How I became a Software Engineer | No degree | No bootcamp

In this video I share my journey to becoming a software engineer. From my early interest in technology to my formal education and work experience, I discuss the steps I took to develop my skills and pursue a career in this field. I also share some of the challenges and obstacles I faced along the way and offer advice for others who may be interested in becoming a software engineer. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, this video is for you. - ChatGPT
Don't forget to like and subscribe, it's free! :)
Merry Christmas and a happy new year!
Learning resources I enjoyed:
(somewhat ordered by difficulty)
sololearn.com
freecodecamp.org
W3schools.com
codeacademy.com
Hackerrank.com
Leetcode.com
---
My website: b-r.io/
My gear: b-r.io/gear/
GitHub: github.com/BrianRuizy
IG: / brianruizy
LinkedIn: / brianruizy
0:00 - Intro
1:17 - Early Interest in technology
1:59 - Formal education
2:42 - My thoughts on school
3:21 - Personal projects and hobbies
4:33 - Challenges and obstacles
5:30 - Advice for newcomers
6:14 - Conclusion
---
For those interested in checking out the AZIO keyboard. Here is the link: www.aziocorp.com/pages/cascad...

[@TheP0sitiveMinds]

I think 3 years in university is enough time to learn and become a software engineer, you may not have finished your degree, but you learned more about software engineering at university... I love your desk setup, clean and simple.

[@brianruizy]

Yeah agreed, around three years you can definitely learn enough to get a job. Case in point. Thanks for watching :)

[@DanielRodriguez-si3wd]

It depends. I am a computer engineer and I can tell you that 90% of the things I was taught at university did not help me get a job. I don't know about the United States, but at least in Mexico most university degrees are 20 years behind the needs of the industry or have nothing to do with the needs of the industry.

[@lliselsolis4456]

Impressive! Keep going young man. Love seeing Latinos thrive in tech! And you’re so neat and organized!

[@brianruizy]

I appreciate that! More content to come :)

[@ajiteshsharma9840]

I'm so excited to see how this channel grows, keep it up, Brian!

[@brianruizy]

Glad you think that 😊. Thanks for watching!

[@caotichcuc]

I also started my programming career by teaching myself, and I actually got a full-time job at 17. This is a video that reminds me of that time. Thank you !

[@igor9aneves97]

what was your first step i'm starting with programming logic can you help me?

[@mandeqabukar3854]

I am also 18 and I am learning but I like hearing people like you since they walk the path without college degrees or bootcamps

[@davidniiarmah6327]

How did you get your first job

[@davidniiarmah6327]

Because it hasn’t been easy for me

[@caotichcuc]

To be honest, I also have luck, I taught myself programming since I was 15 years old, then I invited a start-up business to make a website to introduce them and later an e-commerce site, that is. My first project. After about a year, I always persisted in improving myself and applied in many places. I finally got an interview invitation. In addition to talking about the technical stuff I told about my journey and they were very impressed. I was not productive at first but my colleagues helped me a lot and after 3 months working there I got a full-fledged job. My journey is nothing special but I want to convey this positive energy to you guys

[@tracy_cakkes]

Thank you for saying that there’s nothing wrong with college. All these tech KZbinrs like to hate on college but they themselves did go to college. I think it depends on u and ur situation but my cs program has helped me learn a lot, network, and gain opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise. Personally, I procrastinate too much to learn on my own. Imposter syndrome is also very real in this field. Just subbed 👍🏻

[@askwhy4243]

Love the videos, keep up the good advice and work. I highly agree highlighting projects and passions that show your initiative of learning will go a long way to excel in interviews. Love all the way from Romania!

[@emmanueldada6412]

Really Happy to see you continuing with your videos in this career field. Thanks for your insight & I Hope to see more! Enjoy the holidays! 😁

[@brianruizy]

Happy to hear that, Emmanuel 😁. Thanks for watching!

[@maysunktong7612]

Dude, you get my sub! the editing, the desk setup, the content = 🔥✨

[@brianruizy]

Thanks for the sub!! 💙 Don't miss the new video :)

[@techmentormaria]

Thank you for sharing, super inspiring! I am self taught and similar to you, always used personal projects to grow my skills. Thanks for encouraging more people to do the same!

[@brianruizy]

😊 Thank you for watching! Yup, though of course you can get by without personal projects (I.e. grind Leetcode), I feel they are essential for self taught people and you can create some cool stuff! Oh and good luck on your own YT journey🙌

[@nguhelon7015]

Thank you so much man. I do love your content, really want to see more of these!!!!!!

[@brianruizy]

Thank you for watching ! 😁 and for sticking with me and the content 🙌

[@marioferreyra7543]

Another great video, thank you for share all you experience!! Keep working, your doing good and making your family proud of you

[@brianruizy]

Thank you for the continued support :)

[@jesseprince-fraser8667]

didnt realise you was self-taught! i'm going on the same journey myself! keep up the good work excited to see where this channel goes Brian!

[@brianruizy]

Thanks, Jesse! Best of luck on your own journey! 🤞

[@martinmendez6205]

Man, you have a new follower! You seem to be authentic to me! Thank you for being like that.

[@user-yv5zl4rq3o]

I've seen your video many times, and that's the life I want. I'm a freshman in the college of the electrical engineering. A bit of frustration…lol, but I still work hard to overcome. Thank you!

[@brianruizy]

Yeah, it wasn't easy for me either. Good luck! hope you can reach your goal

[@ethanmccloy7999]

Such a great vid. Keep up the good work and you should definitely continue to make video's as it inspires so many people. Also enjoy the holidays.

[@brianruizy]

Love to hear it it! Thanks, Ethan.

[@luther9828]

that was so helpful to me I really appreciate you sharing those details about your career, and I wish you all the best.

[@brianruizy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MohamedAhmed-tt2nz]

Thanks for letting us know about your journey !!

[@brianruizy]

Thanks for watching Mohamed 🙌

[@CallMeMilenko]

I'm 32 and just now learning Python as my first programming language. I knew when I was 16 that I wanted to be a programmer, but I was also good with repairs and troubleshooting hardware. So I got hired as an IT Specialist and just didn't really think about programming as much. Now I'm ready to tackle it since it was my dream job and of course for the pay lol. Having an early interest in tech really sticks with you in the long run. The earliest I can remember was getting a VTech Power 2000 for christmas when I was 10. Besides video games, most of my toys were vtech laptops and desktops lol.

[@brianruizy]

Hope you can achieve it 🙏😊

[@SoloYoloMK]

Hi Brian! I am impressed with the quality of your viedos and how quickly your channel is growing! Best regards from Poland and good luck!

[@brianruizy]

Im really happy with all the feedback and support including yours! 🇵🇱 Poland has some really talented devs. Have met with a couple from open source

[@mrhJhay]

I'm currently studying Software engineering and I've got to say. Its videos like yours that help me keep up the passion... cos I believe aside the interest one develops it's also key to be constantly learning and evolving ones' skills as well as constantly looking out for opportunities...

[@brianruizy]

Yeah I agree with that! Never stop learning 🙌

[@mrhJhay]

@@brianruizy 💯

[@johnnyshish5874]

Merry Christmas, Brian, I like your videos

[@brianruizy]

Thanks, and merry Christmas to you!! 🎄

[@rimouks]

This is very inspiring. I'm trying to do the Odin Project while graduating with an unrelated degree this Spring and hope I can find an opportunity in tech afterwards. Thank you for the video

[@brianruizy]

Oh! I think i've heard of it. Hope it works out for you! Just curious, why didn't you do a degree along the lines of Comp. Sci?

[@rimouks]

@@brianruizy Hi Brian, I actually sent you a message on Instagram if you have time to chat!

[@bharatgarasiya582]

Hey man, I'm currently pursuing my masters degree in computer Application and really tensed about my placement but I will definitely try the 15-20 min. Coding daily. Such a informative video

[@brianruizy]

Very cool. Best of luck with your studies! Happy to hear some of these tips were helpful for you. Will for sure be doing more informative content. Don't miss the new vlog 🆕 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaS7YXVsqMySeLM

[@figuera740]

Excellent video and great editing skills. Keep creating this great content. Regards from Finland

[@brianruizy]

Thanks, Luis! Love to hear that there are viewers from all over!! 🇫🇮

[@francocarreras9555]

Happy holidays, i like the video as always!!

[@brianruizy]

Thanks Franco!! ✌️🎄

[@johnyha9236]

You should keep making yt videos, your videos have a nice aesthetic and i am sure ur vids have alr inspired other beginners who are looking to get in the field.

[@brianruizy]

Thanks for the feedback, Johny 😊 Yup, but honestly content creating is hard while working full time! We’ll see what happens 🤷‍♂️

[@brian_akhtar]

LOLLL the fact that you literally put the script outline built my ChatGPT in the beginning and then actually did it is legendary. Respect and subbed

[@brianruizy]

😅 thanks for the sub! Welcome aboard

[@kd2137]

Thank you brother, great video! Your camera is perfect! What camera are you using? Also, I see your confidence growing with each video! 🙌

[@brianruizy]

Thanks for the nice comment, and for dropping by again!😊 Using the Nikon Z6 (check out the rest of my gear here b-r.io/gear/ )

[@chandramccray3610]

Thank you! I plan to share this with my daughter.

[@brianruizy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alvinsanchez1674]

Just came across your page, love the video aesthetic and edits!

[@brianruizy]

Glad you like them! 😅 welcome aboard

[@hante.]

Really love the vibes, cheers from Paris ♥️

[@brianruizy]

Awesome, love to hear of all the cities 🇫🇷. Thanks for tuning in

[@MaiElizabeth]

That “Dynamic Island notification animation” is so genius. I hope you can teach us how you do it so we can try figure out in our own videos. I love those ‘Apple vibe’.

[@SamtheSWE]

Great content and love the aesthetic. Instant sub

[@brianruizy]

Much appreciated!

[@theprst]

i am learning programmimg around 10-12 month and i solved more than 100 problems in codeforces and i proud of this result😊

[@1drezin]

No way, you read my mind whit this video, im Brazilian and i have a project but i dont speak English and dont no program, i litle bit js Sucess my friend keep calm and continue run for your dreams

[@brianruizy]

Obrigado🙏

[@zach.intech]

I got my associates in Computer Science and guess what I couldn’t build a decent app for my projects. What really helped me is build a project based learning curriculum that not only teaches you the fundamentals, but actually helps you build and solve complex problems along the way. We learn by doing and that’s exactly what software engineering is all about.

[@brianruizy]

I’m with you 100%. I think project based learning is a great approach 👌

[@_KOANS]

Great insight, and also great video. Very high quality. I'm currently going through a bootcamp myself, I have no coding experience at all. I'm in the bootcamp with a lot of folks who have bachelors in computer science, still in a bootcamp looking for a job, which is crazy to me. College will help, but isn't a necessity. Also, what kind of pour over coffee machine is that?

[@brianruizy]

I’ve seen that myself from peers too, and it’s unfortunate, but with enough effort and a bit of luck, you can definitely land a job you want. Best of luck finishing your bootcamp 🤞. Oh and the brand is Fellow 😅

[@thequang9234]

Keep up the great work ! i took a lot of inspo on your blog to built one my own :)

[@brianruizy]

Oh cool! Which blog exactly?

[@hacilayoub4766]

You are great bro thanx four your motivation you're amazing 👏

[@brianruizy]

Thank you so much 😀, stay tuned for more content!

[@satyasaisitaramarajuvegesn216]

Hi bro long time no see Happy to see you again

[@brianruizy]

Hey! thanks for coming back 😅

[@latte5937]

I really like the look of your desk in your videos. Could you please share what brand it is and where you got it from? Thank you!

[@KQuispe]

The goat is back!

[@brianruizy]

😎 Thanks for coming back to the channel, bro!

[@robertmiranda1618]

Keep it up!!!🐐

[@Million0]

Im currently learning the basics of Java script in High school, and just out of curiosity do you think python or java would be better to learn for more possible job opportunities in the future? Thanks

[@Nigamadhikari]

Merry Christmas 💕⛄!!!

[@brianruizy]

Same to you!

[@muhamad9264]

Why I so love your video??❤

[@brianruizy]

That’s good 😊

[@hayych]

I think it depend on a individuals circumstance. For instants, myself. I am studying Psychology at degree level in order to persue a career abroard which requires a degree as an essential requirement.

[@brianruizy]

Exactly! It truly depends on one’s goals. But SWE for sure is more flexible

[@davidtrueheroakad-true8318]

Awesome bro just finished some certifications but I got no degree I’m in the hunt of trying to land a job like you bro 👌

[@brianruizy]

Best of luck! 🤞

[@nikitaaleksandrovichlutsai1130]

Brian, you're really inspiring example to follow in this sector! Thank you very much for this quality videos! Can you also, please make a video of a Languages/frameworks you learned from the beginning of your career? And if you would learn from the beginning. What would you change? Thanks a lot in advance and hope best for you!

[@brianruizy]

Hey Nikita! Glad you enjoyed. Thank you for watching and taking the time to drop some feedback. I'll definitely be doing more tips and informative content. Btw don't miss the new vlog 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaS7YXVsqMySeLM

[@kanavchopra7333]

Please make a detailder video on how you prepared for interview and cleared it. It would great help for freshers like us.

[@brianruizy]

yeah, great idea, technical interview prep is a whole different beast!

[@Local-lo3vo]

Hi, can you share a bit more about how you self-taught programming? This is a brief yet thoughtful video, thank you for sharing

[@brianruizy]

Sure I can talk more on that in the future. I didn’t really create systems for learnings, just used free online resources for coding in the language I wanted to learn. Thanks for watching!

[@andermendz]

Making video scripts with ChatGPT is amazing, and that in combination with a realistic TTS you're ready to go

[@brianruizy]

You’re right! The potential of AI is crazy! Would be cool to see where it goes, and if people actually start using it in there real work.

[@andermendz]

@@brianruizy I'm personally using ChatGPT this days to produce as much Script's as possible, IDK when I'll be a paid product but it's announced so the best thing to do is to take advantage while it's free.

[@brianruizy]

@@andermendz oh wow, I didn’t know it was going to turn into a paid service. But it only makes sense! It’s already powerful though it’s in BETA

[@rfuesting]

Excellent Advice! I started my career writing COBOL code on IBM mainframes. I don't think they had the term "Imposter Syndrome" back then but it was there. I always knew there was someone faster, smarter, more knowledgeable than myself. Always, always, always learn new things. Get into the habit of learning. This falls in line with your advise of coding for a few minutes every day, you'll soon become that person everyone goes to. I wish you luck in your career....and all those that follow in our path. It's a frustratingly fun career!

[@lomchoi]

Good video that made me inspire!

[@brianruizy]

Glad to hear it! 😅 are you learning CS?

[@lomchoi]

@@brianruizy I study robotics engineer but now I work as a web app developer and your video make me interest software engineer 😁

[@estebanaragon7109]

More videos!! Keep it up!

[@brianruizy]

Thanks for coming back Esteban! 😅 More content soon

[@a.m.3744]

just amazing.

[@brianruizy]

😁 Thanks for watching

[@hassanmadar]

Wow🎉

[@pushpendra8840]

great

[@anbufox9889]

Hey I have a question! Not exactly sure whether you would see it, but what are some good examples of personal projects for CS? I am currently a student taking AP CS A (java) in high school, so I am trying to get inspiration for some good possible projects which would attract interest in college years.

[@brianruizy]

Definitely some kind of projects where you can implement some of the popular algorithms. Or really whatever you're enthusiastic about. Do you know what kind of programming you want to get into? Good that you're trying to get an early start in the career 😁.

[@rizkyazis1080]

When you were interested in technology, what was the first thing you learned? is it python or something else like html, css. Please answer. I'm interested to be like you but I'm confused where to start. your video is very inspiring. thank you 💯

[@brianruizy]

Good question! So because I wanted to start making websites on my own I went with HTML/CSS/JS. I got a good general understanding from freecodecamp.org. But later I got into python because I wanted to start learning a little more about data science. Also added more resource links to this videos desc. Be sure to check some of those out too

[@rizkyazis1080]

Thank you very muchh 👍

[@user-xw4xc2em6s]

Thanks for this 🙏

[@muhammadfirdauskurniawan7874]

how can you know the whole thing about what made in your project ? , where you learn it all

[@brianruizy]

Which project?

[@muhammadfirdauskurniawan7874]

@@brianruizy all projects like ur put to the projects as a programming language like next js, gatsby js, etc.

[@akzmedia92]

I started 3 weeks ago, and i also document my journey here on youtube. The hardest part for me is javascript.... but i aint giving up!

[@brianruizy]

Good luck on your own journey 😊

[@Niyathi09875]

Happy new year♥️

[@brianruizy]

Happy new year!! 🎊

[@hornofafrica2379]

Thank you bro

[@brianruizy]

Glad it helped 😊

[@mncedisingcobo4]

Hey, new aspiring, software engineer subscriber here. Can you give us a rundown of all tech gadgets you use on a day-to-day bases (don't be bias). Its a great way to align yourself with tech sponsorships. You could review laptops from tech giants such as HP, Lenovo...a great way to earn an extra income.

[@brianruizy]

That's a wonderful idea, and something I'm starting to do more now! Don't miss the new video! :)

[@sulaimanibrahim30]

I love that keyboard 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@brianruizy]

Thanks! Upgraded it recently :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2q0pmCamc93e6csi=ZfNQf8-HGNq3o77b

[@codigoespntaneo]

Hello, what tool do you use to edit your videos? Greetings

[@njjawo4429]

The goat of tech

[@BlackapinoTheTechGuy]

*I'm all about Tech because it's something No One Person can Say I know it ALL, when Tech evolves.*

[@brianruizy]

Yup, that's one of the things I enjoy too. There's always new things to learn or do with tech

[@youtubegarbage4u]

can you make video about salary breakdown and years of experience and what your target goals are regarding compensations?

[@brianruizy]

Thanks for the great idea! Love that you mention my “target goals”. But yes I could make a video about my salary and progression

[@angelachanelhuang1651]

friends is the communication world

[@skdkdmdmsjdjdj2377]

Bruv u said u were gonna link something in the description could u plz link it love the content bro

[@brianruizy]

They're there!

[@alejandrocordovamorales2099]

Hi, you could make a video talking about what knowledge is necessary to become in SWE

[@brianruizy]

Noted! Thanks for the idea Alejandro, I'll definitely be doing more tips and informative content. Btw don't miss the new vlog 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaS7YXVsqMySeLM

[@biankadavis6842]

Hi, great video. I'm a product designer for 1 year I'm looking to venture into software engineering. It's being a bit difficult cus I don't know where to start, could you help me with sites where I could get like a curriculum of things I must learn to become a software engineer

[@user-pp2vw2yp3n]

i love your website and i would love to have one of my own similar to yours. I am just starting out on my journey to being software engineer, i am looking for good bootcamps to go to

[@brianruizy]

Thanks!! You can clone it if you want it's open source github.com/BrianRuizy/b-r.io

[@user-pp2vw2yp3n]

@@brianruizy Thank you, but like im new to this so i wouldn't even know how to do that hahah

[@brianruizy]

Good resource for web development is freecodecamp.org :)

[@GoodVibes-eh8us]

bro your website is fire

[@c_baianorr]

great video Brian. Your videos have inspired me a lot, greetings from Brazil.

[@brianruizy]

Awesome 🇧🇷 happy to hear that!

[@MuhammedSalim-lw3bi]

Is learning python and dsa enough to become a software Engineer?

[@brianruizy]

If you get really good at DSA you can for sure get past the technical interview, also having portfolio of projects may help

[@MuhammedSalim-lw3bi]

@@brianruizy Thank you sir🥰

[@joeldelgado_1725]

I want to go back to school and this field as caught my attention but im lowkey scared about the math, I’m not very good at it, any tips on what I can do or if I should even pursue this career. I’m 27 bout to be 28

[@brianruizy]

It's not too late if that's something you're thinking. Math is required, but it isn't too math intensive in the real world, just takes persistence. Hope you can reach your goals, brother 👍

[@VivekKumar-zb2sx]

Namaste bro i also want to learn software engineering by my own so can you please make a resouce and roadmap video for me and many other like me .

[@vestabelt]

Hey man!! I love your videos. Do you have provide coaching. I would like to get in touch with you regards becoming a software engineer without a degree? I would love to connect.

[@brianruizy]

I'd be happy help how I can, feel free to message me on LinkedIn or Instagram!

[@vestabelt]

@@brianruizy Will do that’s. I will be sending a message on LinkedIn.

[@vestabelt]

@@brianruizy Hi Brian, just wanted to follow up and let you know I sent you a message on LinkedIn. Let me know if you need me to send another message. Thanks.

[@Ferperez55]

Was there specific communities you joined to help you better your code?

[@brianruizy]

Yeah good question actually! Early on I tried to make coding a daily thing right, so I would also subscribe to popular coding channels on KZbin. Also subscribe to subreddit communities like r/cscareerquestions r/computerscience r/webdev … and more. And something was fun for both connecting with people and learning at the same time was attending local coding tutorial meetups in town. download the Meetup app for that

[@NelsonRgutierrez]

Aye man good for you :D

[@brianruizy]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@tamiopaulalezon9573]

Have you undergo leetcode interview before becoming a software engineer?

[@doseofdevy]

Are you using the camera to monitor your microphone waves on the laptop behind you? Its giving big brained energy lol 🧠

[@brianruizy]

Honestly just thought it looked cool 😂

[@vocabs3086]

what were the highest level of math you had to learn?

[@eternalgratis33]

Do you mind sharing projects ideas one can build to land their first job

[@brianruizy]

That would be a good video idea!

[@tech-vf9ow]

Where did you purchase your sweater?

[@brianruizy]

Zara I believe 👍

[@tech-vf9ow]

@@brianruizy Thanks, it looks good

[@RobLTaylor]

What resources did you use to self learn?

[@brianruizy]

links in description :)

[@Gokulandco.1234]

Can you please suggest what programming language I can start learning? , but I am not a IT background student

[@brianruizy]

depends what kind of programming you want to do. But would always recommend general purpose one like Python

[@Gokulandco.1234]

@@brianruizy Thank you lot

[@brianruizy]

Check out this roadmap.sh/ and don’t miss the new vids :)

[@_mo.111]

I'm a freshman in high school looking into this with no knowledge about the topic. What do you think I should do?

[@brianruizy]

Hi! Don’t miss the advice chapter in 5:30. But also I went ahead and added the learning resources I enjoyed using to the description. You can pick from one of those and start learning the fundamentals of programming. Good luck 👍

[@_mo.111]

@@brianruizy Thank you!

[@studious_viewer]

can you make a color grading tutorial? would love to watch. Its great.

[@studious_viewer]

or just an editing video in general. or even a course lol, id pay.

[@brianruizy]

I honestly don’t go too in-depth into color grading. Just a basic LUT really. Though I do shoot in a neutral color profile out the camera.

[@brianruizy]

Surprised you liked it that much to pay ahah. Maybe I can share my LUT with you. What software do you edit with?

[@studious_viewer]

@@brianruizy Final cut pro :) Do you shoot in slog?

[@brianruizy]

@@studious_viewer No :(( see if I want to shoot in Log on my Nikon I need to ship it to them and pay $200 bucks for the feature. May switch to Sony in the future

[@romanlacson]

is it possible to become a software engineer with no knowledge prior to your freshman year in college?

[@brianruizy]

Before freshman year, maybe. with "no knowledge" probably not

[@soulty21]

Free resources for engineering??

[@Trexvsunkasa]

what software do you use to edit your videos?

[@brianruizy]

Using Final Cut Pro. Are you looking to start editing videos?

[@Trexvsunkasa]

@@brianruizy Yeah I want to document my programming journey. Just getting started. I do have final cut pro. Thanks for the reply, looking forward to more content!

[@fernandotorresnino09]

Are you 🇸🇻 bro ?

[@janism94]

looking like brazilian mr robot probs helps too

[@brianruizy]

😂

[@kuibatonet8984]

Dude do you have any community/online-group we can hang out at?

[@brianruizy]

That would be really cool to make! Maybe like a discord chat?

[@workhardmms9091]

Bro what is your age and which country your from bro please tell

[@brianruizy]

25 and from Honduras 🇭🇳

[@kandcat]

You cannot be an engineer without get a degree. You can be a programmer or developer.