How I Learned to Code in 4 Months & Got a Job! (No CS Degree, No Bootcamp)

I went from being a college dropout with zero technical skills to landing a software developer job in 4 months. This video is about how I became a self-taught software developer and how I learned how to code without a computer science degree or coding bootcamp.

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[TimKimMe]

Hey guys, I’ve been getting a lot of the same questions/comments so I thought I’d knock them out here.

1. “Over a decade working in tech”. I did sales and marketing for a couple of tech companies before learning how to code. I lumped those years into the “decade of experience” comment that I mention at the end of the video.

2. I got my dev job in 2018. Sure the job market is definitely more competitive, however, employers are ALWAYS on the lookout for strong, up-and-coming talent especially if the potential candidate has the right mindset, intangible values, and are offering to work for cheap (or for free like I did).

3. You can do this internationally! I’ve been a digital nomad since 2013, I’ve met many self-taught devs from Poland, Colombia, Thailand, Philippines and many more countries that all worked remotely (some even for US-based companies).

4. AI is making good devs better. Instead of being afraid of it you should embrace it and use it actively to enhance your learning. Use it to build your next portfolio project so you can tell your employer that you have personal experience using it to work 2-3x faster. Leverage the tech instead of being discouraged by its advancements. There’s still a long way to go before it can talk to clients/users, spec out a feature and solve real business problems on its own. Good devs = good communicators.

5. If you don’t have the means to quit your job, study part-time! I’m the type of person that likes to go all in on things so I saved up some money by working my ass off (even borrowed some) to be able to study full-time. I took a bet on myself and used it as additional pressure to get what I wanted.

6. The interview process for the job I landed went something like this:
- Preliminary video interview: I took this chance to open up the code of all my projects and I spoke in-depth about the tools I used, design choices I made, what I learned, and how I built them.
- Take home tests: They were CodePen links with instructions. I solved them all but I went above and beyond by explaining alternative solutions (in an email) and explaining why I chose the route I took. Another was a simple CRUD app I had to build and submit on Github.
- 2nd Interview: I explained in detail about how I solved the take home tests, asked questions about how they were relevant to the job and even talked about what I would’ve done differently.
- Final interview: Culture fit interview: I met members of the management, told my story, showcased what I learned in the short amount of time I had and why.
- A week later I received the job offer!
- NOTE: I did not have any whiteboard interviews BUT (JIC) in anticipation for one, I worked extensively with my tutor on solving data structure and algorithm problems in preparation for the job hunt.


I used to knock on 200-300 doors everyday, 6-days a week as a door-to-door salesman so if I can do it, I promise, with the right determination, you can too!

The feedback on this video has been amazing, if you have any other questions feel free to ask them.
I’ll answer them here or eventually make a follow up video replying to them.

We spent a lot of time making this video so it’s been awesome to see the positive feedback!

Much love,



Tim Kim

[obi-wankenobi]

Usually people who make these videos are deliberatley vague in order market a course, but you just revealed everything straight up, without any BS. Kudos to you, sir.

[brentonces]

I think you hit on something that not many people talk about, which is "How to learn how to learn". Finding a mentor is an overlooked but important step in the modern pursuit of education. I have already sent this to three people and it will undoubtedly help them on their journey. Great work!

[MelmelindaOS]

"Coding is not complicated but it's just Hard to remember" - me

[ascodes]

The roadmap you've followed is absolutely correct and every beginner should follow!!! It is an expert level

[CB-dpsq]

For those out there thinking they are not good enough, too old, too young, not good at math, not smart enough, etc: You can become a developer. For some people it will take 4 months and others two years (me).

I self taught part time for a year. Completed a boot camp. Worked odd, freelance dev jobs for 6 months. Then was hired for the first job I applied to. I used to literally shovel soil for a living and now I have a rather dreamy, rewarding position as a full stack dev.

Use Tim's experience as a template to get started and then make it your own. Each developer path is different. You are good enough, bet on yourself.

Tip: Focus on concepts in programming more so than trying to memorize syntax. Leverage the concepts and Google syntax (and read documentation!).

[zockdpk]

The words "I realized that I learned how to code, not exactly how to program" hit me really hard since I am also stuck with just knowing the logic but not knowing how to apply them. Thank you so much Tim! I am really inspired by your experience. I will also try reaching out to someone who can guide me in becoming a real programmer!

[HouriaBenamra]

wow a youtuber that tells you EVERYTHING and doesn't gatekeep, thank you!

[xnxjmry]

It’s worth mentioning that incredible patience is required. There are problems you’ll be able to solve only after days and days of going down rabbit holes. It’s very isolating and lonely when the buck stops with you and it’s up to you to create a solution.

[KiyosakiSays]

“Education is cheap; experience is expensive.”- Robert Kiyosaki

[rendhelpizon]

I've just graduated college on July 17, 2023. I didn't learned about coding in my college days and I thought it's not for me. It's so upsetting because I can't understand what my teacher teaches. And now after graduating I've decided to study coding again and I somehow understand what I am studying and it is tucked in my mind. I think I'm just a late bloomer programmer and I hope to be a part of technological innovation in the world. If they can do it, I CAN ALSO DO IT. AND YOU GUYS ALSO CAN DO IT. KEEP MOVING FORWARD GODBLESS US ALL!

[yjlqbqi]

Thanks for taking the time to make and to share you experience on YT. Definitely got me thinking on starting on this path too.

[lululets]

You’re a true inspiration. I’m going through a similar journey as yours. Your video was the best form of encouragement to forge ahead. Thank you.

[ThatGuySam]

I’m a simple man. I see a video with coding and memes, I hit subscribe.

[ariandaky]

What i learn after watched this video :
1. Learn how to learn
2. Start learn from basic
3. Find expert mentor and learn from them
4. Consistent and persisten
5. Don't be shy if you don't know something or you just a newbie, don't be afraid to ask something and be honest
6. Don't lazy to do research
7. There is a finish line and don't give up


And don't say
"No luck here just effort". No way man, you are lucky enough to live like that.

[art.ikocreations]

So glad I bumped into this video! Thank you, LORD! Am just starting out on coding and wondered where I can start, thank you.

[ethanhaynes]

Thank you I’m on my learning to code journey now and very much appreciate this!

[jasoncamidge]

Dude, I started learning Python recently and I did this because I want to restart. I'm 45 years old and I'm so proud and thankful of and for you!

[KwBeee]

I started with Python and C and now I dream about code. I've had 10+ concussions and always struggled with learning. All it takes is dedication and pacing. I like to learn in a variety of ways; coding apps on my phone I use in bursts when I'm out or in bed, take online classes, watch videos, study a textbook, code or hand write code.. whatever works! I am a slow learner but a firm believer anyone can figure it out. I have a long way to go! Good luck, everyone

[Philly_PhillyCards]

Great Job Tim! Loved the video. I'm actually a diehard SCR fan and it's wild what brought me to your channel. I just googled Coding for beginners and your vid popped up! Obviously I recognized the logo and name so I watched and let me tell you. Ultra respect for EVERYTHING that you have accomplished! Keep it up brother