SisterCodes
By Ashley and Kaylee
SisterCodesJan 26, 2021
S4 Episode 2: Redefining the Mid-Career
Bring it on back ~ we're back with our 2nd episode post-hiatus! Today we're talking about how we're redefining mid-career goals and expectations. We discuss how our values around career has evolved over the years, and what we're really looking for now. Ashley discusses her most recent job search and how the landscape of tech has changed lately with the numerous layoffs.
Send us any questions you have for us: life, career, video games - we'll have a Q&A episode coming up soon! Thank you all for listening :)
Follow Us:
SisterCodes YouTube Channel, SisterCodes Instagram
Kaylee - Instagram, Just a Coder Thing Blog, newsletter
Ashley - Instagram, Ashhcodes Blog
Links:
- IG reel on software engineer red flags
S4 Episode 1: The Return of the Sisters
After a 2 year hiatus... we've returned! SisterCodes is BACK and we're here to catch you up on the big life updates and what to expect from a brand new season of the podcast!
S3 Episode 4: What to get out of your first job
Ever wondered what you should *really* be looking for in a first job? Today we dive into the questions you should ask and the things you should look for in your first role after school.
Follow Us:
SisterCodes YouTube Channel, SisterCodes Instagram
Kaylee - Instagram, Just a Coder Thing Blog, newsletter
Ashley - Instagram, Ashhcodes Blog
S3 Episode 3: The Great Resignation // Leaving Your First Job
We have some exciting news to share .... Ashley found a new job!! In the last year, both of us have left behind our first full time software engineering jobs and we want to share with you the things that you should consider before joining in on the #GreatResignation.
Follow Us:
SisterCodes YouTube Channel, SisterCodes Instagram
Kaylee - Instagram, Just a Coder Thing Blog, newsletter
Ashley - Instagram, Ashhcodes Blog
S3 Episode 2: What Makes a Good Developer?
We've heard it a 100 times but really what does make a good developer? Today we dive into our thoughts on the qualities and skills that make someone a good developer! Agree or disagree? Let us know! We want to hear your thoughts on what makes a good developer!
Follow Us:
SisterCodes YouTube Channel, SisterCodes Instagram
Kaylee - Instagram, Just a Coder Thing Blog, newsletter
Ashley - Instagram, Ashhcodes Blog
S3 Episode 1: TikTok/Reels vs. YouTube (short-term vs long-term content) + the fun/scariness of being left alone with your thoughts!
HAPPY NEW YEAR and welcome back to SisterCodes SEASON 3!! ✨ We are so excited to bring you a whole new season of sistercodes. First up: short term vs. long term content - tiktok/reels vs YouTube. In this episode we discuss what types of content creation make us feel more fulfilled, feeling the need to create something that's attention-grabbing in the first 5 seconds, and the benefits of deleting Instagram. Also fun mentions: quoting fleabag, the meme where you're consuming 5 forms of media to prevent a single thought from occurring, trying not to fall when hiking/trip over a rock, and the scariness/fun of being left alone with your thoughts when you put down your phone!!
Follow Us!
SisterCodes YouTube Channel, SisterCodes Instagram
Kaylee - Instagram, Just a Coder Thing Blog, newsletter
Ashley - Instagram, Ashhcodes Blog
2021 Wrapped: SisterCodes Edition
Hello everyone & happy holidays!! We are back with the last episode of 2021 for SisterCodes - we've been taking a bit of a break with the podcast since work has been busy but we are super excited to bring you more podcasts in the new year. We really missed sitting down & recording these episodes and are planning out lots of content for 2022! In this episode we discuss taking a break from Instagram, recovering from burnout (feeling like a stagnant pool of water LOL), and a whole rant on billionaires and unethical corporations. We hope you're staying safe, enjoying the holiday season, and we'll see you in the new year!! Sending lots of good vibes! ✨
Follow Us:
SisterCodes YouTube Channel, SisterCodes Instagram
Kaylee - Instagram, Just a Coder Thing Blog, newsletter
Ashley - Instagram, Ashhcodes Blog
S2 Episode 13: Mentorship
Have you ever wondered how to find a mentor? What questions to ask them? How to navigate finding a mentor virtually? We answer all this and more on today's episode of SisterCodes!
Follow Us:
SisterCodes YouTube Channel, SisterCodes Instagram
Kaylee - Instagram, Just a Coder Thing Blog, newsletter
Ashley - Instagram, Ashhcodes Blog
S2 Episode 12: Kaylee's New Job at Squarespace!
Kaylee started a new job at Squarespace (woo!!!) 🥳 In this episode of SisterCodes we're talking about Kaylee's new job, month-long break where she recovered from burnout, and overworking. We know it's been a while since we uploaded (we've both been super busy!) but we hope you enjoy this episode of SisterCodes!
Follow Us:
SisterCodes YouTube Channel, SisterCodes Instagram
Ashley - Instagram, Ashhcodes Blog, Twitter
Kaylee - Instagram, Just a Coder Thing Blog, newsletter, Twitter
S2 Episode 11: Mobile Development with Mikaela Caron
Today on SisterCodes we're talking with Mikaela Caron - manufacturing engineer turned iOS developer! She's telling us all the details of her previous manufacturing engineering job, how she prepared for her transition into mobile development, and so much more!
Links:
Mikaela's Blog, Instagram, Twitter
Resources for iOS Development Interviews: Sean Allen YouTube channel (iOS Dev Questions), Ray Winderlich Swift
SisterCodes YouTube Channel, SisterCodes Instagram
Kaylee - Just a Coder Thing Instagram, Just a Coder Thing Blog, newsletter: subscribe here
Ashley - Ashhcodes Instagram, Ashhcodes Blog
S2 Episode 10: Code Reviews
Code reviews are so critical to leveling up your skills as a developer and making sure that only the highest quality code is released into production systems. Whether you're a coding veteran or just starting your first job - we talk about how to be a good code reviewer, making the most of having your code reviewed, and naming conventions.
Links:
Follow Us:
SisterCodes YouTube Channel, SisterCodes Instagram
Kaylee - Instagram, Just a Coder Thing Blog, newsletter
Ashley - Instagram, Ashhcodes Blog
S2 Episode 9: SisterCodes Chats March 2021
Today we bring you another episode of SisterCodes chats! We bring you up to speed on how we're feeling ONE YEAR into the pandemic, our basement renovations, and more!
Follow Us:
SisterCodes YouTube Channel, SisterCodes Instagram
Kaylee - Just a Coder Thing Instagram, Just a Coder Thing Blog, subscribe here
Ashley - Ashhcodes Instagram, Ashhcodes Blog
S2 Episode 8 - Team Re-Org
It's really common in tech to undergo a "re-org" where your team is re-organized depending on changing priorities. We talk about how we are dealing with our new organizations as well as some best practices on how to make the most of a rapidly changing situation.
Follow Us:
Kaylee - Just a Coder Thing Instagram
Ashley - Ashhcodes Instagram
Kaylee's newsletter - subscribe here
S2 Episode 7 - Imposter Syndrome
Have you ever felt like you don't belong in tech? We're talking all about Imposter Syndrome today - what it is, when we've felt it and how we combat it.
Link: Mayuko's Video on why coding is so difficult sometimes.
Follow Us:
Kaylee - Just a Coder Thing Instagram
Ashley - Ashhcodes Instagram
Kaylee's newsletter - subscribe here
S2 Episode 6 - SisterCodes Chats January 2021
We're changing it up this week and bringing to you the first of SisterCodes chats where we share what's going on in our lives - the good, the bad, and what we're looking forward to in the month upcoming. Today we discuss hobbies - Ashley finished making a dress!, 30-day yoga challenges and more.
Follow Us:
Kaylee - Just a Coder Thing Instagram
Ashley - Ashhcodes Instagram
Kaylee's newsletter - subscribe here
S2 Episode 5 - Starting a Job vs. Taking a Break After University
Have you ever wondered if the only option after graduating is to start a job? We're sharing our experience taking a break after graduating the pros, cons, and things you should consider. Plus, we share our thoughts on going back for higher educational degrees and our perspectives on whether it's worth it.
Follow Us:
Kaylee - Just a Coder Thing Instagram
Ashley - Ashhcodes Instagram
Kaylee's newsletter - subscribe here
S2 Episode 4 - Writing a Book + Tech Education ft. Sam Taylor
Today we are featuring our second ever guest on SisterCodes - Sam Taylor! Sam is a published author of The Coding Workbook and also a technical curriculum developer. We talk with her today all about publishing her book and her work blending her passions for education and technology.
Get a copy of The Coding Workbook here!
Follow Sam on Instagram
S2 Episode 3 - Tech Culture Shock
If you're preparing for a career in tech here are some things about tech culture you should know. We discuss the ups and downs of tech "culture" and the ways you can prevent yourself from falling into a culture trap!
Mayuko Why I Hate Coding Sometimes
Follow Us!
Subscribe to SisterCodes YouTube
Ashley - @ashhcodes
Kaylee - @justacoderthing
S2 Episode 2 - Personal Branding
Today we talk about claiming your online digital identity in the form of your personal brand - how it can help you land your next job as well as tips for establishing brand identity.
Follow Us!
Subscribe to SisterCodes YouTube
Ashley - @ashhcodes
Kaylee - @justacoderthing
S2 Episode 1 - Goal Setting
Links:
SMART Goal Setting
Kaylee's Monthly Newsletter
Episode 20 - 2020 Reflections
This episode marks the 20th episode of SisterCodes in 2020! We reflect on our years, the things we were happy to accomplish, the challenges we faced and what we're looking forward to in 2021!
Episode 19 - Women in Tech Community on IG
Sistercodes is very active on Instagram and we wanted to do a whole episode dedicated to the women in tech IG community! The #WIT IG community is so supportive, kind, and uplifting and we are both so thankful for all the friends and support we've received through this community. Thank you all for supporting our podcast and we hope you're all having a wonderful holiday season!
Follow us on YouTube: bit.ly/sistercodes-youtube
Episode 18 - How to defend yourself when someone steals credit for your work
We spill the tea on someone trying to steal credit for founding the Women in Computer Science Society at her university. Hear what happened to Ashley, how she dealt with it, and tips on how to deal with someone else stealing your work.
Ashley's full blog post about her experience
Episode 17 - Starting a New Job
Ashley started her job! We discuss her experience starting a software engineering job as a new grad and share our advice on the things you should know when starting a job (especially given most companies are still virtual!).
Sistercodes is also now on YouTube!! Please subscribe at bit.ly/sistercodes-youtube.
Episode 16 - Holiday Gift Guide
Don't know what presents to buy for the holidays? We've got you covered! In this episode of sistercodes we're sharing our favorite tech products - mostly from small, women-owned businesses! It's so important to shop local, especially this year, and we encourage you to support small businesses that are women-owned and/or owned by POC.
Sistercodes is also now on YouTube!! Please subscribe at bit.ly/sistercodes-youtube
Links to Products:
Episode 15 - Advertisements
How many ads do you see per day? In 1970 it was 500-1600 ads per day, in 2007 around 5,000 per day, and in 2020 it's estimated that a person sees 6,000-10,000 ads per day. In this episode of sistercodes, we're talking about the effects of encountering so many ads per day and ways you can limit the personalized ads you see. We also talk about the new Instagram layout (swapped activity with shopping tab), adblocker recommendations, and running ads as content creators.
Links:
Episode 14 - Female Virtual Assistants
www.geekwire.com/2016/why-is-ai-female-how-our-ideas-about-sex-and-service-influence-the-personalities-we-give-machines/
www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/03/why-do-so-many-digital-assistants-have-feminine-names/475884/
www.nytimes.com/2015/02/08/opinion/sunday/sheryl-sandberg-and-adam-grant-on-women-doing-office-housework.html
www.bu.edu/articles/2014/bu-research-riddle-reveals-the-depth-of-gender-bias/
Episode 13 - Taboo Topics (Discussing Salary, Saying No, Taking Sick Days)
On this episode of sistercodes, we're talking about taboo topics in tech! We discuss normalizing salary discussions among coworkers, saying no to opportunities that don't align with your interests and values, setting boundaries for work and life, and taking all your sick days whether for mental or physical health.
Links:
Episode 12 - Accessibility in Tech ft. Victoria Berkowitz
Accessibility in tech is incredibly important - how can we start building inclusive products without considering everyone's experiences? Today we speak with our first ever guest speaker - Victoria Berkowitz. Victoria will talk about how able-bodied developers can bring an inclusive and accessibility mindset to the products their building, the ways that companies can support accessibility, and so much more.
Connect with Victoria on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-berkowitz/
Victoria's Facebook Plugin - https://endeavors.unc.edu/victoria-miller/
Episode 11 - Negotiating Your Salary
Did you know that women make 82 cents for every one dollar men make? One of the main reasons cited for the gender pay gap is that fewer women negotiate their salary. Negotiation can be scary especially if this is your first time negotiating your salary but it's especially important to make sure you're being paid your worth! We talk about our experiences negotiating job offers and asking for raises.
Episode 10 - Tools You Use in Software Engineering
In this episode of sister codes, we're talking about software engineering tools you use in the tech industry! From Agile and SCRUM practices to Git and software version control, we're covering it all.
JIRA, IntelliJ vs. VSCode, Confluence, Git vs. SVN, Outlook, Zoom vs. Teams vs. Hangouts
Links:
- @_steph.js Build Your Own Link in Bio
- Agile Introduction
- GitHub Introduction
Episode 9 - How to Start Your Business
In this episode of sistercodes, we're talking all about how to start your own business! Ashley owns her design company - A Llewellyn Designs - where she provides web, logo, and graphic design services for clients and Kaylee owns JustACoderThing and has a passive income stream. Ashley also has an Etsy shop - StudioByAshley - where she sells women in tech merch that she designs herself. We're talking about everything from finding clients and signing contracts to managing your side hustle and a 9-5 full-time job!
Links - FB groups:
Episode 8 - Burnout && Balance
Today we dive into burnout and balance from our perspectives of the 8th month of working remotely and 3rd month of job hunting during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also give some tips on how to maintain balance and avoid burnout as well as discuss some helpful studies and technologies that help us do this.
Alcohol and its impact on sleep - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2775419/
Meditation app that Ashley uses - https://my.life/
Episode 7 - vGHC
Episode 6 - Tech Interviews
In this episode of sistercodes we’re talking about tech interviews! We're covering (almost!) all aspects of technical interviews including elevator pitches, zoom backgrounds, organization tips, and good questions to ask your interviewer. As always you can find us over on Instagram @sistercodes!
Episode 5 - Data Privacy and Regulation
Is your phone listening to you? Just how much personal data are Google and Facebook collecting on you and selling to advertisers? How can you improve your data privacy online?
In this episode of sistercodes we're discussing data privacy and regulation and everything that comes along with it. We're talking about the tradeoff between a free platform and giving away your personal data, bringing regulation into tech with laws like GDPR, and ways that you can improve your data privacy online.
Links:
Android Fine-Grained Controls (only allow location access while using app)
Amazon Not Providing Sick Leave to Employees
Cambridge Analytica and Facebook
Episode 4 - Behind the Scenes of a Tech "Influencer"
Episode 3: How did we get into tech?
Today we're talking about our journeys into tech - from playing Frogger on a Commodore 64 to graduating with Computer Science degrees and starting jobs in finance! 😅 In this episode we talk about steep learning curves, the importance of resilience, and ego problems in tech.
Episode 2: Multi-Racial Women of Tech
What does it mean to be a woman of color?
Today we'll be talking about the term women of color, our own identities, and our experiences as multiracial women in tech.
Here are some helpful links to read up more on this important topic:
- https://builtin.com/women-tech/women-in-tech-workplace-statistics
- "The “broken rung” is even more broken for women of color, who only make up 18% of entry-level positions"
- "25% of women in computing roles in 2015 - Asian women make up just 5 percent of that number"
- https://www.wired.com/story/five-years-tech-diversity-reports-little-progress/
Episode 1: Covid, new jobs, and work-life balance
In this episode of sistercodes we're talking about how covid has affected our jobs and everyday lives, and what constitutes a 'tech' company. During quarantine, Kaylee has switched teams, moved out of her NY apartment, and is still trying to find a good work-life balance while Ashley has graduated, had her work start date delayed, and is getting back to her passions including blogging and graphic design.
SisterCodes Trailer Intro
Welcome to sistercodes, a podcast hosted by Ashley and Kaylee - we're sisters who talk about their journey in tech. We're excited to share our experiences working in technology and get real with what it's really like being a minority in one of the fastest growing industries in the world!