What was the path from corporate to startup developer for this veteran?
John Davison is a former Navy Officer who has traveled to over 65 countries, learned 3 foreign languages, and raced on an Italian triathlon team. After the military he eventually fell in love
with making web software. Today, he is the co-founder of CodeUnion.io where he teaches beginners to become professional software engineers.
Insights From The Interview
- If you travel for a prolonged period of time after the military, look for a city with a low burn rate.
- What to do when the economic situation changes your plans.
- Pursue your curiosities
- Credentials don’t always lead to opportunities if the connections aren’t there.
- Leverage the free time you do have to learn and explore.
- Leadership and communication are skills you can leverage in the civilian world.
- Look for opportunities everywhere…even craigslist!
- Failure on his first product and what he learned from it.
- Find an act that you enjoy to find success.
- How military folks are suited for software engineering.
- The military humbles you and teaches you to learn.
- Use the 80/20 rule to decide when to move on.
- Start a group to attract others you are interested in talking to.
- Help others to help yourself.
- You have the opportunity to reassess yourself everyday - learn fast and move!
- Networking starts with being professional, courteous, organized, and respecting people’s time.
- Offer people the ability to learn when they interact with you.
Resources
- Check out John's awesome company, CodeUnion.io, teaching beginners to become software engineers and connecting successful students with
employment opportunities.
- John mentioned being inspired from reading, Steve Jobs, by Walter Isaacson.
- Connect with John through LinkedIn or e-mail, here and here. Let him know you heard him on SuccessVets!