From 2.8 GPA to Netflix Senior Software Engineer | Dev Stories

Hey everyone, welcome to episode 4 of my new series where I interview software engineers with unique stories. In this video, I interviewed Victor Anyirah who talks about his journey into tech. I hope you enjoy this video!
Connect with Victor
Victor’s Twitter: / cinematic_dev
Victor KZbin: / @cinematicengineer5764
Victor's Linkedin: / victor-anyirah-19b95156
LET'S BE FRIENDS (IG)
/ bukola.dev
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BUSINESS INQUIRIES
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📒Timestamps📒
0:00 - Introduction
0:45 - Growing up and journey to studying CS
2:09 - Journey To Changing To CS Degree
4:15 - Choosing Not To Focus on GPA
6:30 - Interview Tips
8:24 - Experience Working At Netflix
9:40 - Being Black In Tech
10:58 - Long term goals
#devstories

[@Bukola1]

Welcome back, I hope you enjoy episode 4 of the Dev Stories series! If you want to learn more about Victor, please checkout the links below. Victor’s Twitter: twitter.com/cinematic_dev Victor KZbin: kzbin.info/door/lJ_5IM_-bzra7Ms57xcPOg Victor's Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/victor-anyirah-19b95156/

[@stevensong8784]

don't mind if I do. as a cinephile and cs major i am hooked.

[@wisdomochei7750]

Incredibly inspiring videos you have here 🙂.. I'm a Nigerian teen that's aspiring to be a computer programmer /robotics engr and seeing my fellow Nigerians doing stuff like this is really dope 😎

[@jemschaudhary5922]

Great video. Very much needed. Thanks to channel owner and Victor 😇

[@devsol9]

This is a great story! I came out of undergrad with a 2.9 GPA, I'm a Lead DevOps Engineer now. A GPA does not define your intelligence.

[@faaizahetc]

yas!

[@MindMaze644]

Hi, I would love to connect. I’m a DevOps Engineer looking for opportunities

[@jdkingsley6543]

Eh, but it does say alot about other things, all in all good job.

[@jangalang_jangalang617]

Totally agree. I came out 2.7. Also Sr developer. Non tech classes weigh us back as we know it semi waste of time 🤣🤣🤣

[@setsura7]

I didnt really care about gpa at all, just meet the minimum to get the degree, need to spend time on something more interesting to deep dive.

[@Bielocke]

As someone who just got an offer from one of the biggest software developing companies in the world without a degree, people like Victor inspired me so much on my journey. Just know IT IS possible.

[@narayani2997]

Hi ! I am dr currently looking to switch from medicine to software engineering. Can you plz help me on how you achieved it.

[@meechiemishae4642]

Congratulations!! Show up and show out! Often times people try to define your value by your "credentials," but skill and solid work ethic will win every time!!

[@ohwell7344]

Congratulations to you 👏🏿 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 all the best in your new position. Man I can't wait til this becomes my story too. One step at a time

[@KaizorianEmpire]

you think you are Punny ;) IT is possible lool.

[@Bielocke]

@@narayani2997 Hello! Sorry for the late reply. Everyone's journey will be different. For starters, find what you are passionate about, and see how you can apply that to software engineering. Next, find out what technologies you need to achieve that, and starting putting hours daily into it. Consistency is key. If you want somewhere to start, I high recommend CS50 course, you can enroll for free and it's a fantastic introduction into Computer Science.

[@efe9659]

This dude is legit me. Nigerian, wanted to be a doctor, same college GPA, got inspired by The Social Network movie, and now a software engineer. What the heck?

[@quickcrypto3689]

Are you 🌈 as well 🤦🏿

[@efe9659]

@@quickcrypto3689 nope. But that’s unnecessary, get help

[@quickcrypto3689]

@@efe9659 you're the one that's going to need the help if you're not LGBT have a great day anyway

[@efe9659]

@@quickcrypto3689 why am I going to need help?

[@ElikemTheTuner]

@@efe9659 just ignore him/her

[@obayedrahman6666]

Also graduated with a 2.8 and now making above six figures and own two businesses. Things will always work out if you stay strong and put in the work.

[@atm8333]

Can i ask what are your businesses about if you don't mind

[@ayuubali1054]

Alhamdullilah

[@SheriKokoButter]

I love your channel so much Bukola. You’re doing a lot for the black community and you don’t even know it! Giving us all these insights and having interesting people like Victor and others talk about their career journeys is invaluable! You have inspired me to start my own journey ❤️❤️

[@OhNelleYeah]

Agreed. I love this channel and this series. So well done and inspiring.

[@Bukola1]

Aww thank you, I really appreciate that ❤️❤️

[@wisdomudo8269]

Awesome series...

[@westernpigeon]

hey not just the black community. i’m a latino and i love the minority representation.

[@An-Engineered-Journey]

I was a college drop out making minimum wage selling cars, got inspired by Silicon Valley and the social network and hated my job, quit my job with no plan, re enrolled in college and today I am a senior dev.

[@hestonvaughan1469]

But how did you live with no money for 4 years.

[@scoot5642]

yea bro. don’t leave us hanging

[@galedribble9535]

Inspirational story bro. I just re-enrolled myself. Classes start in a week!!!

[@An-Engineered-Journey]

@@galedribble9535 just keep at it no matter how hard classes get, it’s a lot of work but it’s really worth it, small sacrifice for a prospering career

[@An-Engineered-Journey]

@@scoot5642 I worked full time as a banker while going to school full time, it was a grind

[@BranchIntoDev]

I graduated with a 2.76 GPA and am a upper-mid level engineer after one year. I took the same route as you and did 4 internships in my undergrad and got 6 job offers immediately after I graduated! Congratulations on your current and future successes.

[@goosebumpmoments8432]

Quick question sir: What do employers prefer in engineers? What skills do I need to build. I'm a computer engineering undergrad in my sophomore year.

[@marksolvent3259]

How do you get an internship

[@BranchIntoDev]

@@marksolvent3259 Just have to apply and be confident in whatever the requested requirements are. Make sure you are prepped for the technical interview and do some practice ones with friends before the real one and treat it very seriously. After that, just do your best to correct anything that you might not have known in the mock interviews and apply it in the real ones

[@BranchIntoDev]

@@SarahMahmoud365 Considering I can take a web app from ground to completion in a matter of days I’d disagree. I also know 7+ programming languages fluently and can work with any framework. I just didn’t care about homework or school.

[@dhruvbhatia5737]

Does college matter?

[@gabrielfono844]

I remembered in 2019 when I watched your first video where you were teaching yourself. I took a decision to teach myself coding. It took me 2 years from the time I started to the time a get a job. I work as full stack engineer here in Seattle waghinston. I am very happy. This is just a new journey for me. As black guys from cameroon who've been in the usa in 2017 and now work as software engineer is a very big progress. Thanks

[@ricky_4942]

That's a great achievement. I'm very proud of you.

[@janellec_mcdaniel-life_lov6413]

That is great! When you started What did you start with ?

[@tigoni04077]

Congratulations boss I'm in Issaquah. Career change from healthcare to IT. Kindly reply I would like you contacts.

[@gabrielfono844]

@@tigoni04077 hey Wassup

[@Chukoki]

I graduated with a 2.5 GPA and felt so hopeless. Hearing stories like this really helped me get back on my feet, last week I completed a job interview and it went very well! I'm hoping I'll get a job offer soon

[@rafeeqm]

You'll get it!

[@e4anyi872]

DID U GET IT. PLS TELL US U DID :))

[@alexa6260]

Update?

[@mystory3998]

Update

[@Chukoki]

@@mystory3998 Unfortunately I did not get the job but I'm interviewing with another great company tomorrow!!

[@CindyAlexius]

Another stellar video Bukola, thanks! He said something amazing I'm hoping everyone remembers. Know your value and worth when it comes to being the Only one in this space. We earned our right just like everyone else to occupy those seats in tech. We studied hard, learned how to solve problems, and add value. Never short change yourself when you're negotiating. You deserve north of $200K just like everyone else - assuming they understand how to ask for what they want too, lol. Thanks again little sis! Blessing great people!

[@abbeysnails]

This is great! Your GPA won't stop you from getting that job. GPA shouldn't measure your skills, drive, or knowledge. I'm shocked jobs still require a GPA.

[@ben4906]

My imposter syndrome started with my gpa. It took me longer to complete my studies but I didn’t quit. I ended up seeking my own paid internship opportunities and later FTE. And out of all the years in tech I was only asked about it once. College felt like a gate keeper when it really isn’t. Experience is king.

[@glamglam8347]

as a 2.5 student its really trash when people would treat you like you were dumber bc you didn't work yourself to the bone for an A especially since these colleges don't teach. they just rush you through content so im glad im not the only one who uses the "just pass" for college mindset while working on outside projects

[@rizkifernando1975]

Those GPA requirements probably just to make the filtering process easier for HR.

[@Will-ui5gg]

@@rizkifernando1975 strongly agree

[@edb484]

Most millionaires have under a 3.0 GPA, it’s so overrated

[@TayoAinaFilms]

Love your channel and the Dev Series is Awesomeeeee! Also love your filming and storytelling 🙌

[@Bukola1]

Omg 😱 I can’t believe you commented! I love your channel ❤️❤️

[@chiedzam146]

When my faves watch each other's channels. 😍😍😍

[@wisdomochei7750]

@Tayo Aina always showing up on almost all my fav you tubers comment section 😅... I love both of your content 🤩🤩

[@muhammadhabiburrehman2939]

Do this guy have tiktok account???

[@sanaartandcraft6986]

Am also same as you are with GPA 3.8 and am also interested in developing and programming can share instagram link

[@rex-e5966]

This guy's work ethic and determination is crazy.

[@natanguillen8532]

What a blessing to have a yt channel like Bukola's. Im truly honored that yt suggested me your videos. Bukola thank you so much for your effort. I'm a latino living in the Philippines and I'm in grade 11. 3 months ago I decided I wanted to learn to code, so I took the freeCodeCamp responsive design certificate and I'm about to finish it. Again thank you so much because your content has definitely show me a really good starter plan for my future. I thank God for your life. Also, I implemented the Atomic habits and Slight Edge techniques and that is how I have been able to consistently learn to code while maintaining a 94 avg in school. Btw, you are also ver pretty😜.

[@realballer6106]

Wow the timing of this video, cause this CS degree is not easy 😅

[@RyanCanty1975]

Yet another fantastic interview in this series, Bukola! This is definitely a video I needed to see! Keep doing these and Victor is so inspiring!

[@jeremiahtabb7591]

Awesome production values in this video! The setting, the content of what he said, his expressions, body language, and his narration of his journey was inspiring and educational. He had a natural look of self confidence without over-doing it that only could have been born of years of honing his craft. It took him the person and the producer of this video to bring all of this out. Thanks to both of you for making this and showing it - you all have definitely inspired me.

[@pabloj1336]

I really love these uplifting stories!!! I was one of the only Latinos in my Engineering program and now at work and can definitely resonate with this.

[@JD-zw5os]

This was a brilliant interview - what was said i.e. his journey, how he switched & studied and particularly not waiting to get that particular goal then to enjoy life 👏🏾👏🏾

[@mikekilgore2618]

Victor sounds super smart and motivated. It’s no wonder he’s a lead engineer. When he talks about his own journey, it’s full of wisdom and is well articulated. I think he has a talent for inspiring passion in others. The engineers on his team are lucky to work with him!

[@Geomyfighter]

Haha went to College with Victor, super awesome dude and so glad to see him on your channel!

[@arnolddperez]

I also had the mentality of doing the bare minimum in my classes and instead focused on projects. This was definitely an adjustment because during my first degree, grades were everything. I quickly realized that learning different technologies and programming languages outside of school would be far more beneficial than getting perfect scores in classes such as discrete math. It all worked out in the end. 😊

[@natriac.6092]

I am so thankful for these interviews. They give me motivation !!! 💪

[@sbstorage95]

Thank you so much for sharing this 😀 I’m also a pre-med turned SWE, and this was inspiring

[@meetthereqs]

These dev stories are exceptional. Thanks @Bukola!

[@15wendyxo]

As someone who almost failed out of college, this gives me hope. I love this so much. Thanks so much for sharing!❤️❤️❤️

[@MM-xe5sv]

This series everything 😭😭😭😭 Thank you so much Bukola

[@ashleythompson2652]

Yes needed to hear this oftentimes we are afraid to take that leap to negotiate in tech. We gotta believe in our sauce. There’s a reason we were offered the job. ✊🏾 Great vid

[@josephthecreator]

Just graduated this week with my A.S. Starting my B.S. in computer science NEXT month and this video was right on time! Thank you Bukola.

[@destinyking84]

I appreciate these stories. They are very inspirational. Thanks a lot Bukola.

[@vyvooz]

Great, insightful video! This deserves more views - the production and content quality are through the roof!

[@lefxxwill7740]

Incredible Video! Victor is so encouraging and inspiring! Thanks so much for conducting this interview

[@irrelevanceuk]

Love these stories. Motivating, heartwarming and about time! ❤️

[@mohamethseck]

THIS is the video I needed. 💯 My favorite one for sure! You're killing it with these videos btw🔥

[@divaari6223]

omg this is soo good. love what you are doing Bukola. This guy is awesome, so happy and positive

[@percyjacks8170]

Absolutely loving this series! Its very inspiring and motivating to see people like me in these positions.

[@millertime6]

Always good to see people who have passions beyond just getting hired. Super inspiring.

[@mmdlite127]

The video and editing quality is stellar!! Would love to follow back up with him later to talk about balancing burnout/ mental health in a cutthroat work environment like Netflix

[@andreamorgan3573]

Great interview 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 - I love how he speaks about building self confidence and apply lessons learned to various aspects of one’s life

[@jirayunakplien4595]

I love these kind of stories please keep doing more of these. They give me so much encouragement to become a developer.

[@priscillamukiibi3334]

I love the way these interviews are filmed

[@akin242002]

This is a great story. Sometimes it takes time to find your true passion, even if it goes against your upbringing. It also helps that his passion pays well after 2 years of experience.

[@420_gunna]

I had my first job as a Software Engineer out of a Bootcamp sitting next to Victor at Bird, prior to his joining Netflix! He kicks ass and is a cool dude -- the penny board is iconic.

[@briansanchez9663]

can bootcamp grads get good paying jobs and better as their caree contunies??? im really interested in joinin one

[@420_gunna]

@@briansanchez9663 They absolutely can! There are many senior/staff+ engineers at every company that I've worked at that didn't receive computer science degrees at university. Whether you learn through a bootcamp or on your own, what matters is that you know your stuff.

[@420_gunna]

A computer science degree itself won't teach you everything "you need" to be a software engineer, either. Every job that you get, you'll have to be learning new things on the go. There are a lot of resources out there, free and $, to learn about coding and software engineering. Some are bad, and some are pretty good.

[@joann4369]

That point about memorising questions is soooo true, but it’s so hard to not be tempted to memorise bc some company questions are so well known it’s hard to not want to at least know the code

[@prospere001]

Episode très inspirant ... Comme d'habitude. Merci de partager ces profils avec nous @Bukola !

[@onijohn7272]

Wow, Victor’s story is very inspirational for me. Thank you for putting this out here.

[@chelsealyons6496]

Bukola!! You always come through with the content. You're so dope.

[@kolivanz6305]

I love this series because I think it's really important to show that you can literally come from things like a 1.8 GPA, no college, no money, no nothing and come out on top

[@biggieshorty]

Your journalism is so wonderful and appreciated. The level of career development knowledge provided here is priceless.

[@emmarosscyubahiro5943]

Thanks so much, Victor for your advice, I appreciate it, I live in Germany and I have been working for a German company for the last 2 years and I am the only black software engineer in the whole company. I must say that the first year was not good at all for me and some people here could not even believe that a black person can program. I had to learn the German language so that I can be able to communicate with my colleagues because some did not even want to speak English to me but I never gave up and still worked hard.

[@forthehomies7043]

You guys are super inspiring and humble and chill, I love these vids

[@TheFern2]

I love these channel and series. One thing that caught my attention was how society wants us to be something from early age. All I ever heard was doctor, cop, fireman, engineering, etc, but man there are thousands of professions. And sometimes our true passion is never found. Luckily he found his, but just imagine how much greatness we're missing by pushing people to other fields not meant to be.

[@tobago528]

I had a hard college experience. I studied chemical engineering with the hopes that it would lead to a biomedical engineering career (that's what my advisors told me). As a result my gpa at the end of my undergrad year was a solid 2.8. I was kicked from my honors program and shame set in. But during that time I learned about web development and programming. I took every tutorial I could find. I made apps, games, Arduino projects, WebApps and more. I even got into a boot camp last year. After alot of trial and tribulation and finding a mentor I have now just accepted a position as a SWE. I am glad you shared this story Bukola, it gives more representation to those who think they can't make it because they didn't hit a particular mark

[@jangalang_jangalang617]

This is amazing. As a fellow CS student and Sr developer i agree with the GPA aspect. I realized just mentally being able solve complex issues or think outside box makes us shine once given opportunity.

[@niquesphoenix528]

Thank you a lot for this. I recently switched my majors to cyber security and I have less than two years left to graduate. I enjoyed his life experience especially coming from nigeria.

[@ClassyCoder]

This is so important! Thank you for doing this! 💕

[@dlucas527]

That was lovely. I loved his vibe. Being a creator and building things and not knowing how it will turn out in the end myself is both scary and fulfilling at the same time. I enjoy this channel and the people we get to meet. Very cool. Kudos to you both. I will see you when I get there. Or who knows right. I may create my own. I decided to vlog my journey. So, best to you both.

[@DWinn7]

Thank you for this series! I’m sharing with my network. It’s important to see black experiences in the tech industry because it can give the younger generation hope!

[@25BDominique2021]

I love this channel! Like it literally fuels me.

[@ianno3]

Ok man from the VERY beginning of your story it sounds like you’re extraordinary. Hardly anyone reaches out and shows up just for curiosity’s sake. Good stuff, wish I had that attitude earlier in life

[@arcjaytechgaming1677]

This story was powerful. I was too a med student before switching both my school and major to get my BS in Computer Science. Building things with my has always been my passion and dissecting electronics to see what makes them tick. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@MapleJokerRofl]

I'm not a programmer but I love your channel!

[@RafaelToscano]

Very nice video! I imagine it is not only inspiring for new devs, but for older folks like myself. It gives another perspective and inspire to do more and focus on right things. Very nice! I'm glad that KZbin recommended me your channel today.

[@coconutjuice7777777]

Very inspiring. Love the evolution of the channel.

[@TheS65]

Excellent content! Great presentation, easy to listen to speaking voice. As an African American programmer myself, it’s great to see the progression into the programming space. Subscribed!

[@ctrlmario]

Love this one! Thank you for producing this!

[@beingamo4]

Wow I really teared up listening to his story because I share a similar story. I am so happy for him succeeding and the fact that he is so encouraging and helping us with tips

[@Ivylaismusic]

That was so good Bukola, well done for making this happen. Soon you’re gonna be a Senior too and we are rooting for you 💁🏽‍♀️

[@johjo26]

Stumbled upon this video and smiled while watching the whole time! Lovely story and lovely young man!

[@nadxhielijuarez7844]

Love and appreciate this so much my GPA is probably going to drop down from like a 3.0 to a 2.9 this semester and I get caught up in tying in my value as a candidate to it a lot. Definitely really inspiring.

[@ruthyv1311]

The intro statement. So true. I keep telling myself that I belong in the room and I have value even though I drastically stand out

[@pedro.zurita]

Love your content....awesome production quality. Editing is great, content is great, camera work is great...very enjoyable overall. 👌

[@IbnWahab]

Love this session in particular. Very helpful and educative....straight to the chase. Thanks for putting this together

[@chiikaflor1489]

Needed this 💗 thank you both

[@ismailgarba7696]

Good talk, very frank and honest takes. Absolutely love it.You just bumped up my confidence level, still new at the whole dev thing, it but I'll get there. Thanks for this @Bukola

[@badgalfifi]

This guy is awesome! Such an inspiring story.

[@babalolalebi1144]

No Science or IT degree but currently a senior Devops Engineer. Keep inspiring!

[@omas1154]

Brother he said he did a computer science degree…

[@bringbackdislikes3195]

@@omas1154 Brother he wasn't talking about the guy in the video, he was talking about his situation.

[@tyradina]

Just found your channel! Really gives me hope for my future in computer science! Thank you!

[@connectu2africa155]

I’m also currently pursuing development and programming in college but before I signed up I have been playing with python for months and this new series is showing me all the possibilities. Sometimes you feel you are not good enough to excel but I won’t give up thank you for the effort you put in your videos

[@Gmkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk]

I must say the guy's story is really inspiring for me. I respect that is GPA did not serve as a setback for him.

[@emmanuelogbewe2334]

This is awesome! Crazy thing I watched “The social network” and that’s what got me to start programming in college as well lol.

[@leothalion3983]

This really help me land a job with Microsoft! Thank you for the story and for helping us all!

[@14thchief91]

This is very inspiring. It's like a more complete version of my current story.

[@siddheshswnt]

His journey is inspiring and at the same time humbling

[@joselivingroom5951]

This guy was super awesome. Thank you for this!

[@bright123321]

Just stumbled across this series. Love the representation. Keep em coming!

[@DefinitelyAFakePage]

I’m on the start of my UX journey. I recently graduated an online program and got my resume and cover letter together. Out of nowhere I start seeing a bunch of black people who made it the tech industry in my algorithm. At first I felt alone but now I don’t.

[@k.h7180]

Hey I’m on my UX / UI journey too and have the same sentiments. I love seeing more diversity and specifically black people like ourselves breaking into spaces like tech. Do you have a LinkedIn and which online program did you graduate from?

[@maritsaduarte5986]

Love this series! Fav youtube channel🙌🏼

[@604pmei]

That's right, you deserve to be there because you worked hard for it and your great at what you do.

[@brilarue30]

Disappointment! so relatable omg 😂 my Haitian family thinks I’m lost essentially, I started in nursing then switched to biotech, and that was really a compromise for staying in the medical field for them but trying something new for me, and now I’m in computer science hopefully omw to cybersecurity. Great video!

[@EmmanuelUdoiwod]

This is really great and motivating. Keep soaring higher Victor

[@johnn992]

This is so much inspiring to be more of a software engineer..

[@abrahamb6571]

Love this series! Very motivational 💯

[@fifitau6274]

I absolutely love these as an aspiring developer with out a degree it’s just so I’m powering. That we can. Also the video content is so crisp 💕💕💕 Thank you

[@AetherCS2]

I was looking for videos on staying motivated and this video popped up. It was very inspiring because I also changed my major around two years in to cs. I feel behind because I'm barely going to finish up my pre-reqs so I can apply to schools as a transfer. I see old classmates from high school getting into Masters programs and I'm just like damn I'm still at a community college. It sucks because I have to keep my gpa up so I can get into good schools, but I see why it would make more sense to focus on your personal projects outside of school. Best of luck with your future ventures man

[@TheFlexXMLG]

Very well said, I needed this. Thank you!

[@jonathanselby7585]

I really connect to this episode cause I'm an engineer in this industry and was afraid to negotiate my offers. I love this interview series you have conducted.

[@PoojaDutt]

Love this! And totally agree - GPA is something you can prioritize, but it isn’t necessarily important to work in the tech industry. Having valuable experience, Projects, Internships etc are waaay more important imo . Great video! 😀

[@dozzyukah7454]

Love ur channel, hoping to see more of these. Thanks, someday maybe I will be a tech star you and Victor in 9ja. 🤞