2 - John Davison: Navy Supply to Software Engineer

What was the path from corporate to startup developer for this veteran?

Courtesy of John Davison

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.

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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!