How I Became a Software Engineer without CS Degree Part 2

Hello, in this video I'll be answering some FAQs about how I became a software engineer without a Computer Science degree or attending a Bootcamp.
Resources In This Video
Recurse Center: www.recurse.com/
Learning Python O’Reilly 5th ed: amzn.to/2TyHgup
Automate the Boring Stuff with Python: amzn.to/39x1QRG
Free Version (automatetheboringstuff.com/)
Text Editor Project: datastructur.es/sp16/materials...
LET'S BE FRIENDS
Instagram: / bukola.dev
VIDEO RESOURCES
Music: Soul KZbin Music
Desk
Monitor: amzn.to/38cSN7P
Laptop: amzn.to/2OPw1v4
Filming Equipment
Camera: amzn.to/2OFDHQd
Mic: amzn.to/2Sc62Qj
BUSINESS INQUIRIES
[e-mail]
This video is not sponsored
#blackengineer #softwareengineer
0:00 Introduction
1:15 SHOULD I ATTEND THE RECURSE CENTER?
2:33 COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSES TAKEN IN COLLEGE?
3:12 HOW LONG DID THE PROCESS TAKE?
4:12 MY SALARY AS A SOFTWARE ENGINEER?
5:02 WHAT IS MY ROLE AT WORK?
6:32 HOW DID YOU LEARN PYTHON ?
7:11 WHAT PROJECTS DID I BUILD?

[@ebentee]

Whoever read this you'll be successful one day, let's do this together for the future

[@deonrich3149]

♥️

[@persephonebellum306]

Thanks 🙏🏾

[@xavirojas9312]

Thanks !

[@JaviXT]

we got this!

[@ebentee]

@@JaviXT 👏

[@atxgurl00]

Just saw you on Millennial Money, and I was so impressed by your story! Keep it up!

[@FahimehNamileh]

Yea, I watched that too and that's why I am here. Proud of her.

[@madegoodworld]

same!

[@Ifeyemi28]

Well done Bukola👏👏👏👏👏👏👏Super-duper proud of you girl! I came over from the break platform after Patricia reacted to one of your videos,you have won me over ...🤗 P.S; Can someone tell me what Millenial Money is please?

[@keneochuba6442]

@@Ifeyemi28 Check out this channel for Millenial Money: CNBC Make It

[@Bukola1]

Wow guys we are at 23K! I'm honestly so grateful

[@LucasFR11]

please invest in a good mic ^^ also thx for the vid

[@tobieazeez]

25k, keep it up 🇳🇬

[@yosra782]

I came from Patricia Bright's channal ^^

[@phoenix-king779]

This quality is no joke. From CNBC keep going

[@Bukola1]

Thank you!

[@AndrewHitti]

Your honesty is so refreshing 🙌🏼 Love how you actually spelled out salary expectations 💰💰A lot of people on here try to make becoming a software engineer sound easier than it is just for views, but you a real one. Studying 2 hours before work for 3 months?? That’s so impressive!! You earned that salary girl 👏🏼👏🏼

[@Bukola1]

thank you! It was definitely tough to study before work, but the hours of work paid off!

[@SamianHQuazi]

@@Bukola1 My ex-girlfriend did a coding bootcamp about 5 years ago (Epicodus in Portland, OR) but wasn't able to find a job afterward. If you don't need a college degree to be a software engineer, and the barriers to entry are so low (i.e., a bootcamp that lasts only a few months), wouldn't a lot of people flood the market to be software engineers and bring down the median wages? After all, you can't have a professional license or credential to keep the supply-and-demand balanced in your favor.

[@jijijiji7290]

SamianHQuazi m

[@funastacia]

So happy that a video of you on Millennial Money was recommended to me :))

[@Bukola1]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@firstgenmoneymusings]

This was so helpful, thank you! I'm sooo happy to see you thriving. I'm going to watch your other video to see why you picked the languages you did.

[@Robertking1996]

Thank you so much! Appreciate your clarity and openness 💙

[@borca3052]

So cool to see your interview on KZbin thru CNBC today :) I'm honored to already be subscribed to you. Stay blessed. You're very inspiring 🙏🏾

[@ohhthatjess]

You are so well spoken. Thanks for sharing your story. Really appreciate the resource links as well. I’ll be subscribing!

[@april8tost]

I've just seen the 1st video, subscribed and now I'm here feeling excited >.< I appreciate you girl!

[@ftakenouchi1464]

Found you on msnbc, loving your presence and energy, so I searched and subscribed to your channel. Love and hugs!

[@j.maginnenu6291]

That project was the BEST thing I have seen !! You built that!! That is amazing

[@fatimkin_]

I just love the vibe you share with the audience! I have just started learning IT and your videos really motivate me) Thank you for sharing)

[@slanesegraham]

You are goals! Thank you for sharing

[@nicoletolmie3201]

Great video and very helpful for someone considering this field! Thank you!!

[@edidiongmoffat7620]

I just watched your segment on CNBC Make It and you're so inspiring! There are so many things about your story that I relate to. I love what you aim to do with your channel, and I'm looking forward to growing with your content.

[@bondyunit101]

Love this!!! thanks for the info on your interesting journey!

[@MikePitt]

Congrats on your success, Bukola! I have been watching your videos for a while and then saw you on Millennial Money. Keep up the good work. 🙏 👍

[@kira5612]

Thank you so much for making these videos

[@sabrinam.9307]

Hi Bukola! Just wanted comment saying thank you for making videos to educate us on your journey! I've been feeling lost and confused, even more unsure about finances due to losing my job during this COVID-19 situation, I'm trying to be positive and your videos have encouraged me to dip my toes into learning CS during this time of self-isolation. Wishing you the best and am excited for your next video!

[@kevincanales1486]

I came from the graham stephan lol but I’m so happy to have found your KZbin channel I was actually thinking of learning coding to get a new job. I was looking into it still in the beginning phase but I was considering giving up cause I know it can be tough without a degree in computer science I know it’s optional for some places but worried what it I fail. Seeing your videos gave me hope thank you!

[@josephomoyajowo8509]

Okare jor Bukola! Well done.... you'll be a very good instructor with the way you explain things in details

[@Theforeigner813]

Thank you so much for making these videos! They are definitely guiding me in the right direction through myself taught journey :)

[@kkannall1323]

Thanks for sharing your experiences, specially when talking about what kind of projects you do , really helps with finding a path to put in practice our studies.

[@chinonsovictor6531]

I love how honest and sincere you tell your stories. Thank you for the inspiration as I'm just starting out as a self taught programmer. KEEP WINNING SIS', YOU MAY NOT KNOW THIS, BUT YOU'RE GIVING HOPE TO SOMEONE SOMEWHERE IN NIGERIA!👨🏿‍💻 😍💙

[@sleepysartorialist]

I am just getting back to coding after years of not doing it while in between contract work and Graham Stephen covered your episode of Millennial Money. I'm glad you have this youtube channel. I am learning a lot from your videos.

[@caseyhaggard3763]

Thank you so much! I'm considering switching careers. This was so helpful!

[@PshycksLee]

Love your channel! Your content keeps me motivated, currently a student in college but considering coding in my free time

[@ladanshaie42]

So inspiring! I’m a 22 year old African female female who watched your CNBC video and I can’t wait to see where I’ll be when I’m 25! Keep it up!

[@natepaulemon5243]

Fellow dev here. Just wanted to let you know that you are awesome. And inspiring. Signing off.

[@purplepurls77]

thank you for inspiring me! just starting my self-teaching journey

[@JugglingFinance]

Thank you. Very informative video. I'm learning Python currently. Hopefully I can get a job within the next 6 months. Can you do a video about negotiation tips and strategies and what you did?

[@joshuayang452]

you are def on the come up! congrats on your channels fast growing progress

[@Bukola1]

Thank you!

[@nataliepowell8143]

You're so motivating! Thank you!

[@vanessaashleyokeke]

Found your channel from CNBC and I love it already! Thanks for sharing.

[@Bukola1]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@ijeoma585]

You gained another subscription well deserved. You rock girl.....

[@dimadeni1695]

Thank you for sharing your story, it provides a lot of encouragement. Going the self taught route with python and C++.

[@mzxs3525]

Thank you for taking the time and sharing your experience !! you are amazing !!!!!!!!!

[@Bukola1]

No problem, thank you 💕

[@SuperBluDude]

Thank you. I appreciate this.

[@c0n964]

Thanks for posting such inspiring content

[@Bukola1]

No problem! More video coming up

[@vanessa6236]

Great video! Very insightful. I really enjoy how u broke everything down into 3 month increments and got the job! And on top of that to negotiate your pay rate and get the salary you so clearly deserve!

[@Theemikebell]

I'm so grateful for all the information you are giving us!

[@lulumanasseer2410]

you are SERIOUSLY my hero; I am so inspired by your story.

[@bukky915]

Love you so much Bukky.

[@smartmoneycafe1057]

Excellent & refreshing. Hi it's Sean from Smart Money Cafe. I love what you are doing. You are giving people the "Real Deal". Thank you for being open and transparent with your journey. The good & bad. Hopefully others are following in your foosteps. I hope you made Smart Money Decisions too👍

[@rehemarwakabuba6782]

Just saw you on Millennial money too and I had to follow as well!✨🙌🏾

[@sophien5416]

Bukola, you are such an inspiration!

[@felecia1776]

This video is clear and direct with steps stated in order great way to share information. Thank you.

[@MisskikiCoconuts]

I came across your videos in my suggestions and you've inspired me. Im older than you, and also in NYC working as a fulltime Graphic Designer. I'm NOWHERE near your caliber but you've definitely inspired me to take a look into my life and career path and reimagine myself as something greater. You've worked hard and it's clear as day, its time to step my game up.

[@nauticdixons]

Well said.

[@minixdee]

You're so awesome!!! Thank you so much for the video.

[@raheel0924]

Wooow thanks you so much for this video! Motivating for sure

[@KeepingUpWithAdine]

This video is so helpful! Getting ready to go to a bootcamp next month. So it gives me hope that I will find a good career

[@tecnica-de-voz]

would you change careers again if you become a successful KZbinr?

[@lindalnd90]

I'm obsessively watching your videos since seeing Patricia Bright review your interview, you are inspiring!

[@aaliyahbattle9820]

Just saw your story on Millennial Money and I’ve never truly considered a career in technology because I always thought it’s be too complicated as I never grew up with it. Yet I’ve always been curious and you’ve inspired me to take a deeper look into it and can’t thank you enough for encouraging me to truly learn more in this career field!!!!

[@malaikakirby242]

Thanks Queen, I’m a Kenyan American software engineer 👩‍💻. You’re amazing and I appreciate you!

[@TruckingWithTay]

Just saw your video with CNBC and I must say you’re awesome. Such as myself we’ve had many disadvantages, but managed to come out on the other side. Congratulations keep working hard and moving forward. Just subscribed to your channel, God bless you🙏 🇳🇬

[@Bukola1]

Aww thank you!

[@JasmineDoster]

I love your channel. Thanks for sharing this information

[@MrLawboy24]

Thank you so much for this awesome video!

[@giuliadp6453]

You're really inspiring and your videos are really well done!! I'm self studying Java and I've been attending an online university studying Computer Science, but I must admit...I find difficult to keep up with a full time job that I (luckily) have and focus on what I really like, which is coding. Did you struggle at the beginning when you also worked?

[@RafaelSales55]

Great video! I will learn more with the books that you recommended. Question: What you think about working with remote programming? Is it easy to get offers?

[@colleenmariet]

You are a godsend in my life! I love ya!

[@Sam-qd7nz]

This is so helpful! I'm realizing how important things like knowing basic comp sci is valuable, for ex, I'm in Political Science and I've heard its a very marketable skill to have in research and campaigning specifically.

[@isaacwajack]

I always look forward to your videos. Please don't stop. 🤗

[@Bukola1]

Aww, you're the best! Thank you for the encouragement!

[@infinitelabyrinth6204]

Please do a video on how you negotiated your salary initially and how it has grown over time (and if you’ve negotiated since then or not etc) and how that is divided (base, bonus, equity...)!!! Obviously only share what you’re comfortable with sharing! But i think this would be super super helpful as this is quite a difficult topic to find info and advice on! Love your channel!!

[@kieran2347]

Nice video thanks for sharing your experience. I have been through the second book "Automate the boring stuff" and I liked it and that also answered my question to you on another video about Project based learning, now I know what that meant and just so you know, I couldn't and haven't done even a single project from Automate the boring stuff, it's just that I can't seem to get my ideas and understanding into actual code. I have to overcome this at some point to progress

[@rachiboo14]

Wow you are so inspiring and intelligent. You are also very articulate in how you speak - love it!

[@doseofkaila2589]

I would love to see a video on negotiating salary, did you find it hard or intimidating to do?

[@Bukola1]

Sure I can make a video about that! I was definitely scared when I negotiated but I'm really happy I did!

[@novdea]

Yes I would love to see the video as well. If you are coming out from bootcamp or learning your own, I am not sure what is the range is acceptable to ask for increase since there is no prior work experience within this field. Thanks.

[@Lu-hw1ce]

@@Bukola1 Please could you do the video to tell us how you went about it? It would be so helpful for many of us currently at this stage. Thanks a lot!

[@Soccercrazyigboman]

@@Bukola1 yes please would love to see a video about negotiating salary

[@TJ-ve5pw]

Was just about to ask for this!

[@hasanoral562]

Thank you very much for this informative video!

[@StreetsAhead120]

Thanks for telling us about your journey! Are you going to making more code along videos as well?

[@Bukola1]

SenorTwoPhones yes I will! I’m working on right now

[@the_bush_family]

Hey Bukola! Just found you via Millennial Money and wanted to say you're killing it!! With Ko being Haitian we felt that part when you said "Doctor, lawyer or failure!" it's very similar in Haitian culture as well. Not sure how close you follow Millennial Money but you will see us pop up there any day now. We filmed at the end of January! Nice episode and congratulations on the great start to your KZbin channel!

[@Bukola1]

Thank you! I'm excited to see your Millennial Money, I bet it will be just as entertaining and informative as your KZbin channel!

[@missraeray]

Thank you for inspiring me ! I just subscribed! I’ll definitely be applying for the recurce center . Fellow black woman here 😊 I’m of Haitian decent

[@GabiBorja]

You’re so cute girl ! I’m a PM, have been learning python. It’s been fun❤️.

[@mr_mr]

super helpful. So refreshing to see more women in tech and encouraging other with such great content... we desperately need this balance.

[@laterrydorsey303]

That was actually the most incredible video.... I'm tremendously impressed. What did it for me was the data visualization project. It's exactly the type of project I've been thinking about doing but didn't know how to go about it. An interactive map that displays data like a popup. Very very impressive journey you made..... Thanks for making these videos, it's inspiring, not only am I going to learn Python, I will take another Crack at C++.....

[@Bukola1]

Yay, Glad it helped! I'm going to make a video about that Python project!

[@beko____]

The Come Up I would be interested in that vid

[@elinadangol7394]

I am a Software Engineer and I love hearing others' journeys into the tech.

[@MichaelOrtega]

Graham Stephan made a video about you and told everyone to subscribe 👏

[@benjaminnistor6979]

Your content is so great...one of the best on KZbin. I actually created a study plan for myself based on yours, and it is awesome! Can you point me to some resources for the NYC data visualization map you created? I'm hoping to do that with my city.

[@theugobosschannel8466]

Great content as always

[@Hriscanul]

In any future videos, could you talk about how you "negotiated up" from 107 to 113?

[@jsbrcad6090]

Hey I'm really fascinated with the things you share here, specially how you you've become a software engineer without an IT degree. I just got started with Python and I'm planning to navigate the same pathway. I just picked one of those udemy courses to get started but I understand it's not enough. I'm planning to finish off the course, learn a framework and then ... I don't really know. My goals is to get an entry level job as a software dev job. (asap as always lol) I work full-time so I'm just going through that udemy course and I guess that's what I'll have to do going forward too, I mean take online courses. With that said, could you please recommend some other courses based on your experience?

[@rominadiaz5567]

Yes, would love to see an informative video on how to negotiate your salary!

[@ivygmni]

Found you through millennial money and I just have to say you are inspiring so many young girls out here. I can't wait for you to reach your goals!

[@chinaemereike5947]

Hi girl! Your videos have been extremely helpful. One question though in regards to the Recurse Center: They’re going online. Would you recommend to do it remotely?

[@kbstar12]

I am happy that you talked more about specialties outside of backend and frontend; I appreciate having more insight into roles within the industry. I am about halfway through my own copy of automate the boring stuff with python.. did you have any favorite chapters while you were going through the book? Thanks!

[@cordeliadale2787]

Amazing spotlight on CNBC!!

[@FahimehNamileh]

Thank you for your videos.

[@FrankBriggs1]

This is great 👍🏾. Where do you get project ideas/inspiration from?

[@thatssojayah6886]

I really want to start coding because of her ❤️

[@nilleyi2231]

The more I listen to you, the more I wanna try it out while doing nursing school atm, starting from code academy is a good start? I'm in Europe so I think there are some camps as you said but for advanced level. With the quarantine are you able to work from home?

[@johnu.9732]

Thank you. Keep it up sis.

[@Bukola1]

Jean Uwumuremyi thank you!! I really appreciate the support

[@ensmith210]

Great vid. I'm learning Python (self-taught, group meetups, workshops). It's been a slow but rewarding process. Question: do you have project recommendations for Python? Thank you!

[@MayaBello]

Great video and advice!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@Bukola1]

Glad you liked it!!

[@girlcoder5089]

@@Bukola1 omg do you guys know each other??? y'all are my software engineering queens 😍😍😭😭😭😭 I LOVE BOTH OF YOUR CHANNELS!!!!!

[@ryanpatrickwhite97]

These videos are great 🙌 crushing it

[@Thighsandbutterflies]

Your story has motivated me !

[@noahreddie6580]

I saw your video on cnbc make it. It was really inspiring you are amazing

[@kengizell673]

Great stuff..🙏🏿

[@The.L.Is.Silent]

I love your channel, its very inspiring. I was wondering how much having an Ivy League degree in Political Science affected the salary offer for your first job and also if it was a point of leverage in negotiating up on a final amount?

[@jessebrown5137]

Hey! What kind of camera do you use to record?? The quality is amazing!