#301 How We Would Break Into Tech If We Had to Start Over (2026 Blueprint)
Mon Feb 02 2026
What if I had to break into tech today… with no degree, no connections, and a completely unrelated job?
In this episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and self-taught developer Jeremy “Smitty” to map out exactly how we’d do it if we were starting from zero in 2026.
We walk step-by-step through a realistic path from beginner to hireable — not theory, not hype, but the practical moves that actually work in today’s market.
We cover:
How to choose what to learn (without wasting years)
The fastest way to build real, job-ready skills
How to escape tutorial hell for good
When you’re actually ready to apply for jobs
How to create experience before anyone hires you
The smart way to network when you don’t know anyone in tech
Why AI isn’t the career killer people think it is
The mindset shift that separates people who make it from those who quit
If you’ve ever thought:
“I want a tech career, but I don’t know where to start”
or
“I’m stuck in a job that has nothing to do with coding”
This episode gives you a clear, actionable roadmap.
You don’t need to be special.
You don’t need a CS degree.
You just need the right plan — and the consistency to follow it.
Shameless Plugs:
1. Become an AI engineer. In 45 days, you'll learn the specific skills and technologies to transition from full stack to AI. We use project-based-learning and the teach-back method to accelerate your learning. Apply here.
If you're a CTO or engineering manager, this is the program your team needs BEFORE you drop 200K+ on an AI engineer. Reply "AI" to learn more about how we can make your roadmap a reality.
2. Become a hireable software engineer in 2026. Follow a proven system to go from 0 to HIRED with 1 on 1 mentorship and project-based-learning. Take the self-assessment test here to see if you're ready to join.
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What if I had to break into tech today… with no degree, no connections, and a completely unrelated job? In this episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and self-taught developer Jeremy “Smitty” to map out exactly how we’d do it if we were starting from zero in 2026. We walk step-by-step through a realistic path from beginner to hireable — not theory, not hype, but the practical moves that actually work in today’s market. We cover: How to choose what to learn (without wasting years) The fastest way to build real, job-ready skills How to escape tutorial hell for good When you’re actually ready to apply for jobs How to create experience before anyone hires you The smart way to network when you don’t know anyone in tech Why AI isn’t the career killer people think it is The mindset shift that separates people who make it from those who quit If you’ve ever thought: “I want a tech career, but I don’t know where to start” or “I’m stuck in a job that has nothing to do with coding” This episode gives you a clear, actionable roadmap. You don’t need to be special. You don’t need a CS degree. You just need the right plan — and the consistency to follow it. Shameless Plugs: 1. Become an AI engineer. In 45 days, you'll learn the specific skills and technologies to transition from full stack to AI. We use project-based-learning and the teach-back method to accelerate your learning. Apply here. If you're a CTO or engineering manager, this is the program your team needs BEFORE you drop 200K+ on an AI engineer. Reply "AI" to learn more about how we can make your roadmap a reality. 2. Become a hireable software engineer in 2026. Follow a proven system to go from 0 to HIRED with 1 on 1 mentorship and project-based-learning. Take the self-assessment test here to see if you're ready to join.