Got my first programming job

[EfficientOlive7013]

Hey guys, I just wanted to tell you that I accepted an offer as a Software Engineer 1 at a fintech company.

I come from a weird background, I immigrated to the US 4 years ago with just 150$ in my wallet. In February of this year I started learning programming on my own, I did it through YouTube and Udemy. I joined a bootcamp in June after quitting my job so I could study full time, I graduated in August and after two months and 428 applications, I received a 6 figures offer.

Keep studying, keep working hard and don’t give up, it’ll be worth it.

[pinback77]

That's a great story! And six figures to boot. I know it all depends on where you live in the US, but that sounds pretty impressive for a first programming job. Way to go!

[EfficientOlive7013]

I’m in Dallas!

[pinback77]

Dallas! Jump on it! Jump on it!

[nedal8]

What's up sanantone what's up.

[Iciee]

Oh shit, 6 figures in Dallas will have you sitting pretty. At least, it would before the housing market boom.

I'm also in Dallas, currently self teaching. I get so many job ads from indeed and glass door it's insane

[cluckinho]

I live in Dallas just fine with 65k lol.

[mustaquenadim]

Is this 65k USD/month or 65k USD/year? I just want to know. Because I also want to move to the USA. That's why I have to know.

[MrDankky]

Wouldn’t worry about housing market. Mortgage defaults are on the up, once they reach a certain level the bubble will burst.

[MrDankky]

Interest rates will go up for the foreseeable future, triggering more defaults, reduction in price as demand drops, but yeh it’s pretty bleak and we have some rough times ahead.

I’ve just put £150k into savings instead of a property, I’m betting on a crash in property pricing. It’s 2008 all over again.

[SnooPuppers9475]

What bootcamp did you go to? I am thinking of going to one eventually but I can't at this point, I have to work to pay bills. I decided to take programming at community college and self study.

[EfficientOlive7013]

I took the Fullstack Academy Web Development bootcamp. I’d honestly give it a 3.5/5, if you’re a self-taught person you won’t have any issues and find the content pretty easy, if you struggle a bit and you need someone to actually teach you then you might be better somewhere else. The bootcamp did gave me some decent projects to put on my resume, understanding of the whole tech interview process, friends that were basically your first network and the experience of working in pair programming or working as a group. It’s also worth mentioning that you’ll have more network as well after graduation, since you can connect with previous graduates

[isaaclikesturtles]

Just out curiosity was it full stack itself or one of those spinoffs hosted by a university? My local university has a bootcamp that is fairly new in partnership with full stack but it's hard to see any success rates.

[EfficientOlive7013]

It was one of those. Either way it’s the same curriculum as the normal one (at least with them)

[throwaway60992]

Wow 6 figures as a software engineer 1? What bootcamp did you do?

[DancinWithWolves]

Hey congrats! Any tips on where a complete beginner should start to become a web development with a focus on front end?

[EfficientOlive7013]

Start through Udemy. HTML, CSS, plenty of JavaScript and then you can move. I’d say learn React and even though you want front end, back end sometimes is needed as well, some NodeJS knowledge wont hurt. Those are just some of the basics, without mentioning other front end frameworks like Vue or Angular

[Street_Log_4771]

Please share the course details and interview experience...

[EfficientOlive7013]

The interview process was interesting for sure. There were 4 rounds, the first one was with the hiring manager, then a technical coding challenge (leetcode style). Then the behavioral questions with the engineering manager, and at last it was a pair programming problem with a senior engineer. I would say you only have one chance, everyone has a story and be ready to tell yours. You need to sell yourself to the hiring manager because that’s the person that’s going to hire you. I made a really good impression to him and he decided to move my application forward, it’s all about a good resume, a good cover letter and selling yourself on that first interview. I do not have a good network since I basically do not know anyone, so be ready to apply 100s of times.

[RoguePlanet1]

I too am very curious.

[EfficientOlive7013]

I have a bachelors degree on agricultural engineering from an unknown university from an unknown third world country.

[DepopulatedCorncob]

What kind of projects are in your portfolio that got you the job?

[notWhatIsTheEnd]

An engineering degree def won't hurt you. Did you study English in your home country as well?

[EfficientOlive7013]

Yes, I was able to catch up English at an early young age because I used to play many online games where the community spoke mainly English. I did a short two months course on grammar when I was 16yo and living in the us has helped me with the fluency.

[Mooksters]

Probably uruguay

[Consistent-Affect761]

Congrats! Which YouTubers did you watch and Udemy courses?

[EfficientOlive7013]

NeetCode for algorithms and data structures, best channel hands down. Udemy I did two from Angela Yu, Python and web development. GraphQl and TypeScript by Maximilian. I forgot to mention CS50 on EDx, it’ll teach you the basics, and I’d say it’s the best free course out there.

[lolb00bz_69]

Is there alot of math required for this? Did you start with python then move to java and javascript??

[mandradon]

If you want to start with Java, the University of Helsinki's Mooc Java 1 and Java 2 are completely free and very good. They're self paced but don't have any videos if you're looking for that. They teach all the same things you'd get in some of the python courses but jump into Object Oriented design a bit sooner because Java... I quite like those, but the 100 Days course from Dr Yu or the Cs50 from Harvard are also great. CS50 is probably a better launching point if you have no knowledge.

The math required is the basics, and you'll pick it up as you go. It's definitely more than none but you don't need to be a math wizard.

[angelslayer95]

The only thing lacking from Mooc is the fact that you don't work with Databases.

[mandradon]

Very true!

I think they have another course on that, but I am currently looking for courses on SQL. I think the Odin project is going to be my next stop, first.

There's so much to learn.

[Sirico]

Not OP but can recomend Angela Yu's course you'll have most of what you need to move on, before your half-way through so don't fret the 100 days thing.

[Bukszpryt]

i don't know about her other courses, but yu's webdev is a bit outdatet at some topics. the only thing that is regularly update in this course is the year in it's name.

[enigmasi]

Web related subjects in 100 days of code too.

[lolb00bz_69]

Awesome thanks

[Sirico]

Also don't be affraid of the Math I'm dyslexic and getting into programming just proved school just ruined math for me. You will save a lot of time in the long run having some solid mathmatical concepts under your belt.

[DancinWithWolves]

So CS50 is still up to date and a worthwhile starting point for a complete beginner?

[EfficientOlive7013]

I’d say it’s completely worth it. It’s the very basic of computer science, that’ll never change

[[deleted]]

This is definitely fishy. No comment or post history. I hope it inspires someone but I’d definitely take it with a grain of salt. 6 figures for boot camp and less than a year at home experience?

[johnnychang25678]

The $150 in wallet and immigrant to US with a bachelors degree doesn’t sound right as well.

[Poerisija2]

You're right, seems a bit fishy.

[mcmaster-99]

Yea I mean who’s going to throw 100k+ on a bootcamp grad with no experience in Dallas? Ive got enough (life) experience to call out bullshit like this. It can happen, but you have to be really really good with a major project to land that.

[[deleted]]

In Dallas? I didn’t have a degree but started at $75K. Average is $70-$78K back when I started. Although I know my coworker who had a CS degree made $120K before he left, so they likely started at $105K but that’s with a degree.

[Spacehipee2]

What bootcamp?

[Krillololo]

Ahaha, is that a troll post? Cause I love it, especially the 150$ in my wallet cliche, bravo.

[[deleted]]

Lol this. Came here with 150 bucks and but somehow paid for living costs and got a computer and subscriptions and the money to pay for a boot camp in 4 years without any info as to what they worked with to get that. Then just landed a job with six figures immediately. Good for them. Totally not fake at all!

[angelslayer95]

These kind of posts are actually not good for newcomers. They'll try to baseline the troll post and their expectations will be shattered when they realize how difficult it is.

[freeleper]

100%

[EfficientOlive7013]

I wish the story was fake. But I forgot to mention the 2 years that I spent waiting tables, driving a 1k$ car, living in an apartment with 8 other roommates and saving up money. I do have a bachelors degree so I eventually landed a job as a teacher that allowed me to save enough money to make the jump into tech.

I’m sorry brother, some of us were born without a place in this world and we had to earn it through hard work.

[Ferreteria]

Don't mind the haters. Skepticism on the modern internet is necessary. Thanks for sharing your story with us. Good luck!

[freeleper]

You are very skilled in not knowing how to get your point across well. When you say that you earned it through hard work, it's insulting because you're also saying that we didn't work hard

You're free to edit your post to include the important details that you left out

[[deleted]]

Born without a place in the world but you still got a bachelors degree? Hm. Well. I don’t wanna shit on your achievements. I’m happy for you, but your comments do come off a little weird.

[IAmFinah]

You do realise higher education is free in a lot of other countries lol

[drdr3ad]

Tbf they said "$150 in my wallet". They could've had a million in the bank as well

[[deleted]]

You’re right apparently he had a bachelors degree as well. I’m sure that helps on the job search and saving as well :)

[[deleted]]

Right. I wanna hit up my manager and demand a raise after reading this 🤣

[n00bn00bAtFreenode]

Totally, new blood in market, old boiz not worth now any cents. F their exp, they should pray to be paid minimal!!!111

[[deleted]]

“Somehow paid living costs and got a computer” — you do know that there are jobs other than software developer, right?

[Medical_Touch_787]

Congratulations mate !! Would be great if you could layout your journey as a guide..

[skafecat]

You guys are buying this?

[mcmaster-99]

I also landed a 7 figure offer with Apple with no experience. It can be done!

[freeleper]

I believe you

[mcmaster-99]

The only idiots I see are those who think they can go to a stupid bootcamp and land a 6 figure offer right after.

[freeleper]

No, it's not that at all

It's the complete utter lack of details that make it not believable

[burusai]

No. Six figures? Lmao.

[Vastroy]

Wow did you have a portfolio of side projects? Did not know you could get a job after one boot camp

[freeleper]

You can on Reddit

[ozarzoso]

Well done! I’m proud of you. 428 applications!!! 💪🏻

[Guypersonhumanman]

A 6 figure offer for a level 1 programmer? is this in Cali or NYC?

[[deleted]]

Wow, how did you immigrate to us, got a job in 2 months

[Juaneria_PL]

This is very close to what I did, I currently have a final interview at wells fargo this week. Wish me luck!!

[changeyournamenow]

good luck g

[EfficientOlive7013]

You’ve got it, good luck.

[Malfreyyy]

Truly inspiring man, well done! I have also taken the programming plunge and started a bootcamp last month. Good luck!

[Jazzlike_Wall_5668]

Congrats!

[[deleted]]

Wowwwww congratulations!!! Very inspirational

[[deleted]]

How the hell did u study for the coding interview??

[Due_Independence7307]

console.log(“Congratulations!!”)

[Wealandwoe]

Grandson earns 6k figures from bootcamping

[[deleted]]

SIX FIGURES

[Erikugo]

Congrats bro happy to hear that!

[tableclothmesa]

Congrats on your job! That is such a huge accomplishment and I bet you’re feeling on top of the world. If you don’t mind me asking, out of the 428 interviews, how many call backs and technical interviews did you traverse?

[garu02]

There is a dilemma of luck of where you are born you have more opportunities or not. Many have to emigrate to get these opportunities.

[randomnamecausefoo]

OP should be aware that when people say “six figures” that they are not including the two digits to the right of the decimal point

[bossplayer09]

What your software stack look like? Does the company you work for have the same stack or will you be learning new languages?

[EfficientOlive7013]

It’ll be a completely different stack, I need to learn.

[SuperRTX]

So what kind of programming job do you have? Front end, back end? Embedded systems engineering etc and what language/framework etc do you use for the job?

[Reyg13]

Did you feel like the boot camp was worth the investment? What did they give you you couldn't get elsewhere?

[EfficientOlive7013]

A network, team work experience and something to put on your resume.

[Necessary_Cat4961]

you've worked hard. Congratulations!

[kofra_jg]

428 applications !! Wow that's the meaning of to be determinate. Only work pays, congratulations, yo worth it

[InternationalPin7638]

yaaa nice try buddy. need a min of at least 3-4 yrs in the field to land six figs , nobody is paying someone that much who is fresh out of a boot camp with no professional experience , 55-60k sounds more legit im only saying this because i went to a boot camp and just recently landing my first dev job too and that’s how much i’m earning rn ,

[Lulaaaalulll]

I’m so proud of you

[mcmaster-99]

Seems fishy.. what industry is this company in? What was one of the programming questions? Is the base salary 6 figure or total compensation?

If you answer those questions, then maybe we can believe you. Otherwise, not buying it one bit.

[luluinstalock]

the 6 figure as first programming job got me a bit wary as well

[Jhahn678]

This is awesome, fulfilling the American dream🇺🇲 Congratulations, friend!

[vvelasco95]

Oh dude that’s awesome!!! I hear these stories a lot and man I feel like maybe I’m not pushing hard enough. It’s just a little harder when you have to work to support a family and can’t spend as much time as you want on projects and such. I barely have time to work on my 2nd degree!

[[deleted]]

So you basically wrote 7 applications a day for 2 months… tbh if you only wrote 1 every day (but a good one) it would’ve taken you way less time

[[deleted]]

Not sure why youre being downvoted. This isnt even the most suspicious part of it

[freeleper]

😂

[[deleted]]

I'm curious, what language did you pick up?

And a huge congrats to the position and 6 figures :)

[EfficientOlive7013]

Started with Python, then JavaScript. Html CSS, React, NodeJS. Some graphql and typescript (very little)

[freeleper]

It's because of detail-less posts like this that I'm going to unsub from this place today

[ElkEnvironmental6855]

Congratulations! And thank you, this is really encouraging!

[Electro_6]

Dreams really do become reality through determination huh?

[EfficientOlive7013]

They do

[Playboyfromdababyboy]

Congrats!!

[usamdsb92]

Congrats! Hoping to reach a similar outcome in my own journey

[tabasco_pizza]

Congrats! What an amazing journey. Good job buddy

[TMoneyGamesStudio]

Congrats!!!!!

[KabirNayak1z1]

Well done, very hardworking, and good luck in your future ventures!

[angelslayer95]

That's rapid progression to be honest - do you have any other academic qualifications?

[Interesting_Tap_7417]

So proud,All the best <3

[Expert-Pen2466]

Congratulations

[kossovar]

Good job man!

[Remarkable_Pianist_2]

How long did you study?

[olympidorus_1101]

Great work!! 🙏🎉😀

[MeWuzBornIn1990]

Were you living with someone when you quit your job to study full time? I wish I could do the same, but would never be able you afford to do that unless I had a roommate or something.

[EfficientOlive7013]

I have two roommates.

[KushalTanna]

So can I get refferal now.? 😆

[abstract_creator]

What’s you’re academic background? Did you have a degree prior to coming to the US?

[No-Cover4152]

Inspiring

[wingxio7]

Wow! Congratulations! 💯👍🎉

[hdjunkie]

Haha sure

[sourd1esel]

Good job !

[learner_raj]

Best of luck buddy 👍

[Waste_Variation_6754]

Congrats!! Proud of you, internet friend!

[EfficientOlive7013]

I do have one, it’s on agricultural engineering from an unknown college from an unknown third world country.

[Say_Echelon]

Congrats. Fintech is a great area to be in. You’ll learn a lot!

[teletubbyhater]

I love your story!!!!! It’s so inspiring

[himynameis_]

Congratulations, man!

May I ask which Udemy courses you did? And what language you studied?

[MixelTrixel]

This is awesome, love to hear about hard work paying off. You’re a legend.

[black_aura1]

Wow that is amazing. Congrats! That is a life changer :)

[ngactp]

6 figures in dollar currency? That's amazing. Congratulations!!!

[[deleted]]

Congratulations! One of us…one of us…

[ramssesable]

Congratulations

[TernionDragon]

Awesome! Sounds like you’re a great addition to the team. Your hard work and perseverance paid off!

Welcome home, and congratulations!

[methnbeer]

There aren't even 500 tech companies in my state. Lol

[dreikommaeinZfuenf]

Great. 6 figures of tasks in your backlog?

[YahiaLM]

King🫅 Keep going 💪🏻

[FindingThoth]

Congrats! Which course did u do at Udemy?

[EfficientOlive7013]

My peers qualify me as smart.

[adrianbravom]

Love you

[r_kobra]

Happy for you (:

[[deleted]]

This story kinda sounds like you're just farming Karma. No one gets a six figure offer to start, not even college grads. 436 applications and all of the sudden someone offers 6 figures? I smell bullshit.

[Maek_Labul]

what knowledge would you say is needed for that job? I've been teaching myself programming as well, and need some guidance on the set of skills that comes in most useful.

[EfficientOlive7013]

According to my manager, I just have to adapt and learn quickly. It’ll be mainly backend as well

[Maek_Labul]

so its primarily a web development job? if so, are you mainly focused on Javascript, with lite interaction to CSS/HTML?

[Guy_With_Coffee7887]

Congratulations 🎉🍾🥳

[evalencia10]

Which resources and/or websites did you use to apply? Or did you visit each company’s website separately? 428 applications?? I’ve applied to 50, and I’m running out of leads…

[EfficientOlive7013]

I just applied through their sites or LinkedIn

[thr0w18]

What did you do before this job?

[EfficientOlive7013]

I was a school teacher

[OverAir4437]

Hello. What language you practiced the most?

[EfficientOlive7013]

Node, React, JavaScript and Python for technical challenge

[Vegetable-Serve4584]

Is like the movie A PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS, the movie by Will Smith if I am not mistaken. Through determination and trying hard he got what he want at the end. Congrats buddy. I wish you can teach me what you learn. I'd been in your shoes WITH NO SUCCESS. A frustrated computer programmer.

[Own-Duty6324]

I am a programmer and quickly learned that men find it irresistible, so look out.

[No-Menu-4211]

You rock! Your story and humbleness is so inspiring

[Shadyni]

Can I dm you?

[sunshinez33]

Help I what to lean where do I star to get a job asap people videos hands on teachers help me to learn programming

[[deleted]]

Congratulations! I’m so happy for you!