Category Archives: Software

Posts about programming, computers, and my work at tech companies.

Five Myths About Software Engineers that Hollywood Gets Wrong

Posted on May 11, 2022 by Sheldon "Don" Sandbekkhaug

Software engineers are weirdos in the media. On screen, we’re either eccentric geniuses or socially awkward losers. In the movies, programmers have magic powers, like they can hack the CIA in an instant. Or people see the stereotypes and think, … Continue reading →

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Stop Having Sucky 1:1s with Your Manager

Posted on April 26, 2022 by Sheldon "Don" Sandbekkhaug

One-on-ones… Everyone has them. Sometimes they feel like a waste of time. But it doesn’t have to be that way. What if 1:1s could be a tool to further your career? What if they could be more enjoyable to both … Continue reading →

Posted in Software | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Best Non-Technical Books for Early Career Software Engineers

Posted on May 10, 2021 by Sheldon "Don" Sandbekkhaug

Some problems are not solvable by code. In my own quest for solving problems in the last 5 years, I’ve read dozens of books and applied their ideas to my own life. This list contains some of the best non-technical … Continue reading →

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8 Good Communication Habits for Early Career Software Engineers

Posted on May 5, 2021 by Sheldon "Don" Sandbekkhaug

Communication is a superpower. As you advance in your career, you are not limited by technical expertise, but by your ability to influence other people. You might think, “I’m bad at talking to people.” That might be true today, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Psychology, Software | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

Seven things I wish I knew my first year as a real world software engineer

Posted on April 13, 2021 by Sheldon "Don" Sandbekkhaug

I’ve been working in the industry for five years now. I’ve written about internships and promotion, but what about the first year on the job? What do I wish I knew in my first year after college? Standard disclaimer: don’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Software | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments