self taught SOFTWARE ENGINEER roadmap | if I had to start over | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

A comprehensive guide on how to become a self-taught software engineer, covering mindset, technical knowledge, projects, networking, and interview preparation.

Key Insights

• 🤳 Goal setting is essential to maintain motivation and direction throughout the journey of becoming a self-taught software engineer.
• ❓ Developing a growth mindset is crucial for overcoming challenges and persisting in learning programming.
• 🕸️ Acquiring technical knowledge involves gaining context about programming, understanding different languages and frameworks, and diving into specific areas like web development or Python.
• 👻 Working on personal projects allows self-taught software engineers to apply their skills, stay engaged, and build a portfolio.
• 🤳 Networking through social media, meetups, and LinkedIn helps self-taught software engineers connect with others in the industry and potentially find job opportunities.

Transcript

this is how I would become a self-taught software  engineer if I was starting over from scratch. Hi, my name is Antonella I am a software engineer who  used to be a fashion designer and went back to   school. I started learning how to code on my  own and then ultimately went back to school   for computer science so I've seen both routes and  I know... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is goal setting important in becoming a self-taught software engineer?

Goal setting gives you a clear direction and motivates you to overcome challenges. It helps you focus your learning in a specific area, such as iOS development, web development, or backend engineering.

Q: How can a growth mindset support the journey of becoming a self-taught software engineer?

A growth mindset allows you to embrace challenges, persist through setbacks, and believe in your ability to learn and improve. It is crucial for facing the difficulties of learning programming and navigating the industry.

Q: What are some recommended resources for acquiring technical knowledge as a self-taught software engineer?

Harvard's cs50 course provides a solid introduction to computer science. Additionally, resources like web development courses, the book "How to Think Like A Programmer," and open-source projects on GitHub can enhance your technical knowledge.

Q: How can networking benefit self-taught software engineers?

Networking helps you connect with like-minded individuals, gain inspiration, receive support and advice, and potentially find job opportunities. Social media, Discord groups, meetups, hackathons, and LinkedIn are valuable networking channels.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Antonella, a software engineer who switched careers, shares her ultimate guide for becoming a self-taught software engineer.

• The guide covers goal setting, developing a growth mindset, acquiring technical knowledge, working on projects, building a network, and preparing for interviews.

• Antonella recommends setting clear goals, researching job postings, starting with web development or Python, studying computer science foundations, working on personal projects, networking through social media and meetups, and practicing for interviews.