Master The DSA Interview [Part 5] - It's A Parasite

While data structures and algorithms are pivotal when it comes to cracking interviews, you need to be careful about how you interact with them. If you don't, they can easily tank your job search. This lesson teaches you:

- Why data structures and algorithms are parasitic
- How data structures and algorithms are actually the most shallow interview type, especially for non-junior engineers
- Other activities you can do on the job search to achieve more well-rounded results
- The decision tree you should use to figure out if you should go hard on data structures and algorithms studying

To learn how to build up your network: [\[Masterclass\] How To Build Deep Relationships Quickly In Tech](https://www.jointaro.com/lesson/tyaPFMXPoz2pmzB7OVzt/masterclass-how-to-build-deep-relationships-quickly-in-tech/)

To learn how to build effective side projects: [\[Taro Top 10\] Building Impressive Side Projects](https://www.jointaro.com/playlist/vKUWMgmmaEvzcYUXZs4B/)

Master The DSA Interview [Part 4] - DSA Prep Is Insanely High ROI

It's easy to look at data structures and algorithms and see them as an annoying waste of time. However, there's more to them than you think. This lesson teaches you:

- A healthy perspective to have when it comes to studying data structures and algorithms
- Why data structures and algorithms are uniquely positioned when it comes to career return on investment for your time
- How to transform your mindset to actually be excited when grinding LeetCode

Master The DSA Interview [Part 3] - Struggling? That's Completely Normal

You are smarter than you think. Yes, this is even true if you're struggling with LeetCode easy problems. This lesson teaches you:

- Why engineers often underestimate their ability when it comes to data structures and algorithms
- How the learning progression curve for data structures and algorithms works for 90%+ of engineers
- How to set up your mentality and goals when it comes to studying data structures and algorithms

Master The DSA Interview [Part 2] - The Key To Truly Learning DSA

One of the biggest mistakes software engineers make is memorizing content instead of actually understanding the concepts. This lesson teaches you:

- How to learn data structures and algorithms properly instead of merely doing rote memorizations
- What it looks like to truly master a data structures and algorithms problem, shown with an in-depth example
- Common patterns to remember with data structures and algorithms

Master The DSA Interview [Part 1] - How This Course Works

Hate data structures and algorithms? We do too, which is why we're here to help! Here are the core parts of the lesson:

- Your instructor [Alex Chiou](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-chiou/) walks you through his extensive 10+ year Silicon Valley background with rapid career advancement, ending up as a high-performing tech lead making $750k at Robinhood. More importantly, he goes through how he gave \~100 data structures and algorithms interviews at Meta (codenamed the "Ninja" round) and rejected 80% of candidates

- You'll understand the high-level reasons why engineers struggle with data structures and algorithms problems, particularly with top-level interviews

- We walk you through the course objectives. By the end of the course, you will:

  - 🔥 Be **motivated** to grind DSA

  - 💡 Understand how to **truly learn** DSA concepts

  - 🗣️ Know how to navigate DSA in a **live** interview

  - 🏔️ See how DSA is proctored at **top companies** (FAANG)

  - 🧠 Set up a proper DSA **studying regimen**

If you haven't already, we recommend taking the overall job searching course here: [Ace Your Tech Interview And Get A Job As A Software Engineer](https://www.jointaro.com/course/ace-your-tech-interview-and-get-a-job-as-a-software-engineer/)

[Paper Reading] Deploy ML Models from Lab to Production

Session led by: [Akshika Wijesundara PhD](https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshika/)

If you don't have a Taro Premium membership, you can get it with a discount with Akshika's special link here: [**https://www.jointaro.com/r/akshikw802/**](https://www.jointaro.com/r/akshikw802/)

**WHAT YOU'LL LEARN**

- **Discover the benefits of CI/CD pipelines:** Learn how CI/CD pipelines streamline the model building, testing, and deployment processes, enabling rapid iteration and continuous improvement.
- **Containerize your ML code:** Understand the steps and advantages of containerizing your machine learning code to ensure consistency, portability, and efficient resource management.
- **Leverage the AWS stack for ML workloads:** Explore how to effectively utilize AWS as your cloud infrastructure provider to run and scale your machine learning workloads with ease and reliability.

**WHY THIS TOPIC MATTERS**

MLOps isn't just about fancy models - it's about getting them working for real! Learn how to deploy, maintain, and collaborate on ML projects, making you a highly-demand expert who can turn machine learning into real-world impact.

[Paper Reading] ROSE: Robust Caches for Amazon Product Search

Session led by: [Dharin Shah](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dharinshah/)

ROSE introduces a robust caching system that tolerates misspellings and typos while maintaining the efficiency of traditional caches. The core innovation is a randomized hashing schema that allows ROSE to index and retrieve a vast set of queries with constant memory and time. This system is robust against query intent, typos, and grammatical errors, offering theoretical guarantees of its performance.

Extensive experiments on real-world datasets highlight ROSE's effectiveness and efficiency, showcasing significant improvements in Amazon's search engine performance across key business metrics.\
\
In this session we deep dive into the query caching layer at Amazon that allows for far better and robust search performance

[**https://drive.google.com/file/d/13YwkeCc1XwnRVDVkcuE7MKt2r7aqld24/view**](https://drive.google.com/file/d/13YwkeCc1XwnRVDVkcuE7MKt2r7aqld24/view)

Taro Book Club: The Pragmatic Programmer - Session 4

Session led by: [Bikram Kashyap](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kashyapbikram/)

In this #taro-bookclub discussion, we'll further go over [**"The Pragmatic Programmer"**](https://www.amazon.com/Pragmatic-Programmer-Journeyman-Master/dp/020161622X) by Andrew Hund & David Thomas.

Here's the agenda:

- Power of Plain Text
- Shell Games
- Power Editing
- Version Control
- Debugging
- Text Manipulation
- Engineering Daybooks

Please send your questions ahead of time to [**Bikram Kashyap**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kashyapbikram/) in the [**Taro Premium**](https://www.jointaro.com/membership/) Slack, so that they can be included in the discussion. [***If you don't have the book***](https://taropremium.slack.com/archives/C05CKBHPNTU/p1723491587867879) *or want more details on how this all works, check out the #taro-bookclub channel in the Taro Premium Slack as well!*

Get ready for another engaging and informative session!

Engineering Management Made Easy: The ABCs for First-Time Managers

How to avoid burnout, enjoy being a manager, and multiply your team’s efforts.

I will share mistakes that I made when I first became an Engineering Manager and what I learned from those, followed by Q & A.

Connect with Umang on LinkedIn: [**https://www.linkedin.com/in/umangv/**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/umangv/)

Break Into Tech And Become A Software Engineer [Part 24] - Wrapping Up

In this final lesson, Brian provides key insights and encouragement as you wrap up your journey into software development.

This lesson covers:

- The importance of recognizing that everyone's timeline for getting hired is unique, and consistent effort on your technical skills will prepare you for success
- Building a supportive community or "tribe" through building in public, which will help you grow and find accountability
- Staying committed to learning and growing even after getting hired, as career development is a long-term game, and keeping your skills sharp will open doors for better opportunities

If you need extra help breaking into tech, join Brian's exclusive, cohort-based bootcamp (just 10 students per batch). Use this special link for $800 off: <https://www.parsity.io/taro>

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjenney/>

Break Into Tech And Become A Software Engineer [Part 23] - Exercise!

Brian's life before coding: <https://youtu.be/3pqgSaE6Zs4>

In this lesson, Brian shares how adopting an exercise routine can positively impact your journey as a software developer, fostering optimism and habit formation.

This lesson covers:

- How exercise builds optimism, as both working out and coding require patience, consistency, and incremental progress that may not be immediately noticeable
- The parallels between fitness and coding, such as overcoming self-doubt and creating habits that lead to long-term success
- Practical tips on habit creation, like using cues and triggers to make coding and exercise a natural part of your daily routine, emphasizing that it's never too late to start either

If you need extra help breaking into tech, join Brian's exclusive, cohort-based bootcamp (just 10 students per batch). Use this special link for $800 off: <https://www.parsity.io/taro>

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjenney/>

Break Into Tech And Become A Software Engineer [Part 22] - Maintaining A Positive Mindset

In this lesson, Brian emphasizes the importance of controlling the information you consume and maintaining a positive mindset when navigating the tech job market.

This lesson covers:

- The dangers of negative content, like fear-mongering videos on social media, which can distort your perception and feed into unnecessary fear and pessimism
- The "red car theory," where focusing on something makes you see it everywhere, influencing how you perceive reality, especially when it comes to fear and job security
- How to cultivate optimism by unfollowing fear-based content, following educational accounts, and using tools like the imposter syndrome killer worksheet to identify gaps and take actionable steps toward your goals

If you need extra help breaking into tech, join Brian's exclusive, cohort-based bootcamp (just 10 students per batch). Use this special link for $800 off: <https://www.parsity.io/taro>

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjenney/>

Break Into Tech And Become A Software Engineer [Part 21] - Developing Optimism

In this lesson, Brian shares the importance of cultivating optimism as a foundation for achieving success and overcoming challenges in your career and life.

This lesson covers:

- How optimism, rooted in effort and persistence, is essential for progress, as demonstrated by Brian's own journey from addiction to engineering manager
- The negative impact of social media on optimism, as it skews reality by focusing on extremes rather than everyday successes
- Practical strategies for maintaining optimism, such as keeping a tech journal to track your progress and reinforce your belief in your ability to improve and succeed

If you need extra help breaking into tech, join Brian's exclusive, cohort-based bootcamp (just 10 students per batch). Use this special link for $800 off: <https://www.parsity.io/taro>

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjenney/>

Break Into Tech And Become A Software Engineer [Part 20] - Demystifying Resume Selection

In this lesson, Brian shares insights from his experience as an engineering manager, explaining how resumes are sorted into "no," "maybe," and "yes" piles during the hiring process.

This lesson covers:

- Why resumes with a skills mismatch or unclear roles are put into the "no" pile, and how to avoid this by clearly presenting your relevant experience and skills
- The challenge of standing out from the crowded "maybe" pile, where many passionate junior developers end up due to generic projects and experiences
- Tips for increasing your chances of landing in the "yes" pile by demonstrating experience, showcasing personality, and experimenting with different resume approaches to see what resonates with employers

If you need extra help breaking into tech, join Brian's exclusive, cohort-based bootcamp (just 10 students per batch). Use this special link for $800 off: <https://www.parsity.io/taro>

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjenney/>

Break Into Tech And Become A Software Engineer [Part 19] - Selling Yourself As A Developer

In this lesson, Brian explains how to effectively market yourself as a software developer by positioning your skills and experience clearly to potential employers.

This lesson covers:

- Presenting yourself as a software developer, ensuring your resume and LinkedIn profile immediately reflect your skills and experiences in the field
- Avoiding terms like "junior" or "aspiring" developer and instead using strong language that showcases confidence, such as "architected," "led," and "deployed"
- Framing your achievements with a formula that highlights the technology used, the features created, and the outcomes achieved, demonstrating the value you bring to a team

If you need extra help breaking into tech, join Brian's exclusive, cohort-based bootcamp (just 10 students per batch). Use this special link for $800 off: <https://www.parsity.io/taro>

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjenney/>

Break Into Tech And Become A Software Engineer [Part 18] - Work For Free

In this lesson, Brian discusses the value of working for free as a way to gain experience, while emphasizing that it’s not truly "free" but a trade for validation and learning.

This lesson covers:

- How free work is a way to gain experience and build credibility, but it’s essential to set clear deliverables and avoid being taken advantage of
- Approaching local businesses with well-defined projects to solve real problems, not just offering technical solutions, and using these opportunities to practice communication skills
- Sharing your experiences online, requesting recommendations, and using badges to validate your work and make yourself more attractive to future employers

If you need extra help breaking into tech, join Brian's exclusive, cohort-based bootcamp (just 10 students per batch). Use this special link for $800 off: <https://www.parsity.io/taro>

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjenney/>

Break Into Tech And Become A Software Engineer [Part 17] - The Chicken vs. The Egg

In this lesson, Brian addresses the challenge of gaining experience as a software developer when transitioning careers, offering practical solutions beyond traditional routes.

This lesson covers:

- The limitations of open source projects, highlighting their high barriers to entry and explaining why they may not be the best route for everyone
- Freelancing as a more straightforward option for gaining experience, which can lead to valuable work and opportunities
- Turning a side project into a legitimate business, providing either career validation or even a pathway to financial independence without needing a traditional job

If you need extra help breaking into tech, join Brian's exclusive, cohort-based bootcamp (just 10 students per batch). Use this special link for $800 off: <https://www.parsity.io/taro>

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjenney/>

Break Into Tech And Become A Software Engineer [Part 16] - Leverage Your Warm Network

In this lesson, Brian emphasizes the importance of leveraging your existing personal network, not just online platforms, to find job opportunities in tech.

This lesson covers:

- Using family, friends, and former colleagues to generate warm leads for software development positions, as many opportunities may exist close to home
- The concept of "seven degrees of separation" to illustrate how connections through your network can lead to valuable job prospects
- How reaching out to people within your network can provide unexpected opportunities, even from places like past jobs or local companies

If you need extra help breaking into tech, join Brian's exclusive, cohort-based bootcamp (just 10 students per batch). Use this special link for $800 off: <https://www.parsity.io/taro>

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjenney/>

Break Into Tech And Become A Software Engineer [Part 15] - Fostering Online Relationships

In this lesson, Brian shares his strategy for using comments and direct messages to build meaningful online connections and network effectively.

This lesson covers:

- Starting with genuine, thoughtful comments on posts to build rapport and avoid disingenuous engagement, which helps foster real conversations
- How to follow up comments by sliding into DMs, offering value first rather than asking for a favor, and creating opportunities for connection without being awkward
- The importance of short, 15-minute coffee chats to learn from others while keeping the conversation low-pressure and focused on mutual interests

If you need extra help breaking into tech, join Brian's exclusive, cohort-based bootcamp (just 10 students per batch). Use this special link for $800 off: <https://www.parsity.io/taro>

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjenney/>

Break Into Tech And Become A Software Engineer [Part 14] - Networking Without Being Weird

In this lesson, Brian emphasizes the importance of authentic online networking and provides strategies to build genuine connections without being cringy.

This lesson covers:

- Avoiding the common mistake of sending unsolicited requests for jobs or favors and focusing on building relationships instead
- Engaging with others by commenting on their posts and asking genuine questions to foster meaningful interactions
- Curating your feed by following like-minded individuals who share valuable content, ensuring that your online experience is constructive and positive

If you need extra help breaking into tech, join Brian's exclusive, cohort-based bootcamp (just 10 students per batch). Use this special link for $800 off: <https://www.parsity.io/taro>

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjenney/>

Tech Career Growth Videos

Our instructional videos provide software engineers with insights needed for career growth. Masterclasses go incredibly in-depth on a specific tech topic while case studies are real examples from established engineering leaders.