240: Create a Learning Roadmap but Also Let Curiosity Take You in New Directions with Madison Kanna

<p>Phil’s guest on this episode of the IT Career Energizer podcast is Madison Kanna. She is a software developer working at Keeper Security.  Madison is also the host of the CodeBookClub, an online community with live online meetups for beginners and intermediate developers.  She blogs about JavaScript and teaching yourself how to code without attending a Bootcamp.</p> <p> </p> <p> In this episode, Phil and Madison Kanna discuss how someone who is new to the industry can map out what they will learn and in what order. Madison explains how to motivate and organize yourself to acquire the knowledge you need.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS:</strong></p> <p><strong>(3.22) TOP CAREER TIP</strong></p> <p>If you are a new developer, create a curriculum for yourself. Try to map out what you will learn. Knowing, in advance, what step you are going to take next will help you to keep momentum, so your career does not end up stalling before it has really got started.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>(5.41) WORST CAREER MOMENT</strong></p> <p>Early in her career, Madison just did not enjoy her work. The firm she worked for did not believe in mentoring or collaborative working. So, she had to basically teach herself at night and during the weekends.</p> <p> </p> <p>It was a tough time for her. But it taught her that sometimes you just have to be your own mentor. It also made her realize that you need to recognize when something is not right for you and not be afraid to move on.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>(8.05) CAREER HIGHLIGHT</strong></p> <p>For Madison, joining Keeper Security has been a career highlight. Working in a truly collaborative environment has helped her to grow her skillset far faster.</p> <p> </p> <p>Releasing her free JavaScript course, a couple of years ago, was another highlight. It played a big role in enabling her to figure out what she did and didn´t understand. Pushing her to learn more about JavaScript and do so in a structured way.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>(9.05) THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T</strong>