Hi Emil, your story is inspiring for someone who wants to become a self-taught software engineer with particular interests in AI/ML (see my previous HN submission).
This article was posted in 2020, would you change anything regarding the ideal curriculum in becoming a self-taught software engineer now? Assume zero prior programming experience (can see my previous HN submission question).
The AI autodidact guideline you gave in 2019, would you change anything now?
Would appreciate any advice or roadmap to follow, your story is inspiring.
Indeed it is something to think about. I appreciate all the advice you gave. Last question, I'm currently taking CS50's Programming with Python and MITs Intro to CS in Python, what would be a good branching point after those two courses? I know it depends on the individual and their interests, but what would you best recommend with respect to your point of view? I'll also be learning math (calculus, linear algebra) simultaneously, to develop the math background to tackle AI/ML.
That's definitely true regarding your last point. Maybe I need to contribute significantly to some OSS projects or have a really nice side project or portfolio of side projects to level the playing field?
Motivating journey. Was there any material/resource (e.g., books, courses, etc) that helped you develop the knowledge base? Or was it mostly from working on projects, job experience, and the startup experience?
I feel like I can learn the material without going into an undergraduate program, however as you mentioned that pathway is the best way into getting an internship. Do you think the best-case timeline would still be ~5 years without going through undergrad? Or would it likely be extended? I appreciate the comments/advice.
Great point about getting into FAANG/Tech companies through non-software development roles. However, I feel like I really enjoy the software process, despite my minimal programming experience. From what I've learned so far, it has been quite enjoyable.
I know I should have framed the question in a less naive way. I did some very basic programming running some statistics before, and enjoyed the process greatly. But I would not classify it as programming experience in the general sense, it was more about thinking of the statistical problem at hand and using minimal programming to help. I would still classify myself in the "no programming or minimal programming" category, but I'm not oblivious to the industry.
I do have an education, just not in computer science/engineering. I understand, some people never get into FAANG. I know you can make good money without getting into FAANG. I just used FAANG (or insert other companies) as a hypothetical goal. Thanks for the input.