 400 leetcode problems, recently doing onsites. Focus on leetcode and you'll level up. I know that is not what you do on the job but that is what you need to get your foot in the door

[@oceanview3165]

@@tofahub I recently started solving leetcode problems. Thank you for your input though.

[@oceanview3165]

@@jamescross I really appreciate your response. I have always been a fan of yours. I decided to learn JavaScript and React. I really hope I can learn them enough to get a job. Also what’s your take on Meta front end certificate ?

[@jamescross]

@Ocean View I haven't really looked into it, so won't speculate on the course. My generalized opinions of certificates is that most don't carry much weight. If the cert is received upon passing a recognized test like some of those for java, that could have some value. If it's just a certification of completion, then not so much since there's no way to know how much some did vs just skimming the course or copy pasting.

[@shogu728]

Been trying to learn front end for about a year now and yea, definitely don't see how some people land those jobs without an extreme amount of luck. Hell right now I'd be happy if I get a job offering enough to just support my family so my wife can stay at home and I make all the money which is where my issue is. It's also super frustrating seeing all these posting about "junior entry level" positions requiring 3-5 years xp (also found one requiring 8-10 years WTF.jpg) and I got a callback yesterday about one I applied to and got asked "How much xp do you have with angular?". I said "None, but I do have about a year's xp with react." He came back with "1 year? Oh that's much too low..." I'm like dude, I'm trying to get my first job how the hell am I supposed to bring all this xp to the table if every entry level job needs years of xp??? I really don't known what to do when I'm already trying to balance 50+hours at my current job, a wife and 2 kids, and trying to to change careers all together...

[@jamescross]

That takes a lot of perseverance to juggle all that. Job listings can be all over the place. I remember seeing listings asking for 5 years experience with Angular when it had only been out like 2 years. A lot of times the listings are written by hr who may just be copying and pasting or rewriting someone else listing without being up on stuff. Best wishes!

[@cjsport1254]

@@jamescross Yes I’ve seen job postings about blockchain which is really nascent and they want 10 years of that even. Lol.

[@cjsport1254]

@LordShogu I TOTALLY feel your pain. The reality is that NOOne is actually good enough for a dev job after only 6 months unless you are just a memory savant. And that is actually being phased out by AI. I would say you’re on the right track from my experience. Give yourself a couple years just stick to what you’re doing. You’ll find a lane. The hard part is not to give up.

[@pranavpillai7778]

Do you think an arts degree is useless?

[@sqwert654]

Yes.

[@jamescross]

In a lot of cases, you almost have to go all the way to a phd and try for a professorship. You gotta ask yourself if all that school and tuition is worth the pay?

[@pranavpillai7778]

@@jamescross Honestly, the university professorship is a one-way ticket to adjunct hell. Liberal arts in its own right is not really worthwhile. But adding a minor, certification, or graduate degree in a marketable field as you did helps a lot. Getting into banking, IT, finance, etc. Also, there are government jobs that just require a BA and don't care which one.

[@pranavpillai7778]

@@jamescross I am going to law school.

[@pranavpillai7778]

@@sqwert654 Why do you say that?