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6 Myths Keeping You From Becoming a Software Engineer

Jordan Smith on December 08, 2021

If you're thinking about trying to start a career as a software developer and done any kind of research into the tech industry, you've no doubt com...
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Sandor Dargo

Yes, Myth #6 is clearly a myth! I spend all day in the light staring at a screen!

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Sanjaay R.

Same! Tho i don't know if it counts cause im still young and might change lol.

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Santosh Kumar

When I was a teen, I was motivated by this document: catb.org/esr/faqs/hacker-howto.html

Actually I wanted to be a hacker. But Eric Raymond (the person who wrote above document) wanted me to become a software developer.

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Benson Imoh, ST

😅 This is the story of my life!
I spent so much time on that website.
Now I am a Software Engineer.

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Kevin Hicks

These myths and the other types of gatekeeping in our industry definetly need to be broken.

There really is nothing special to becoming a good developer compared to any other career. The being a genius myth is such a crazy one too. So many people say the same to me and I would have no clue how to do the simplest task for their job for the same reasons they don't know how to code.

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Mary White

Great write up! I think there are many preconceived notions of what it takes to be a programmer. I think if you are going to be self taught, trying to stay focused on one language first, and become proficient. This will make it much easier to move horizontally and learn other languages. Also persevere, and just keep pushing ahead.

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Bala Priya C

Thanks for sharing this with all of us! This is some really helpful helpful myth-busting.

Myth #2: You have to be a genius to code

I could resonate so well with THIS! I cannot and possibly never Leetcode like some of my peers—but I take consistent steps to get better at coding—one day at a time.

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Lucia Cerchie

As a mom who juggles a lot of plates, realizing #1 was super important to me as I started bootcamp. Nice post!

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Jordan Smith

Thanks, glad you liked it!

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Hong Phuc

I've worked in this industry for 3 years, most of the above are quite true with me when I started learning to program, luckily I have a friend who is a developer and he has guided me throughout my learning journey. For those who don't have a friend like that when starting your first step into this, don't worry, everything you need is on the internet and I suggest you should participate in an online/offline course to fasten your development from my perspective

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Mnabawy

thanks jordan

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SamBuilds

This write-up was indeed helpful and just in time. I needed that. Thanks for sharing!

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Vishnu Bhaskaran

awesome post buddy !

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Jordan Smith

Thanks!

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Steve Kim

Wow Jordan, you have no idea how much I needed this. I'm a bootcamper and lately I've been constantly doubting myself on whether I can really pull this off. Your words have inspired me! Thank you!

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Jordan Smith

I'm glad I could help! Keep pushing through you can do it. The hardest part is the beginning but it's all worth it!

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silvesterwali

great article