How To Become a Self-taught Developer (Advice and Stories From Actual Self-taught Developers)

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I invited 3 self-taught developers on to talk about their journeys of becoming professional developers and share advice on how you can follow the same path. At a time where opportunities are limited due to the pandemic, we need all options on the table more than ever. If you believe that the only way to become a professional developer is to invest in a college degree or coding bootcamp, why not listen to a few developers who carved out their own path?
Topics/Questions:
0:00 - Intros
8:51 - What industry did you come from and how did you get into coding?
35:54 - Sponsor me TeamTreehouse :)
37:20 - How to overcome a few common problems self-taught developers usually get stuck on
50:31 - If you had to become a software engineer all over again, what would you do differently?
1:10:44 - Outros
Host/Guests:
Don Hansen - / donthedeveloper
Aaron Billings - / aaron-billings-9b429610a
Jeremy Wall - / jeremywall
Whitley Bone - / whitleybone

[@DonTheDeveloper]

I recently brought Whitley, Jeremy, and Aaron back on the podcast. Here's the follow up video. Enjoy! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJvSaHybdrWqhq8

[@DonTheDeveloper]

When I graduated with a psychology degree, I started out with over $100,000 of debt, and if you let it, it can crush you before you even have a chance to be successful in life. Thankfully, you do not need a coding bootcamp or college degree to get a software engineering job. Do not ever let anyone convince you otherwise.

[@kendallwhite4699]

Thank you for this video, man. I have been on the path as a self taught dev for almost a year. Its touch with having a full time jobs and being in a relationship and what not. I this is something that I want to do. Do you have any tips on how to create a portfolio with projects that stock out from the croud?

[@DonTheDeveloper]

@@kendallwhite4699 That definitely is tough! I actually have given that advice quite a few times in my videos, but it's pretty lengthy. You should stop by one of the live Q&A's we do on this channel (every Friday at 6:30pm CT). I could dive into that topic again.

[@ezekielswanson7813]

Your videos and advice are all excellent. Thank you for the work you're doing.

[@ninety12]

@@kendallwhite4699 what are some of the tools you used to stay on track? do you a syllabus or anything like that that you crossed out as you progressed? ty in advance!

[@dominicdeheuer937]

it is impossible to happen in indonesia.. you are required to hold a computer degree to be legally admitted as a programmer ... 😂😂😂

[@aidancohen9571]

Started my self taught coding journey at my now 39. The hardest part is being disciplined enough to just do it everyday, besides just the motivation, it's that underlying fear when you think you're learning but you know deep down you're a little overwhelmed. It's kinda like that "need that entry level job but it requires experience to get it" type situations.the only way to get it is to do it, despite feeling incompetent throughout the process.Definitely need those incremental wins for sure 👍 Great video, thankyou Don🙌

[@jecmeister]

Dude I'm 38 starting also

[@HappyMakers]

What are you learning now?

[@kwadwoamponsah]

All the best !

[@MB561]

I'm a month and a half away from 44 and just now getting into the software engineer world via a General Assembly Bootcamp. I need a career switch. I just hope I learn enough in the Bootcamp to not have wasted money.

[@kwadwoamponsah]

@@MB561 Hearing you say that is really encouraging, you will succeed because you are willing to step out of your comfort zone and grow!

[@JamesScottGuitar]

These folks are all very intelligent. I’m still amazed that people can view anyone that drops out of high school or college as a failure, or lazy or underachieving.

[@digiexploration530]

Exactly my thought

[@AmazingStoryDewd]

Well that's because many of them are. Many people just don't have a plan they quit and work low paying jobs with no direction. If anyone drops I hope they have a plan in mind.

[@guyfromdubai]

The education system in most countries does not work for everybody.

[@coachjohn310]

it all ties to assumptions and elitism ... people love to judge and think they're above others.

[@covid699]

Depends, most people I know who don't graduate college end up in a shitty dead end job.

[@JasonBraun100]

You can't imagine what kind of impact this podcast had on me. I don't wanna dive into details, cause there is a lot of emotions and thoughts I have, and I wouldn't be able to express them the way I'd like to. Just these words: thank you, you are doing an extremely important thing by running your channel 🔥

[@papajohnny805]

I needed this podcast. I’ve been teaching myself off and on for 6 years now. I always began with motivation then quickly hit the imposter syndrome and gave up. I am now married for 2 years so I have my reason to finally focus and break into the industry. Thank you guys for this great podcast!

[@MH-yj4qq]

If you have a problem keeping yourself going, definitely look into a bootcamp. It’s 6 months. You could’ve already been done

[@IB_info]

Me too , I started teaching my self on and off since 2015 upto now nothing has changed 😅

[@TechLuvnMomma]

I feel this. I start then stop due to the same reasons. I'm hope'n to try again now 😊

[@Eggsec]

Same starter 2017 and I've been really deeping my toes into wordpress themes development. I feel like I've been spending too long with php. Javascript and some CSA/SASS. I can relate to you as I stop development for month or two but then I eat and drink code. I still consider myself as a beginner developer bc I'm always looking at my notes and documentation. This video really pumped me out bc I had to Google, KZbin everything then modified code.

[@peter-tm4ex]

@@MH-yj4qq i agreed with you 100% 6 years is too long to linger around. self-taught is amazing but the path is not for everyone.

[@thelonercoder5816]

What an amazing chat. Especially the advice about building practical projects that solve real problems and how you can use a common prob when learning new languages.

[@dontbescaredtohelp]

You all are kind spirits. I am a self taught developer here and working in the industry. Recently just landed my first 6 figure job and very excited about it. Would hope to work with such nice people as yourselves!

[@DonTheDeveloper]

Congrats!

[@RTSmith801]

This was fantastic! I'll be looking into Team Treehouse after watching this video. I'll be sure to tell them your channel is where I heard about their program!

[@chefalbert223]

all of these videos are helping me out so much, thank you please keep it up !! i’m the process of choosing a bootcamp at the moment. but a small chance i will go self taught route

[@annaplotnic7036]

Thank you guys! I appreciate a lot the tips you’ve shared. I am totally new in this field and, after this podcast I feel like I know how to start digging into this. Wish you all the best!

[@rox8078]

This is the pragmatic, positive, and genuine energy I’m looking for.

[@sergengoran9635]

Great content. I'm a family guy, unemployed, with zero experience in any IT domain, living in Africa with not as much lucrative opportunity for software development jobs as compared to the western world, and just had a pal who works in IT tell me programming is so hard he had to drop it. I have everything stacked up against my success in this industry but this video has given me renewed hope. Thanks for making the possibilities seem human and realizable. I will be looking out for your contents and any possible advice anyone will genuinely have for me as I embark on this new challenge. Thank you

[@challica]

I am blessed, as many here, that this was recomended to me. Currenty, i am struggling to stay motivated and keep learning. I have very rough time at the current job, not having decent time for studying, 35 years, and working to become junior developer. This gives me a great hope and this video is huge wind in the back. Many thanks to these great people for sharing their stories.

[@tyh7388]

This was a conversation I needed to hear. Thanks for this!

[@shuweikhahassan4285]

OMG this is so great. I am a software engineering student at alx-holberton school. This is my first year. Watching this motivated me to give my studies all my best. Being a remote student, I have to teach myself all I want to know, and altogether my school's program is not entirely teacher-student classes. I am so motivated. Looking forward to advancing. Thank you so much, guys

[@bulbacode4380]

Nice to see other self taught devs, I've honestly never met someone else with the same background. Gets kind of lonely in a sea of degrees haha.

[@Korudo]

This was super helpful. Thanks! My journey is also tough and messy.

[@trafficmonsoonacademy562]

How the heck is this only 2.7K subs?! Y'all mad! Subbed!🥰

[@aldorodriguez7310]

I have been watching tons of coding videos but the algorithm took me to the one I needed to watch. These stories were so inspiring. All of them.

[@dobetta7776]

Thank you for making a platform for sharing this information and experiences of those doing it. Gives me hope that I can do it.

[@mythicalmining7999]

this was really helpful! these 3 had such good insights on getting started and attitude.

[@r.t.matila7647]

I am just starting the journey of coding and wish to change career paths. This chat was really helpful in the self taught journey. Thank you!

[@morgan8112]

I'm really glad that I found your channel. Lately, I have been feeling very lost and pretty beaten down at my inability to just figure out how to get started in the vast, overwhelming ocean that is coding. This video has been very uplifting and motivational for me, and has given me actual concrete advice to guide me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@DonTheDeveloper]

I'm glad to hear you're pushing forward again with some confidence. Good luck!

[@kdelvalle4696]

This podcast is a blessing into my life. Looking forward one day having a success story to share in a similar fashion.

[@johnnyturner8044]

Down to earth, very useful comments and insights. Excellent!

[@sidneyza]

Great podcast. Enjoyed your stories and loved the motivation. Thank you

[@dre5671]

Man, so thankful for this! Great content

[@SpaceTacos60316]

@WHITLEY!!! My girl!!! I was a MS Teacher/Coach as well!! WHOOP WHOOP!! I coached VB/BB/Track too!! PE/Health Teacher though but WHATS UP?!?!?! I'm coming into programming from working a Medical Coder though but SUPER EXCITED!!! In a bootcamp for beginners right now that may or may not work out... we'll see. Also taught swimming!! I wish I had watched this video back in MARCH!!! DAMMIT!!! Well done Jeremy!! Aaron - also in medical right now!! I like it!! @DonTheDeveloper - Easily the best REAL PERSON interview I've seen, thanks so much fo this!!!

[@binglepadilla9751]

This is really inspiring. I am so glad to really stumble upon your channel!!! I am so inspired with these people that gives me hope and I can make it too.

[@DonTheDeveloper]

We're glad to have you. You absolutely can!

[@lukeyluke9637]

Great video! Found it through search and listened to it on my earbuds at my dead end job. Just bought the Java head first book, hope to go though it in 6 months tops, 2-3 months preferred.

[@meas7762]

This was great! Loved your guests very insightful and raw

[@masoudghahremani7913]

Thank you so much. Hearing your precious experiences sound so helpful.

[@trevferg12]

This was a great discussion. Definitely appreciated it!

[@sparksays7247]

This was a great vid! A lot of info and motivation 👍🏾

[@draco4717]

Loved the concept of pet problems. Thankyou for this video with so much value 🙏.

[@curtisdavis8594]

Humble host!! Good guest Q& A. Hiring devs an interesting job... New Tech, Old Tech.. Motivated junior devs.. Thanks

[@AnyBodyCANInspire]

Picked up Mikal Abrahams book on coding for dummies. It feels like I’m among kindred spirits because I am who is seeking to solve problems in a logical way. Thank you for this podcast.

[@chromeshock3774]

I really enjoyed this discussion. I listened to it as I worked on my first portfolio project for web dev.

[@thecaduceusproject609]

Excellent advice, will definitely try blogging through the early months of coding!

[@CamiloLizarazo]

An act of serendipity brought me to this show. I've been since a month ago at that phase where you realize that you don't know despite a hundred hours of hard studies. Nor mentorship, neither advice from peers have been as insightful and inspirational as was this video. Thank you, Don. I think you, as a psychologist, have the gift to get through people and make them talk from their very hearts. I needed to find this video.

[@DonTheDeveloper]

Thanks for the kind words. I really appreciate it.

[@elisaromero1238]

I am loving all your videos and especially the guest that you presented. Very smart and humble at the same time. May you all have many blessing. Looking to start learning to code in my later years.

[@DonTheDeveloper]

It's never to late!

[@fattjoe312]

I'm just a few months into my journey and I listen to your videos while I'm at work, very very inspiring! Most importantly it helps fight my imposter syndrome lol thank you so much bro, keep it up!!!

[@papayaw3392]

Thank you man. I have learned some new path today.

[@ibrokemyownheart4953]

I’m planning on starting on code academy while I’m in school for a completely different career lol! I love the fact that you can teach yourself how to code. Im in community college and I’m basically already teaching myself haha!

[@FOOLISHcodes]

Insightful, I’m literally on day one of my curiosity research, very insightful. Thanks to the speakers for being venerable.

[@ashleymayes6415]

I'm working on a FCC project while listening to this! What Whitley said about seeing something click that you have a hard time with being so satisfying... so very very true! I do my little happy dance every time! Thanks for doing this video! Very relatable!

[@blue-jk2qu]

Thanks a lot for this vid, all the tips and sharing your learning journey! It's so encouraging to see self taught devs!

[@DonTheDeveloper]

You're welcome! There will certainly be more videos featuring self-taught developers in the future.

[@AndrewNjonjo]

I really enjoyed this session. Encouraged me and I am excited about my new journey.

[@owenjones9640]

This really motivated me to keep going on my own self-taught journey, and confirmed what I already knew: personal projects are the #1 way to get noticed!

[@DonTheDeveloper]

You got this!

[@kimberlyaguilar7953]

Yes, thank you for this zoom presentation, was much needed to hear. I'm at a BootCamp rn and loop is my issue rn still lmfao, You all had things I really benefited of.

[@DonTheDeveloper]

Those damn loops..

[@JS-ej6kl]

Enjoyed this. Thank you guys!

[@therealsonya4254]

this is awesome! thank you so much !

[@benjaminb2119]

I'm loving these videos. This video was exceptionally good. If you're someone without any degree, and you don't have enough money for bootcamp, watch the entire video. It's a huge inspiration, with advice that you can use to level-up. Thanks Don!

[@DonTheDeveloper]

I appreciate the kind words Benjamin. You're absolutely right about that. You don't have to let your financial situation hold you back if you really want to become a developer. That's one thing that I love about this field.

[@natalie-723]

I hope you all know how inspirational you all are. I'm self-teaching currently and feeling extremely unmotivated but this gave me the little push i really needed, so thank you.

[@DonTheDeveloper]

We do now. Thank you.

[@crags9]

Amazing video. I’m 42 and just started my coding journey with no experience! I’m slowly figuring things out over the past 2 weeks through KZbin videos, Udemy Courses and books. Team Treehouse looks like the logical next step! So motivating to keep going! Thank you!

[@ExpatTraderFX]

Team tree house isn't doing to good..go to code academy..

[@JoeCnNd]

@life in harmony whats up with treehouse? I'm using codecademy but just curious.

[@lilalexq22]

Thank you for this podcast! ❤❤❤

[@ho96]

Don, what you are doing is unbelievable. Your concept is super useful and extremely important for those trying to figure out how to go about coding career. You are really awesome. Thank you!!

[@DonTheDeveloper]

Thanks!

[@xEJG112]

Don, these videos are great! Thank you for facilitating these discussions :D

[@DonTheDeveloper]

I'm glad to hear that. You're welcome!

[@DonTheDeveloper]

If I were to bring all 3 of these guests on for another episode, what questions would you want me to ask them?

[@uppercut147]

What do they see as the future of programming? Which languages do they see must-know, if any? Are any of them into Fintech?

[@courtneypollard7232]

Would they suggest free lancing or a full time job? Also, please bring these three back. This was awesome.

[@donniem5319]

For me, the question that I really get stuck on is how to "solidify the direction I need to go." The video touched on it briefly, but I didn't really get anything from it. I think it has to do with my interests. I'm that guy that uses stuff and then when it doesn't do what I'd like it to do, I try to "make" it the way I want it, or just find other options that will. Anyway, that's what I'd like to work on: operating systems, applications, etc. I am not interested in web development, and it seems like all the education out there is directed towards web development, and because of that, I feel like I'm swimming in circles. So yeah, maybe further elaborating on solidifying a direction, and the different paths to the right development fit?

[@EugeneBuvard]

@@donniem5319 I know it's a suggestion for another vid, but have you checked DevOps path? Or software engineering with Java? Data Analysis with Python or R? As a beginner I was also not aware that WebDev encompass so many aspect, it's the basis of a lot of stuff. I think that's why it comes back so much.

[@SeCluDred]

How You fight with fear... fear of failure, fear with thoughts that "I'm not smart enough to be a developer", how to take control of this fear and crush it 4ever ;)

[@Danteburnett]

great content. thanks, subbed!!

[@LukeAvedon]

This is the best interview panel on the entire interweb!

[@ValentinaAmpezzan]

great video! loved the people and the energy!

[@jasnamchoudrie252]

This is a great video! Thank you for the inspiration, this is definitely something I needed to hear!

[@DonTheDeveloper]

You're welcome!

[@Zombxx4]

I love Aaron's story! He's so REAL.

[@daughterofzion3884]

This is so inspiring, truly.... as an young woman individually self teaching into in becoming a front end dev, I can relate so much to Whitley's story switching backgrounds as a previous teacher(prek) into tech....I have days where I question my self but I know deep down I want this so bad! No one in my family or outside codes or is in tech at all. And so trying to find someone alongside this journey is very hard.. recently unemployed , striving to retain what I learn while living with my mother. Sibling on my back about my unemployment, not having a mentor, or knowing people in my area who I can relate with is not easy...but all I know is that I'm not giving up, and trusting God by my side, I know if I start doing projects NOW and continue to fight through this, it will pay off just like the testimonials shared in this video meeting. Blessings to you guys and thank you so much for sharing this with us...

[@DonTheDeveloper]

I remember all too well what it was like to not have friends or family that knew much about coding. Feel free to join our Discord group and get feedback along the way as you build projects. discord.gg/H69QqZ8MVJ

[@ashboi2224]

The second guessing that family will try to insight, is one of the main reasons I quit. Please don't quit. The pay off will hit if you stick with it longer

[@TiaraFit]

Hey! How are things going for you on your journey? If you don’t mind me asking.

[@ray.gene.bowner]

So how’s the self teaching journey?

[@taoyeahright]

Each person's story was so inspiring and was so endearing and made them so lovable

[@DonTheDeveloper]

They're really a great bunch.

[@alissamartin6272]

Very encouraging discussion, thank you all!

[@ravenkopru9445]

I'm a new subscriber! I enjoy your videos, especially this one. I'm a psychology graduate that is transitioning into the Software Engineering industry and this was very helpful for me. Thank you!

[@DonTheDeveloper]

Hello fellow psychology major. You're welcome!

[@eshw23]

Wow what an amazing podcast, all of you had awesome stories.

[@hauwamuktari735]

Thank you. Very helpful

[@goforthbmerry]

Found this late but very interesting. I want to learn coding but not to become a full time developer but to understand DevOps at a deeper level

[@sloancrawford]

Thanks for the inspiring messages from a former teacher turned Software Developer explorer as of 3 days ago!

[@DonTheDeveloper]

Congrats!

[@emerson3070]

So glad I found this, I'm stuck in tutorials...will be doing a 7 day free trial with Treehouse

[@malc_makes]

Awesome content! great stories and insights.

[@NoilBee]

This was incredible to watch!!!

[@Naz-yi9bs]

On that journey, thanks for your content.

[@barbaratess6103]

How relatable this is makes it really reassuring. Watching it two years later & I'm going through some of what the guest speakers talked about. A senior dev recently complimented some code I wrote for a private project and the 1st thing I wondered was if he needed glasses because he was probably not seeing my code correctly 😅. #selftaughtchronicles

[@woulfe42]

@ around 1:09:50, what he said hit me hard. Cause it felt like he described me to the letter. I stopped coding for more than 6 months along with struggling with a stressful job that I hate and still needing to provide for my family. It’s hard, but I know if I give up than I’ll just end up to be even more miserable my whole life. The other hard part is knowing that it may take a year or more until you land a job and than when you do how long will you keep your job or would you even like it for the long haul. These are all real life hard facts that we must face.

[@matt.mattox3518]

This was incredible and humbling to watch.

[@peepee34200]

This was really encouraging! I am definitely looking at Treehouse now! LOL.

[@MohyDev]

26:00 Goosebumps right there, that's such an amazing & inspiring video.

[@user-po5le7fz6n]

So much good information . Thanks 🙏

[@DuraanAli]

I think I need more of these guys, so inspiring and helpful tips.

[@Keko8o8]

Yes, love it! Such a wholesome and inspiring group of people. I’ve decided to go the self-taught/team treehouse route, rather than expensive bootcamp. If treehouse sponsored you, I’d use your discount 😉 wish me luck!

[@DonTheDeveloper]

Haha thanks. You might enjoy a couple of upcoming videos I'm releasing in the next month about Treehouse. Good luck!

[@iTzPiShPoSh]

same here!

[@Rice2G]

How is it going?

[@finlitwithsal]

How has your experience with Treehouse been?

[@donniem5319]

I just came across this now, and it was perfect timing which allowed me to obtain the right frame of mind. My goal is to get into tech, but development seemed less attainable than cybersecurity. This video was extremely encouraging and let me know that getting into development is definitely attainable. I've been tinkering since the commodore 64, so yeah... time to turn my hobby into a career! Thank you for the vid!

[@DonTheDeveloper]

You're welcome!

[@AdrianRomeroJr]

Awesome podcast best one I've seen with awesome Devs/engineers, time went by so fast listening to their stories, other vids would just make me sleep

[@DonTheDeveloper]

I appreciate that. Thanks for sharing.

[@AngelaFox777]

Great discussion! It's really motivating! I wish I knew something like Treehouse that would help me self teach.

[@americanjunction5492]

Thank you for putting up this online. this is inspiring to all others

[@DonTheDeveloper]

You're welcome!

[@frankcoley1537]

I've never hit the sub button so fast in my life! I'm going the self taught route dude!

[@DonTheDeveloper]

Haha welcome!

[@nicolepaulee4121]

This was very helpful and inspiring.

[@matthewl1352]

You’re so awesome brother for this

[@samlawl9395]

Thanks, Don!

[@Faithplayer1211]

Love!!! Ths so much.

[@anirudhcodes]

thanks to youtube recommendation I found this video loved it!

[@keyonv]

Thank you for posting these videos.

[@DonTheDeveloper]

You're welcome

[@pwulfe8728]

This is great info you are providing. Thank you! I am currently considering a career in tech, have no idea yet what direction I want to go in. So, I am testing the waters with exploring the various languages out there, mostly Java and Python. One question. Would you, or any of your guests recommend doing the CompTIA A+ cert.? I have already begun a Udemy course on it. So far I have found it useful to run some basics through my head of what is what in IT, however, I haven't gotten far enough in to see whether it is really useful if coding is what I want to explore.

[@AmazingStoryDewd]

I actually went to school for electrical engineering but ended up teaching myself Computer Science. Reason being is robotics is an area that fascinates me.

[@rverm1000]

wonderfull stories. im in the same situation. been working as a electronics tech . it bothered me not being able to read the code. we would have a circuit board to repair but we wouldnt have any code from the chip. i started learning python . 2yrs later im still learning python. im considering going to a bootcamp parttime.

[@EUU100]

Priceless, thanks a lot for your time and efforts sir