# How I Got My First Developer Job Without a CS Degree
Had such a fun time speaking to the students of Langara College. I talked about my experience of finding my first developer job after graduating from a programming boot camp without a Computer Science degree. Thank you so much Jacob Tran for inviting me. Can’t wait to do it again!
Here is my advice:
- ✅ Attend Networking Events
- ✅ Practice your Algorithms
- ✅ Be Kind to your Classmates!
# Advice #1 — Attend Networking Events 🤝
The best way to land an interview is to put your face on your resume. I don’t mean literally lol. I mean you need to be more than just a name to the recruiters. If they know “who” you are, they’re more likely to give you that interview. How? Go to networking events and actually meet them and talk to them. That way when they do see your resume, they’ll have some familiarity. And you don’t have to be meeting just the recruiters. Anyone working at the company can be your gateway into the organization. So be nice to everyone!
C’mon does networking actually work? Yes it does! I got two job offers after I graduated without even applying. And I did it through networking. It may seem like I’m tooting my own horn. Fine, I am 😜 But that’s because I want you to understand the importance of networking. I want YOU to succeed! That way you can also be the biggest SOB and brag about getting how you got your job without even applying 😉
Where to find networking events?
https://bcic.ca/events/ (British Columbia, Canada)
# Advice #2 — Practice your Algorithms 💻
Networking will help you get that interview. But acing your algorithm is what will land you your job. Honestly, this is the part I struggle with the most. So make sure you practice! There are some wonderful free algorithm resources that you can check out. My favorites are @freecodecamp, @leetcode, @hackerrank. Again, these are free.
Free Algorithm Challenges
# Advice #3 — Be Kind to your Classmates ❤️
Sure, you and your classmates are probably eying for the same job right now. But that doesn’t make them your enemy. On the contrary, they are your biggest asset. Let me explain! They are a long-term investment. They might not be able to help you get your first job. But they sure will help you get your next job. They’re going to get a job eventually too. If you’ve been nice to them, you can easily ask them for a referral. Heck, that’s what I did! When I was looking for a new job. My classmate advocated for me and I immediately got an interview. I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t go out of her way to help me if back in the day, I was not a nice person. So don’t be a jerk!
I wish you all the best! Good luck, you got this! 💪