Tech Jobber Podcast

Will AI Replace Healthcare IT Jobs? Director of Product Reveals the Truth

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Wed, 8 Apr 2026 14:20:43 +0000

AI is changing everything in Healthcare IT — and if you're in product, BA, or clinical informatics, you need to hear this directly from someone inside the industry.

I sat down with Qing Xia, Director of Product at ModMed (Modernizing Medicine), to break down exactly which healthcare IT jobs are at risk, which roles AI can't replace, and what the career path from BA → Product Manager → Director actually looks like in 2026.

🔍 What we cover:

- Why health information technology is the most underrated career path right now

- The difference between a Product Manager and a Product Owner in healthcare — and why it matters for your salary

- Which repetitive healthcare IT jobs AI is already replacing (and which ones are exploding)

- The #1 skill Qing says every healthcare IT job seeker needs (hint: it's not technical)

- How to break into healthcare IT if you're coming from outside the industry

If you're job searching in healthcare IT, thinking about a pivot into health information technology, or trying to figure out if your current role is AI-proof — this episode is your roadmap.

🎙️ Guest: Qing Xia, Director of Product @ ModMed (Modernizing Medicine)

📌 Like & subscribe for weekly tech career strategies, insider interviews, and job search tactics that actually work.

🔗 Connect with Qing Xia: [📷/qingxiahbs]

📩 Work with Chris: [www.delosstaffing.com]

Access the full Tech Job Offer System including the step-by-step playbook, resume & LinkedIn frameworks, interview strategy, execution checklists, and templates used to structure a successful tech job search: https://techchris6.gumroad.com/l/xjxkbs

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Why Splunk Engineers Are Making $250K (And No One's Talking About It)

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Thu, 2 Apr 2026 13:02:54 +0000

Most people have never heard of Splunk — but top engineers in this field are clearing $250K+ total comp. Here's the full career roadmap nobody's teaching.

I've placed Splunk professionals for years — including one person who went on to become one of the top Splunk experts in the world. In this video, I break down exactly how the Splunk career ladder works, what it actually pays, and how to go from zero to hireable in 12 to 18 months.

What you'll learn:

The 3 Splunk career bands: Admin ($90K–$130K), Engineer ($120K–$170K), and Architect ($150K–$220K+)

How to earn $250K+ total comp in high-cost-of-living markets

The exact 3-phase roadmap: Foundation → Real Projects → Specialization

Which Splunk certifications are worth your time (and which to skip)

How to pick your lane: Cybersecurity (SOC/SIEM) vs. Reliability/Observability (SRE/DevOps)

How to transition into Splunk from help desk, sys admin, network ops, or SOC analyst roles

Whether you're brand new to tech or already in IT and looking to level up, Splunk is one of the most underrated career paths in the industry right now — and this video gives you the exact roadmap to break in.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly tech career breakdowns, salary data, and insider hiring strategies.

📩 Want to work with us? [www.delosstaffing.com]

🎙️Learn Splunk from the Ellington Cyber Academy: https://www.skool.com/eca-cyber-range-4625/about?ref=674cbede79de482fa76b88623c0cd

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Warehouse Management System Career: From $72K to $280K+ (Full Breakdown)

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:35:56 +0000

Think supply chain jobs don't pay? Think again. 💰

In this video, I break down the full Warehouse Management System (WMS) career ladder — from Associate Consultant at $72K all the way to Independent Consultant clearing $280K+ per year. And no, you don't need to be an executive to get there.

What you'll learn:

✅ What Warehouse Management Systems actually are (and why every Amazon & Walmart-scale operation runs on them)

✅ The top WMS platforms to specialize in: Manhattan Associates, Blue Yonder, SAP EWM, Oracle WMS, and Körber

✅ 3 entry paths into WMS — even if you're starting from a warehouse floor

✅ The salary breakdown at every level: Associate → Consultant → Senior → Principal → Independent

✅ How to position yourself for $130–$200/hr contract rates as an independent WMS consultant

✅ Why AI + robotics integration is the next multiplier for WMS professionals

The WMS market is $6B+ and growing at 15% annually — demand for skilled professionals is massively outpacing supply. This is one of the most underrated career moves in supply chain management right now.

🎯 Career Paths Covered:

Direct Consultant Track (vendor-side: Manhattan, Blue Yonder, Körber)

Floor-to-Tech Path (warehouse ops → WMS admin → professional services)

Systems Integrator Route (Deloitte, Accenture, Capgemini supply chain practices)

🔔 Subscribe for weekly tech career breakdowns, salary data, and strategies that actually work.

📌 Chapters:

00:00 – What is a Warehouse Management System?

02:00 – The WMS Market Opportunity

04:00 – Top WMS Vendors to Know

07:00 – The WMS Career Ladder + Salaries

12:00 – 3 Entry Paths Into WMS

17:00 – How to Position Yourself for $280K+

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The #1 Reason Tech Leaders Don't Get Funded (It's Not the Product)

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:21:11 +0000

Tech executives are brilliant at building products — but most are invisible outside the office, and it's costing them funding, talent, and market share. In this episode, I sit down with Shayna Davis, founder of the Executive Signals Group and a 21-year veteran in executive communication, to break down why executive presence isn't just a soft skill — it's a business growth strategy.

💡 What you'll learn:

- Why tech leaders have a communication competency gap that kills deals

- The difference between executive presence and executive influence (and why it matters for your career)

- Shayna's 3-part framework: Leadership Identity → Leadership Branding → Leadership Messaging

- The one LinkedIn section you're completely wasting right now

- Why investors say: "I'm betting on the person, not the product"

- The Mike Tyson communication trap — and why most tech leaders fall right into it

🚨 Shayna's most important lesson: "Visibility without credibility is expensive."

Whether you're a CTO, VP of Engineering, or a founder preparing to raise your next round — this episode is your playbook for building trust before you need it.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly tech career strategy:[📷/@techjobberpod]

📲 Connect with Shayna Davis: [📷/shaynarattler]

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Silicon Valley Salaries: Startup Founder vs Big Tech Engineer (Real Numbers)

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:32:44 +0000

What would the cast of Silicon Valley actually earn in 2026? Richard Hendricks built a world-class compression algorithm — and took home less than Big Head, who coasted through big tech without breaking a sweat. In this breakdown, we run the real numbers on both career paths: startup founder vs. Big Tech engineer, and what the gap between them looks like today.

💰 Richard (Technical Founder): $180K–$220K base + equity lottery ticket worth tens of millions — if the company hits.

💰 Big Head (FAANG-Style Engineer): $250K–$400K+ total comp, zero existential dread, and compounding stock grants every year.

The show got it right: the smarter play isn't always the startup. Sometimes the guy who coasts in big tech quietly wins.

🎯 Whether you're deciding between a startup offer and a FAANG offer — or you just want to understand how tech comp really works — this one's for you.

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Platform Engineering is the Most In-Demand Skill Nobody is Talking About

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:04:02 +0000

Most engineers are optimizing for the wrong skills.

In this episode, I sat down with Thanagai Velour — VP of Engineering at Expedia — to talk about what's actually getting engineers hired (and promoted) right now. We break down the rise of platform engineering, why FinOps is shifting from an accounting function to a core engineering discipline, and how AI is changing what it means to be a software engineer in 2025 and beyond. If you're a software engineer, DevOps engineer, or SRE looking to level up your career, this is the episode you can't skip.

What we cover:

📌 Why platform engineering is the highest-leverage role in tech right now

📌 What FinOps actually is — and why every engineer needs to understand it

📌 The "P-shaped engineer" framework and why companies are hiring for it

📌 How AI agents are replacing grunt work — and what that means for your career

📌 Red flags VPs see on resumes (and how to avoid them)

📌 The difference between outputs and outcomes — and why it determines your promotions

📌 Why "why" matters more than "how" in every technical interview

🔔 Subscribe for weekly tech career strategy, insider hiring insights, and interviews with executives who actually make the hiring decisions

Use "techjobberpod_20" for 20% off the FinOps site certs found here: https://www.finops.org/training-certi... for the

FinOps Certified Practitioner
FinOps Certified Engineer
FinOps Certified FOCUS Analyst
FinOps Certified: FinOps for AI

For FinOpsX, the event in San Diego this summer, use code "TECHJOBBERPODX26", which can be redeemed here: https://x.finops.org/register/ . It gives $200 off the ticket price!

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How to Make $250K+ in Tech Without Coding (ERP Jobs)

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:48:17 +0000

$250K+ in tech — no coding required. Here's the ERP career path nobody's showing you. In this video, I break down the Big 3 ERP platforms — SAP, Workday, and Oracle NetSuite — and the high-paying non-coding roles hiding inside each one. Follow the career ladder from NetSuite Administrator to Project Manager to ERP Consultant and watch the salary jump at every level.

💰 Salary Breakdown:

NetSuite Administrator: $80K–$120K

ERP Project Manager: $110K–$160K

ERP Consultant (Senior / Contractor): $180K–$250K+

I also break down the Partner Ecosystem — firms like Deloitte and Accenture — and why that's where the salary ceiling disappears. Whether you're in finance, HR, supply chain, or just looking to break into tech without a CS degree — ERP is recession-proof, in demand, and pays like a developer without writing a single line of code.

📌 What You'll Learn:

The Big 3 ERP systems and who they serve

The no-code career ladder: Admin → PM → Consultant

Salary ranges by level for SAP, Workday & NetSuite

How the Partner Ecosystem accelerates your income

How to pick the right ERP track for your background

🔔 Subscribe for weekly tech career strategies, salary breakdowns, and insider hiring insights.

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Ex-Tesla Engineer Reveals the Job Search Hacks That Got Him Hired (No CS Degree)

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:43:23 +0000

He went from bootcamp grad to Senior Software Engineer at Tesla — and he's placed 500+ people in tech jobs using the EXACT same playbook. Cyrus Yari breaks down every hack, script, and shortcut

🔥 In this episode, Cyrus reveals:

✅ The #1 resume hack that DOUBLED his interview callbacks overnight

✅ The exact 3-step LinkedIn outreach script that gets responses from hiring managers

✅ Why hiring is JUST sales — and how to weaponize that

✅ How to get a job with NO degree and NO years of experience

✅ The "Fabricated Scarcity" trick that makes employers chase YOU

✅ Resume tips pros won't tell you: gaps, dates, grades — here's what to hide

✅ Why being a generalist is the most powerful career move in the AI era

Whether you're actively job hunting or just want to understand how the game is really played, these job search tips will change how you apply forever.

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro: Who Is Cyrus Yari?

02:30 – From Immigrant to Tesla Senior Engineer (The Untold Story)

08:50 – "Two Types of People in the Future" — Why Cyrus Went Technical

13:30 – Hiring Is Sales: The Core Philosophy

18:00 – LinkedIn Job Search Strategy: The 5-7 Person Outreach Method

24:00 – The "Fabricated Scarcity" Script That Gets You Hired

28:00 – Resume Hacks: What to Remove, What to Fake, What to Feature

36:00 – How to Mask Career Gaps & Ignore "Years of Experience" Requirements

40:40 – Why "Years of Experience" Is a Scam (The Tesla Proof)

44:40 – The Danger of Being a One-Company Man

50:00 – Generalist vs Specialist in the AI Era

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🎙️ ABOUT CYRUS YARI Former Tesla Senior Software Engineer | Founder | VC | Tech Career Coach Cyrus has helped 500+ professionals land roles in tech using unconventional job search strategies rooted in sales psychology and resume optimization.

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🚀 ABOUT TECH JOBBER PODCAST The go-to channel for tech career acceleration, job search strategies that actually land interviews, and insider advice from hiring managers, executives, and industry leaders in software engineering, AI, and tech sales.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly career advice, resume tips, and real talk on how to get a job in tech — fast.

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Hidden Tech Jobs in Oil & Gas: SCADA, OT, and the Skills Big Tech Laid Off Workers Already Have

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 13:40:43 +0000

Amazon laid off 30,000 people. Google. Meta. Microsoft. Meanwhile — one industry has an OCEAN of jobs that nobody from Big Tech is even applying for. And the skills to get hired? You already have them.

In this episode, I sit down with Michael Flores, Digital Transformation Executive at OpSite Energy, to expose the hidden tech job market inside Operational Technology (OT) — where SCADA engineers earn 20%+ MORE than their software engineering counterparts, and a mid-level Ignition professional clears $150K without a FAANG resume.

Oh — and the FBI showed up to his office. We'll get to that

💥 WHAT WE COVER:

→ What OT, SCADA, PLC, and DCS actually are (plain English)

→ Why the FBI called the largest national security meeting since 9/11

→ The exact salary gap: Software Engineer vs. SCADA Engineer

→ How to break in using FREE tools (Ignition University — no cost to start)

→ The full learning path: Python → PLC → Ignition → $150K

→ Which industries are hiring RIGHT NOW (Tesla, Toyota, oil & gas, airports)

→ Why this career is recession-proof (survived COVID, will survive anything)

→ The "mercenary to missionary" mindset shift that accelerates your career

→ How AI is reshaping OT roles — and creating NEW opportunities

💰 SALARY BREAKDOWN (from the episode):

• Software Engineer (3-5 yrs): $105K–$120K

• SCADA Engineer (same experience): 20%+ higher

• Ignition Professional (mid-level): $150K+

🎓 YOUR FREE ENTRY POINT: Ignition by Inductive Automation — used by 80%+ of Fortune 100 companies. Download it free → learn it free → deploy it free.

Link: https://inductiveautomation.com/ignition/trial

🎙️ ABOUT MICHAEL FLORES:

15+ years in digital transformation across energy, midstream, and manufacturing.

VP of Technology & Digital Strategy at OpSite Energy. In a single week he's served clients at Tesla, Toyota, John Deere, and Cummins.

Co-host of the Energy Tech Podcast.

🔗 Connect with Michael: [📷/mikeafloresenergy]

🎙️ Energy Tech Podcast: [📷/@opsiteenergy]

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Love is Blind Star Cameron Hamilton Built a $2M AI Empire — Here's How

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:34:36 +0000

Love is Blind star Cameron Hamilton went from firefighter to $2M AI empire founder — and nobody was paying attention to the career behind the love story. His story is the opposite of our recent episode on Singles Inferno Star Samuel Lee's journey to become a Quant Trader.

In this breakdown, I map every stage of Cameron's path:

💰 Firefighter & EMT → $35K–$50K

🎓 Double Master's (Biomedical + AI) → $60–100K investment

🔬 AI Scientist at Weill Cornell Medicine → $130K–$180K

📺 Love is Blind → attention converted into career assets

🚀 Alliance AI Founder → $2M+ net worth

If you're wondering how to become an AI consultant or pivot into tech from a completely different field — this is your roadmap.

I break down the exact 5-stage framework Cameron used (whether he knew it or not) so you can apply it to YOUR career

🔔 Subscribe for weekly tech career breakdowns 📩 Connect with me: [www.linkedin.com/in/christopherschwenk ~ www.instagram.com/chris_delosstaffing]

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – The Samuel Lee Comparison

1:00 – Stage 1: Firefighter ($35K–$50K)

2:30 – Stage 2: The Double Master's

4:30 – Stage 3: Weill Cornell Medicine ($130K–$180K)

6:30 – Stage 4: Love is Blind Effect

Get paid to learn AI with AI Trade Pilot - https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/2UJ6AW0lfugS50ol7pxY?am_id=techjobberpod

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AI Can't Touch These 7 Tech Jobs — Here's Why

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 9 Mar 2026 20:42:11 +0000

AI is replacing jobs faster than ever — but these 7 tech careers are virtually untouchable AND still pay $150K+. I break down exactly why AI can't automate these roles and how you can start positioning yourself NOW.

Whether you're in a tech career transition or just want to future-proof your income, these AI-proof jobs offer real security in 2026 and beyond.

🔗 RESOURCES & TOOLS FOR EACH ROLE:

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

1. Cybersecurity / Security Engineer — [Linux Foundation Cyber Courses: Use Code "TECHJOBBERPOD" for 30% off - https://training.linuxfoundation.org/...]

Ellington Cyber Academy - https://www.skool.com/eca-cyber-range...https://www.skool.com/eca-cyber-range-4625/about?ref=674cbede79de482fa76b88623c0cf89e

2. Cloud / Platform / DevOps Engineer — [Linux Foundation Cloud and DevOps Courses Use Code "TECHJOBBERPOD" for 30% off https://training.linuxfoundation.org/...

Level Up in Tech Community - https://www.skool.com/luit-academy/ab...]

3. FinOps / Cloud Cost Optimization Engineer —

4. MLOps / AI Platform Engineer — [Linux Foundation Cyber Courses: Use Code "TECHJOBBERPOD" for 30% off - https://training.linuxfoundation.org/...]

5. Data Engineer / Analytics Engineer — [Data Engineer Academy - https://my.dataengineeracademy.com/lo...]

6. Solutions Architect / Sales Engineer — [https://www.skool.com/bigtechmoney/ab...]

7. Technical Product Manager (Platform / AI / Security) — [PMP Mastermind - https://www.skool.com/pmp-mastermind-...]

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

00:00 — The AI job apocalypse is real... for MOST roles

[02:31] — #1 Cybersecurity / Security Engineer

[03:47] — #2 Cloud / Platform / DevOps Engineer

[04:55] — #3 FinOps / Cloud Cost Optimization

[06:08] — #4 MLOps / AI Platform Engineer

[07:27] — #5 Data Engineer / Analytics Engineer

[08:48] — #6 Solutions Architect / Sales Engineer

[08:58] — #7 Technical Product Manager

🎯 IN THIS VIDEO YOU'LL LEARN:

• 7 tech jobs AI can't replace — each paying $150K+

• Why these roles actually get MORE valuable as AI grows

• The skills and certs that make you untouchable

• How to pivot into these roles from your current position

📌 SUBSCRIBE for weekly tech career strategies → https://www.youtube.com/@TechJobberPo...

🎙️ The Tech Jobber Podcast — Career acceleration, job search tactics, and insider insights from hiring managers & industry leaders.

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The $200K Cyber Career Nobody Is Talking About (AI Governance + Splunk)

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 9 Mar 2026 17:02:35 +0000

What does it actually take to go from $50K to $120K in ONE year in tech?

Cybersecurity. And not the generic "get a cert" path — the REAL roles nobody on LinkedIn is talking about.

Kenneth Ellington, founder of Ellington Cyber Academy, breaks down the exact cybersecurity career paths driving $120K–$200K salaries right now — and why most people are sleeping on them.

In this episode:

🔐 The top cybersecurity jobs hiring RIGHT NOW (IAM Engineer, GRC Engineer, Threat Hunter, AI Governance)

💰 Real student stories: waiter → Security Solutions Engineer, $50K → $120K in 12 months, Splunk engineer clearing $200K W-2

🤖 Why AI Governance is the cybersecurity career of the next 5 years

🏥 The industries with the most cyber demand (DOD, healthcare, construction)

🎓 How Ellington Cyber Academy trains people with zero experience and places them in roles — using Splunk, IAM, and more

📈 Why 90% of Fortune 100 companies use Splunk and what that means for YOUR salary ceilin

Whether you're trying to break into cybersecurity with no experience or level up your current tech career, this episode maps the exact path from entry-level to six figures — and beyond.

🔗 Ellington Cyber Academy: [https://www.skool.com/eca-cyber-range...]

🎯 The Tech Jobber Podcast helps tech professionals land interviews, negotiate offers, and accelerate their careers. New episodes weekly

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CISO Reveals: Why You Can't Get a Cybersecurity Job in 2026

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Fri, 6 Mar 2026 15:44:38 +0000

🔐 Are cybersecurity jobs actually disappearing — or is the bar just getting impossibly high?

In this episode, Chris sits down with Cassandra Mack, CISO at Tensorwave, for one of the most brutally honest conversations about the cybersecurity job market you'll hear right now. From the collapse of junior roles to AI automating away GRC workflows, this is the cybersecurity career roadmap reality check most people never get.

💡 What We Cover:

→ Why junior cybersecurity jobs are disappearing (and what employers actually want)

→ How AI is reshaping the day-to-day of every security professional

→ Cybersecurity certifications (CISSP, Security+, CompTIA) — do they still matter?

→ Hands-on labs vs. theory-based degrees: what CISOs are really hiring for

→ How to write a resume that gets past HR (the CAR method: Challenge, Action, Result)

→ The future of GRC and why automation is killing junior-to-mid level roles

→ How to break into cybersecurity with no experience using TryHackMe & bootcamps

→ Career advice for women in tech and security

→ What keeps a CISO up at night in 2025

Whether you're a cybersecurity beginner trying to break in, a SOC analyst looking to level up, or considering a pivot into information security — this episode lays out the exact cybersecurity roadmap you need.

🔗 Connect with Cassandra Mack: [ 📷 / cassandramack-lasvegas ]

─────────────────────────────

🎙️ The Tech Jobber Podcast drops new episodes weekly covering tech career strategies, job search tactics, and real talk from hiring managers and executives.

📌 Subscribe so you never miss an episode → [ 📷 / @techjobberpod ]

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A Tech Recruiter Breaks Down Mr. Robot Salaries & Job Titles

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Wed, 4 Mar 2026 16:22:42 +0000

Mr. Robot is arguably the most accurate hacking show ever made—but how accurate are the careers? In this video, I break down the real-world job titles, compensation packages, and career paths for 5 major characters: Elliot Alderson, Tyrell Wellick, Gideon Goddard, Angela Moss, and Darlene. We’re moving past the drama to look at the numbers: Base salary, equity, bonuses, and what it actually takes to land these roles in today’s tech market.

From Principal Security Engineers to Global CTOs, I’m analyzing the specific skill stacks you need to reach these income levels. Whether you want to be a high-paid individual contributor like Elliot or a corporate power player like Tyrell, here is the roadmap (and the paycheck) for each path.

Timestamps:

0:00 - The Real Tech Careers of Mr. Robot

1:12 - Elliot Alderson: Principal Security Engineer (Salary & Skills)

3:45 - Tyrell Wellick: The Path from VP to CTO (Total Comp Revealed)

6:20 - Gideon Goddard: Enterprise VP vs. Niche Founder

8:50 - Angela Moss: The Non-Technical Power Player Route

11:15 - Darlene: Red Team Lead & Offensive Security Consultant

13:30 - Which Career Path Fits You Best?

🚀 Ready to accelerate your tech career?

To Access All My Resume/Linkedin/Interview Prep Templates:
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Subscribe for more insider career strategy:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyrxBCde2MK_IAe7lhrNGPQ

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The “Dead” Tech Skill Paying $102/Hour (Mainframe Careers EXPLAINED)

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Tue, 3 Mar 2026 15:02:23 +0000

Mainframe is “dead” right?

Cool story. I brought receipts.

In this episode of the Tech Jobber Podcast, I walk through a real mainframe developer role I’m recruiting for right now:

– 💵 $102/hour (yes, really)

– 🌎 Remote

– 🧓 “Legacy” tech everyone told you to avoid

If you’ve been told to only chase software engineer

or FAANG roles, you’re probably sleeping on one of the biggest hidden opportunities in tech: mainframe developer and cobol jobs.

Here’s what we cover:

0:00 – Why everyone says “mainframe is dead”

2:04 – The receipts: real job posting, real pay, real demand

5:17 – Why there’s a critical mainframe skills shortage

9:03 – Who is actually a good fit for mainframe work

12:45 – Step‑by‑step roadmap to get into mainframe in 12–18 months

If you’re:

– Stuck in help desk / support and want a real raise

– A bootcamp grad struggling to land interviews

– A mid-career dev who’s tired of hype cycles

…this might be your fastest path to six figures.

🔔 Subscribe for more high-ROI tech career plays: Chris Schwenk | Tech Jobber Podcast

📌 To Access All My Resume/Linkedin/Interview Prep Templates:
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How to Get Hired by a CIO: Resume Tips and $200K+ Retail IT Paths

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:01:37 +0000

What do CIOs really look for when they’re hiring — and which tech roles in enterprise retail are secretly paying the most? 💰

In this Tech Jobber Podcast episode, Ken Widener (CIO at Do it Best) pulls back the curtain on CIO hiring decisions, high‑paying enterprise IT roles, and the hidden‑gem jobs in retail tech that can quietly pay FAANG‑level compensation over time.

If you’re a Software Engineer, Architect, Data/Analytics pro, or IT Leader who wants to move into higher‑pay, higher‑impact roles (and eventually CIO/CTO track), this episode is your playbook.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How CIOs actually review resumes (and the #1 mistake that gets candidates skipped)

• The highest‑paying roles in enterprise retail IT — and why some beat FAANG on stability & upside

• Hidden‑gem retail IT jobs (integration, mainframe modernization, ERP, supply chain) most engineers ignore

• How to position your experience for Director, VP, and CIO‑track roles

• Skills and project types that justify $200K+ total comp in enterprise tech

• How Ken led IT through a massive retail acquisition without breaking the business

• Why mainframe–to–Oracle Fusion ERP and AI/data work are career goldmines right now

• How CIOs think about AI, automation, and the future of software engineering jobs

⏱️ CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Introduction to Ken Widener and Do it Best Group

08:34 – Tech challenges in the retail space and the role of IT

15:34 – High‑paying and in‑demand tech roles in retail IT

23:08 – Implementing AI and working with data engineers

36:09 – Challenges and opportunities in the tech industry

🎯 WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR

• Mid–Senior Software Engineers & Architects

• Data Engineers, Analytics & BI professionals

• IT Managers, Directors, and aspiring CIOs/CTOs

• Anyone targeting high‑impact, high‑pay roles in enterprise tech & retail IT

📌 To Access All My Resume/Linkedin/Interview Prep Templates: https://techchris6.gumroad.com/l/xjxkbs

📱 CONNECT WITH CHRIS (HOST)

LinkedIn: / christopherschwenk

Twitter/X:

/ techjobberpod

🤝 WORK WITH ME For all of your hiring needs, go to https://www.delostaffing.com

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The End of Coding? Staff Engineer Reacts to AI Hype @engintheloop

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:07:32 +0000

Software engineering is dead.

At least that’s what YouTube, Twitter, and every AI doomer headline wants you to believe.

In this episode of the Tech Jobber Podcast, I sit down with Staff Software Engineer RJ Robinson to break down what’s actually happening inside engineering teams as AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and coding agents become mainstream.

Is AI replacing software engineers?

Are junior developers in trouble?

What is “vibe coding” — and is it a real threat to professional engineers?

And what skills will actually matter over the next 24 months?

RJ has over a decade of experience in software engineering and tech hiring, and he shares a real-world perspective on:

The rise of coding agents and AI-assisted development

Why rebuilding something like monday.com with AI in an hour is pure hype

What entry-level engineers must learn now

Why fundamentals and systems design matter more than ever

AI security vulnerabilities (40%+ of AI-generated code has issues)

Claude vs ChatGPT vs other AI tools

How AI is changing engineering interviews

The coming surge in AI compliance, ethics, and regulatory roles

Why AI engineers will be needed in every industry

What technologies (Ruby, Python, TypeScript, React) still matter

The real future of AI + software engineering careers

We also discuss:

Coding interviews in the age of AI

How senior engineers are using Claude and AI agents daily

The productivity explosion happening right now

Why cheap tokens and faster feedback loops will change development

Why early-career engineers risk losing core fundamentals

AI ethics, compliance, and SOC 2 demand

Whether small businesses will start hiring “AI engineers”

If you’re:

A software engineer worried about job security

A bootcamp grad wondering what to focus on

A junior developer trying to stand out

A tech professional thinking about pivoting into AI

Or someone asking, “Is software engineering still worth it?”

This episode will give you clarity.

AI isn’t killing software engineering.

But it is changing it.

And the engineers who adapt will be more valuable than ever.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly deep dives into tech careers, software engineering, cloud, AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and high-paying roles in tech.

📺 Check out RJ’s AI Engineering Brief channel here: [‪@EngInTheLoop‬]

💼 Connect with RJ on LinkedIn: [ 📷 / robert-j-robinson ]

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Passion vs Paycheck: GTA 6 Developer Salaries Exposed

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:10:22 +0000

What does it actually pay to work on GTA 6? In this video, we break down real Rockstar Games developer salaries, total compensation, and career tradeoffs so you can compare a “dream job” on GTA 6 vs a traditional big tech 9 to 5. If you’ve ever Googled GTA 6 developer salary, Rockstar Games pay, or wondered if game dev is worth the crunch, this is for you.

We’ll look at what Rockstar pays software engineers, gameplay programmers, artists, and other GTA 6 dev roles, then stack that against FAANG / big tech companies like Google, Meta, Apple, Amazon and Microsoft. You’ll see how base salary, bonuses, and stock compare — and what you might be giving up for the chance to work on the most hyped game in the world.

📍 TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – GTA 6 dev salaries: expectation vs reality

1:39 – How much does Rockstar Games actually pay? (real data)

4:02 – Game dev vs big tech: salary & total comp breakdown

6:25 – Crunch culture, hours, and burnout at game studios

8:47 – GTA 6 prestige vs boring but high-paying tech jobs

11:10 – Is working on GTA 6 worth it for your career?

13:05 – Final verdict & who should (and shouldn’t) chase game dev

🎮 IN THIS VIDEO YOU’LL LEARN

• How much GTA 6 developers really make at Rockstar Games

• How Rockstar developer salaries compare to Google, Meta, Apple, etc.

• The truth about crunch culture, work–life balance and burnout in game dev

• Whether a game developer career is good for long-term earnings and promotions

• How to think about passion vs pay when choosing between game dev and other tech jobs

💼 WHO THIS IS FOR

• Software engineers and developers curious about game industry pay

• Students considering a game dev degree or bootcamp

• Tech workers debating Rockstar / game studios vs big tech / fintech / boring enterprise

• Anyone who loves GTA 6 and wonders what the people building it actually earn

📣 MORE TECH CAREER BREAKDOWNS

Subscribe for deep dives on tech salaries, “boring” high-paying jobs, and realistic career strategy:

/ @techjobberpod

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How to Break Into Robotics Engineering (AI, C++, Linear Algebra Explained)

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 18:49:30 +0000

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The Real Cloud Roadmap in 2026 (Linux → AWS → Terraform → DevOps)

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 14:46:34 +0000

WORK WITH US / JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Broadus runs Level Up In Tech, and I’m also part of the community helping with career coaching. If you’re serious about breaking into cloud and want structured guidance, check out Level Up In Tech.

https://www.skool.com/luit-academy/about?ref=674cbede79de482fa76b88623c0cf89e

Cloud careers are still some of the highest-paying and most flexible paths in tech — but most people don’t actually understand what a cloud engineer does day-to-day, what to learn first, or how to stand out in the 2026 job market.

In this episode of the Tech Jobber Podcast, I’m joined by Broadus Palmer, founder of Level Up In Tech, who has helped thousands of people break into cloud and level up their careers. We break down cloud roles in plain English, share a real beginner roadmap, and talk about what matters most now: projects, business impact, and the ability to explain what you built — not just collecting certifications.

IN THIS INTERVIEW, WE COVER:

✅ What a cloud engineer actually does (build, deploy, monitor, secure)

✅ The best cloud learning path for beginners (step-by-step progression)

✅ Linux fundamentals: why Linux is still the core skill for cloud careers

✅ AWS vs Azure vs GCP: which cloud provider should you learn first?

✅ Why big companies use multi-cloud (AWS + Azure + GCP)

✅ Cloud Engineer vs Cloud Solutions Architect (key differences)

✅ Cloud Data Engineer vs Data Engineer (what changes, what doesn’t)

✅ Entry-level cloud jobs in 2026: what hiring managers want now

✅ How to talk about projects using the SORT framework

✅ The truth about cloud certifications (what’s worth it and what’s not)

✅ Where cloud careers can lead: DevOps, SRE, Platform, Security, FinOps, Data

If you’re trying to land your first cloud job (or you’re already in IT and want to move into cloud), this episode will help you stop guessing and start following a real roadmap.

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What’s Hot in FinTech Right Now (AI, Data, Security)

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:26:03 +0000

What does it actually take to get hired in FinTech in 2026?

In this episode of the Tech Jobber Podcast, I sit down with Chris Neudecker, Senior Director of AI Engineering at BHG Financial, to break down what’s really happening inside fintech hiring. We cover the hottest skills in fintech right now — including AI engineering, data analytics, data engineering, cybersecurity, and the growing overlap between data and security.

If you’re trying to break into fintech, Chris explains why AI and data skills are becoming non-negotiable. Without clean, structured data, AI can’t function — and companies are aggressively hiring talent who understand both. We also talk about how developers and architects don’t need to be “AI experts,” but must know how to leverage AI tools to improve coding, workflows, and security practices.

We dive deep into Salesforce careers as well — one of the most underrated and high-paying career paths in tech. Chris shares insight into:

• Salesforce admin vs developer vs architect career paths

• Why QA and data-focused Salesforce roles are growing

• How to stand out when 2,000+ applicants apply for one role

• Why culture fit and curiosity matter more than perfect resumes

• How managers can help you grow from developer to architect

We also discuss FinTech vs FAANG careers — including compensation, RSUs, stress levels, work-life balance, and which path might be better depending on your goals. If you’re deciding between big tech and fintech, this segment is especially important.

Whether you’re interested in AI careers, data security jobs, Salesforce roles, fintech engineering, product management in fintech, or understanding what hiring managers are really looking for in 2026, this episode gives you practical insight from someone actively leading teams in the space.

If you’re serious about building a high-paying tech career, this conversation will give you clarity on where to focus next.

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Stop Guessing: Pick the Right Tech Career Path in 2026

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 19:03:03 +0000

Breaking into tech in 2026 isn’t about guessing the right certification — it’s about building the right career roadmap.

In this episode of the Tech Jobber Podcast, I sit down with Vinod Akunuri, founder of Jumpstart to Tech, to break down how people are actually transitioning into high-paying tech careers. We cover the most in-demand tech career paths in 2026, why career switchers often outperform entry-level grads, and how leveraging transferable skills can fast-track your career by years.

We dive into the major tech pathways — including cybersecurity (GRC, SOC), cloud, data, technical sales, and project management — and explain how AI is reshaping these roles. Contrary to the fear headlines, AI isn’t replacing tech jobs; it’s amplifying them, creating new opportunities in areas like prompt engineering, AI-augmented cybersecurity, and technical project management.

Vinod also shares real success stories of professionals transitioning from healthcare, sales, customer service, and other non-technical backgrounds into tech roles by building proof through labs, projects, and public documentation. We explore why technical project management offers some of the highest upside in tech, how the PMP certification can accelerate earnings, and why GovTech and security clearances can act as a “golden ticket” for certain careers.

If you’re trying to break into tech, pivot careers, understand how AI impacts tech jobs, or figure out the smartest tech career path in 2026, this episode gives you a clear framework to stop guessing and start executing.

To connect with Vinod or more information on Jumpstart to Tech:

http://www.jumpstart2tech.com

https://www.instagram.com/jumpstart2t...

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That Netflix Contestant Has One of the Highest-Paying Jobs in Tech

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 9 Feb 2026 14:34:08 +0000

So I was watching Single’s Inferno with my fiancée when this guy Samuel walked in and casually dropped that he's a quant trader on Wall Street. The other contestants had NO idea what that meant... but I immediately knew this guy probably makes more than everyone else on the show COMBINED.

I had to pause the show and look him up on LinkedIn. What I found was absolutely insane.

In this video, I break down:

- Who Samuel (Lee Seung Hun) actually is and his career path

- How he went from Google engineer to Jump Trading quant trader

- EXACTLY how much money he's probably making (it's wild)

- Why quant trading pays WAY more than FAANG companies

- What quant traders actually do all day

- How software engineers can break into quant trading roles

Quick Stats:

Education: UC Berkeley Computer Science

Previous: Software Engineer at Amazon, Google, Snowflake

Current: Quant Trader at Jump Trading (one of the most elite prop trading firms)

Estimated Comp: $500K-$750K minimum (potentially mid-7 figures in a good year)

While other contestants are hoping for protein powder sponsorships, this guy is making $500/hour just doing math. If you're a software engineer wondering how to level up your career and earnings, this is the path most people don't talk about.

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Platform Engineering Roadmap 2026: How to Get Hired

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Wed, 4 Feb 2026 15:27:28 +0000

DevOps is evolving fast. In this episode, we reveal the Platform Engineering Roadmap for 2026 with industry leader Clint Hill. Discover exactly what is a platform engineer, how this role differs from traditional DevOps, and why it's becoming one of the most critical careers in tech.

We break down the essential skills you need—from software architecture to building internal developer platforms (IDPs)—and discuss the controversial impact of AI in software development on your job security. If you want to know how to future-proof your engineering career, this conversation is mandatory listening.

In this episode, we cover:

🚀 DevOps vs Platform Engineering: The key differences and career trajectory.

🗺️ Platform Engineering Roadmap: Step-by-step guide to the skills that matter in 2026.

🤖 AI & The Future: Will AI replace programmers or make them faster?

💼 Hiring Insights: Specific advice for landing platform roles at top tech companies.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Why Platform Engineering is Booming

00:34 - What is a Platform Engineer? (vs Product & DevOps)

02:24 - Will AI Replace Programmers? The Honest Truth

04:33 - Why Human Judgment Still Matters in AI Workflows

07:56 - Software Architecture & System Design Skills

10:20 - The Dangers of AI in Platform Systems

16:49 - DevOps vs Platform Engineering: API Layers Explained

18:19 - Metrics & KPIs: Justifying the Platform Team

24:18 - Who Should Switch to Platform Engineering?

31:16 - JUNIOR ENGINEERS: Focus on These Non-Functional Requirements

Resources & Links:

90.io

Kubernetes

Building AI Agents: YouTube Playlist

CI/CD Best Practices

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AI Boom Reshaping Silicon Valley — What You're Missing

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 2 Feb 2026 16:27:32 +0000

Is Silicon Valley really back? In this episode of Tech Jobber Podcast, we sit down with Eric Jones, founder of Memberly, to break down what’s actually happening in tech right now — from the AI funding gold rush to the post-pandemic revival of San Francisco.

Eric shares his unconventional journey from fashion into tech entrepreneurship, how identifying a real-world pain point led to building a community-driven events startup, and why bootstrapping is becoming the default path for founders without access to venture capital. We also dive deep into why human connection and live events are becoming more valuable — not less — in an AI-dominated world.

This conversation is packed with real founder insights, including:

- Why today’s tech cycle feels eerily similar to the dot-com era

- What investors are actually funding in 2026 (hint: it’s AI)

- Why only ~2% of startups succeed — and how founders can beat the odds

- The resurgence of opportunity in Silicon Valley and San Francisco

- How to bootstrap a startup without VC money

- Free startup resources (including AWS for Startups) most founders overlook

- Why community, IRL events, and subscriptions are the future of tech businesses

Whether you’re a founder, aspiring entrepreneur, tech professional, or career switcher, this episode delivers an unfiltered look at the real startup landscape — beyond the hype.

👇 Watch now and learn how founders are building resilient businesses in the AI era.

Silicon Valley comeback, tech startups 2026, AI startup funding, bootstrapping a startup, founder advice, San Francisco tech scene, live events startup, community-driven business, AWS for startups, tech entrepreneurship, startup failure rates, AI and human connection

Subscribe for weekly tech career & startup insights

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The Smartest Tech Workers Are Using This Free Big Tech Loophole to Increase Their Compensation

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 2 Feb 2026 16:07:52 +0000

Big Tech Is Quietly Giving Away Free Training (No Degree Required)

What if I told you Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Salesforce, Cisco, and IBM are giving away the exact training they use to build their own talent pipelines — for free?

This isn’t charity. It’s strategy.

In this video, I break down how Big Tech trains its future workforce, why they need you to learn their platforms, and how you can use these free programs to land a *high-paying tech job without spending thousands on bootcamps or degrees.

We cover:

- Where to find legitimate, free training from Big Tech

- What jobs each platform leads to

- Realistic salary ranges for each career path

- How to turn free courses into interviews and offers

If you’re trying to break into tech — or pivot into a higher-paying role — this is one of the smartest moves you can make in 2025.

🔗 FREE TRAINING LINKS (START HERE)

🔹 Microsoft Learn (Azure, Security, Data, AI) [https://learn.microsoft.com/training/](https://learn.microsoft.com/training/)

Best for:

Cloud Administrator
Security Engineer
Data Analyst
AI / Copilot roles

--- 🔹 AWS Skill Builder (Cloud & Architecture) [https://skillbuilder.aws/](https://skillbuilder.aws/)

Best for:

Cloud Practitioner
Solutions Architect
Cloud Support / Engineering

👉 Start with: AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials ---

🔹 Google Career Certificates (via Grow with Google) [https://grow.google/certificates/](https://grow.google/certificates/)

Best for:

IT Support
Data Analytics
UX Design
Cybersecurity
Project Management

⚠️ Tip: Many libraries, nonprofits, and workforce programs offer these 100% free via scholarships. ---

🔹 Salesforce Trailhead (CRM & Business Tech) [https://trailhead.salesforce.com/](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/)

Best for:

Salesforce Administrator
Salesforce Consultant
Business Systems / RevOps

One of the highest ROI, non-coding career paths in tech. ---

🔹 Cisco Skills for All (Networking & Cyber) [https://skillsforall.com/](https://skillsforall.com/)

Best for:

Network Administrator
Cybersecurity Analyst
CCNA prep

Includes free labs with Cisco Packet Tracer. ---

🔹 IBM SkillsBuild (AI, Data, Cyber) [https://skillsbuild.org/](https://skillsbuild.org/)

Best for:

Data Analyst
AI Fundamentals
Cybersecurity
Enterprise Cloud

Includes *verifiable digital badges* you can add directly to LinkedIn. --- 🧠 How To Use This Strategically

✅ Pick *ONE ecosystem*

✅ Complete *ONE foundational learning path*

✅ Post progress publicly on LinkedIn

✅ Frame yourself as *already in the field*, not “trying to break in”

This is how recruiters actually notice you. --- 💬 COMMENT QUESTION

Which ecosystem are you starting with? *Microsoft, AWS, Google, Salesforce, Cisco, or IBM?*

I’ll use the comments to decide which platform I do a *full step-by-step deep dive* on next (courses, projects, resumes, interview talk tracks).

-- 🔔 Subscribe for More

I break down *realistic tech careers**, **actual salary ranges**, and **what hiring managers care about* — no hype, no bootcamp fluff.

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The Worst-Named Job In Tech Is Secretly A $200K Career

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:49:09 +0000

The worst-named job in tech might also be one of the smartest paths to a $200K tech career: becoming a MuleSoft Developer.

In this video, I break down how an “unsexy” integration role with a ridiculous name can quietly turn into a high-paying, stable tech career. If you’ve been chasing AI, data science, or FAANG roles with no luck, and you’re tired of the hype, this is the kind of hidden tech career you should be looking at.

You’ll learn what a MuleSoft Developer actually does, why MuleSoft integration is so valuable to big companies, and how this niche skill can lead to total compensation approaching $200K in the right markets and roles.

Timestamps / Chapters:

0:00 – The worst-named job in tech (and why it secretly pays so well)

1:05 – Why chasing AI & FAANG roles is weakening your tech job search

2:20 – What is MuleSoft? (And why Salesforce paid $6.5B for it)

3:35 – What a MuleSoft Developer actually does day-to-day (API-led connectivity)

5:00 – MuleSoft Developer salary breakdown ($100K–$200K+ realistic ranges)

6:15 – Who a MuleSoft career is best for (Java devs, Salesforce pros, integration folks)

7:30 – 12‑month roadmap to become a MuleSoft Developer (skills, certs, projects)

9:10 – Is a MuleSoft career worth it in 2026 and beyond? (hidden tech careers vs hype)

In this video, we’ll talk about:

• What is a MuleSoft Developer?

• MuleSoft Developer salary and total compensation

• How MuleSoft skills fit into integration engineer and API engineer roles

• Why MuleSoft and API-led connectivity are mission-critical for banks, airlines, healthcare, and enterprise tech

• How to pivot from Java Developer, Salesforce Admin, Salesforce Developer, systems analyst, or integration specialist into a MuleSoft career

• A realistic 12-month roadmap to go from zero to MuleSoft Certified Developer – Level 1 If you’re searching for realistic $150K–$200K tech jobs, not just hype, this video is for you.

If you want to go deeper:

• Start learning API fundamentals (REST, SOAP, JSON, XML, Postman)

• Explore MuleSoft’s Anypoint Platform and free training resources

• Look for integration projects inside your current company that you can automate or improve

🚀 If you’re serious about breaking into or leveling up in tech, hit subscribe. On this channel, we talk about real-world tech careers, salaries, and strategies to land offers in:

• Integration & API engineering

• Salesforce and CRM careers

• Data engineering and data governance

• Identity & access management (IAM)

• Other “unsexy” but highly paid enterprise tech roles Subscribe for more deep dives into hidden tech careers, niche skills like MuleSoft, and practical roadmaps to six-figure jobs in tech.

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Stop “Breaking In” — Start Becoming: What Hiring Leaders Really Want in 2026 (AI, Cloud, Tech Roles)

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:09:10 +0000

Be honest: are you trying to “break into” tech… or actually becoming the person hiring managers fight to hire?

In this episode of Tech Jobber, I sit down with TEDx speaker and hiring leader Bobby McNeil Jr to unpack his powerful idea: “Becoming, Not Breaking In” — and how that mindset shift changes everything about how you job search in 2026.

We break down, step-by-step, what actually gets you hired now (AI, cloud, skills-based hiring) and why so many smart candidates are still getting rejected.

In this conversation, we cover:

• Why “breaking in” is the wrong goal — and what “becoming” looks like in real life

• How hiring leaders REALLY decide who gets interviews, callbacks, and offers

• Why AI literacy is now a baseline skill (even for non-engineering roles)

• The cloud, AI, and data skills that instantly level you up as a candidate

• How to stand out as a junior with “no experience” using a becoming mindset

• The #1 interview mistake that kills otherwise strong candidates

• How top performers tell their career story without sounding fake or rehearsed

• The non-technical skills that separate $200K+ earners from everyone else

• How to prep differently for recruiter screens vs hiring manager interviews

• Why networking still beats blindly applying — and how to do it without being cringe

This episode is for you if you’re:

• A junior or mid-career tech professional trying to grow fast

• Getting interviews but not offers — and you don’t know why

• Learning cloud, AWS, AI, or data analytics and want that to actually pay off

• Feeling stuck using outdated “spray and pray” job search tactics

• Tired of trying to “break into tech” and ready to actually become the obvious hire

We also dive into Bobby’s TEDx talk “Becoming, Not Breaking In” and his book “Cracking the Code: 10 Possible Reasons You Didn’t Get the Job” — both linked below if you want to go deeper. Watch this before your next interview. One mindset shift could save you months of frustration.

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What Executives Actually Pay IT Project Managers For

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:50:49 +0000

Most IT project managers are told to be versatile, adaptable, and able to manage any type of project.

That advice sounds smart — but it’s the reason many PMs are underpaid, overworked, and stuck competing on price.

In this video, I break down why generalist IT project managers become commodities in today’s job market and why specialization is the fastest way to increase your value, salary, and career leverage.

You’ll learn:

- Why “being versatile” hurts IT project manager salaries

- How executives actually evaluate IT project managers

- Why risk reduction matters more than tools, certifications, or frameworks

- How top IT PMs reposition themselves as specialists without starting over

- Which project management niches command higher pay

If you’re an IT project manager stuck at the same pay level or struggling to stand out in a crowded job market, this video will change how you think about your resume, LinkedIn profile, and long-term career strategy.

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How Junior Engineers Get Hired in 2026 (In the Age of AI)

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 23:28:07 +0000

If you’re a junior engineer trying to get hired in 2026, AI might feel like it’s changing the rules faster than you can keep up. Do you double down on LeetCode? Build random side projects? Learn every new AI tool?

In this episode, Yash Sheth – ex-Google AI engineer and now founder/CTO of Galileo – breaks down how junior engineers actually get hired in the age of AI, and what most beginners are doing wrong. Yash has 12+ years building AI systems at scale and working inside big tech. In this conversation, he shares what hiring managers really look for in junior developers today, how AI is changing entry-level roles, and the kind of projects that actually make you stand out – even if you don’t have a fancy background.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

How to get your first job as a junior software engineer in 2026

- What “real” experience looks like when AI tools can write code for you

- Why fundamentals still beat frameworks, tools, and buzzwords

- How AI is changing what junior engineers do day-to-day

- The mistakes Jr devs make when they try to “AI-wash” their resume

- Simple, concrete project ideas that prove you can ship and think independently

Timestamps:

00:00 From Google’s AI teams to founding Galileo

02:30 How AI is changing what companies expect from junior engineers

05:45 What junior engineers should actually focus on to get hired

10:20 Why trust, reliability, and understanding systems beats “tool collecting”

15:10 What hiring managers really look for in entry-level engineering candidates

If you’re feeling stuck between “learn everything” and “AI will take my job,” this episode gives you a grounded roadmap for becoming the kind of junior engineer companies still fight to hire.

🔥 MORE TECH JOB EPISODES

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Inside a CTO’s Mind: What Venture Capital Really Looks For in Tech Leaders

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 22:07:28 +0000

In this episode of Tech Jobber, we sit down with Luis Suarez, Chief Technology Officer at HIG Capital, one of the most influential private equity firms operating today.

Luis shares a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to be a CTO in private equity — from running lean technology teams and managing security at scale, to navigating AI adoption, automation, and modern hiring challenges in a high-pressure environment.

We dive deep into how AI is already changing tech jobs, why candidates who don’t use AI are falling behind, and what skills actually matter in today’s hiring market. Luis also explains how private equity firms think about technology differently than startups or Big Tech, including buy-vs-build decisions, low-latency systems, and why efficiency now matters more than headcount.

This conversation is packed with practical career advice for:

- Engineers, developers, and IT professionals

- Early-career technologists deciding what to learn next

- Anyone worried about AI replacing jobs

- Professionals considering tech roles in finance or private equity

What we cover in this episode:

- What a CTO actually does inside a private equity firm

- How AI is reshaping tech roles (and hiring decisions) right now

- Why “your job won’t be replaced by AI — but by someone using AI”

- The skills and certifications CTOs actually care about

- College vs certifications vs real-world experience

- How lean tech teams operate at scale

- What separates top candidates from everyone else in interviews

- How executives are personally using AI as a “chief of staff”

If you’re building a career in technology, AI, cloud, data, cybersecurity, or software engineering, this episode will help you understand where the market is headed — and how to stay ahead of it.

🔗 Connect with Luis Suarez - LinkedIn/ lusuarez

Luis is active on LinkedIn and frequently mentors professionals navigating tech careers, transitions, and leadership roles.

📌 Subscribe to Tech Jobber

New episodes every week featuring:

✅ CTOs, VPs, and senior tech leaders

✅ Hiring insights you won’t hear from recruiters

✅ Real talk about AI, certifications, salaries, and career strategy

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Why Gen Z Tech Careers Stall (It's Not Coding)

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 22:29:23 +0000

Most Gen Z engineers hit a career ceiling within 3-5 years, and it has nothing to do with their code quality.

In this episode, @IncrediPaul (Host of the IncrediPaul Leadership Podcast) reveals the "hidden curriculum" of engineering career growth that universities don’t teach.

We break down the specific soft skills for engineers that separate forever-Juniors from future Executives, and why real software leadership is about influence, not just job titles.

🚀 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

- The "Career Stall" Trap: Why technical skills get you hired, but communication skills get you promoted.

- The Gen Z Advantage: How to leverage your unique perspective to bridge the gap with older generations.

- Networking for Introverts: Practical strategies to build influence without feeling fake.

- Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Dealing with the fear that you don't belong in the room (from Junior to Exec level).

- Maxwell Leadership Principles: Applying proven leadership tactics specifically to tech careers

🔗 CONNECT WITH PAUL:

Podcast: [‪@IncrediPaul‬ ]

LinkedIn: [/ paul-faronbi ]

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9 Boring Tech Jobs That Pay $150K+ and Are ALWAYS Hiring

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:59:32 +0000

🚨 Everyone wants to be an AI engineer… but these “boring” tech jobs are quietly paying $150K–$250K+ in 2025.

And the craziest part? Most people are completely ignoring them.

In this video, I break down 9 overlooked, unsexy tech jobs that are ALWAYS hiring — because they solve critical business problems that companies cannot afford to ignore.

If you’re tired of competing with thousands of applicants for “hot” tech roles, this is the career strategy nobody talks about.

💰 9 High-Paying Boring Tech Jobs (2025)

✅ Mainframe Engineer ($140K–$200K)

✅ Compliance Automation Engineer ($145K–$210K)

✅ Database Administrator (DBA) ($135K–$195K)

✅ Enterprise Integration Engineer ($150K–$220K)

✅ Identity & Access Management (IAM) Engineer ($155K–$225K)

✅ SAP Consultant ($160K–$240K)

✅ Network Security Engineer ($165K–$235K)

✅ Salesforce Administrator / Developer ($150K–$250K)

✅ Data Warehouse Engineer ($170K–$260K)

These roles aren’t flashy — but they are:

✔️ Recession-resistant

✔️ Critically important

✔️ Short on qualified talent

✔️ Paying top-tier salaries

Many can be learned in 3–9 months without a computer science degree.

🔑 Why These Jobs Pay So Much

• Companies lose millions per hour when these systems fail

• Regulations and security laws make these roles non-optional

• Baby boomers are retiring faster than replacements are trained

• Everyone else is chasing AI, startups, and “cool” job titles

Low competition = high leverage.

🛠️ What You’ll Learn in This Video

• Salary ranges for each role in 2025

• Why companies are desperate to hire

• Exact skills & certifications needed

• How fast you can realistically get job-ready

• Which roles have the best work-life balance

💬 Join the Conversation

Which job surprised you the most?

Are you already working one of these roles?

👇 Drop a comment and tell me:

• Which one you’d consider

• Or which roadmap you want me to build next

👍 Like the video if this helped

🔔 Subscribe for realistic tech career advice

📈 New videos every week on high-paying tech paths, salaries, and hiring strategies

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Rust vs C++ Salaries in 2025 (Why Rust Pays $100K More)

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:39:32 +0000

🚨 Rust developers are making up to $400,000 — and they’re earning $50K–$100K MORE than C++ engineers for the same work. As a tech recruiter who places engineers every single day, I’m seeing something in 2025 that I’ve never seen before in my career.

In this video, I break down why Rust now pays significantly more than C++, what companies are actually paying, and whether learning Rust is worth it for your career.

This is not hype. This is real compensation data, real hiring demand, and real industry adoption.

💰 Rust vs C++ Salary Breakdown (2025)

Mid-Level Engineers (3–5 years):

• C++: $140K–$180K (Top tier $200K–$250K)

• Rust: $180K–$230K (Top tier $280K–$350K)

Senior Engineers (8+ years):

• C++: $200K–$280K (Top tier $350K–$450K)

• Rust: $250K–$320K (Top tier $400K–$550K)

That’s a $40K–$100K+ premium for Rust — and this video explains exactly why.

🧠 Why Rust Pays More Than C++

• Rust eliminates entire classes of memory-safety bugs

• 70% of security vulnerabilities come from memory issues

• Average data breach costs $4.88 million

• Rust prevents these problems at compile time

• Supply is tiny — demand is exploding

Same performance. Same systems programming. Massively different risk profile for companies.

🏢 Who’s Actually Using Rust (This Is Not Theoretical)

• Cloud infrastructure

• Operating systems

• Virtualization platforms

• Security-critical systems

• High-performance backend services

Major companies have already committed — and now they’re competing for talent.

🎯 Who This Video Is For

• C++ engineers thinking about learning Rust

• Backend & systems programmers

• Developers optimizing for long-term income

• Engineers choosing what to learn in 2025

• Anyone tired of overcrowded tech paths

Are you learning Rust in 2025 — or sticking with C++?

👇 Drop a comment and tell me:

• Your current language

• Your experience level

• Whether Rust is worth the switch for you

👍 Like if this helped

🔔 Subscribe for real tech career strategy, salaries, and hiring insights

📈 New videos every week

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Netflix Engineers Get $170K+ to Break Production | How to Become a Chaos Engineer

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 17:36:33 +0000

Companies like Netflix, Amazon, and Google are paying up to $170K+ for engineers whose job is to intentionally break production systems. In this video, we unpack how 58 chaos engineering works, why it pays so well, and the exact path to landing one of these roles. 💰⚙️

If you’re in 62 sre, 61 devops, or senior backend engineering and want a higher-leverage, higher-paying role, this is your roadmap. ⏱

Timestamps:

0:00 – Why Chaos Engineers get $170K+

0:45 – Netflix’s Chaos Monkey origin story

2:30 – What Chaos Engineering actually is

4:00 – Why companies pay so much for this skill

5:30 – Tools: Chaos Monkey, Gremlin, Litmus, Chaos Toolkit

7:00 – Step-by-step path to becoming a Chaos Engineer

🔥 What you’ll learn:

• How Netflix invented 58 chaos monkey and transformed reliability

• The 5-step chaos experiment process (steady state → hypothesis → failure injection → observe → improve)

• Why outages cost $5,600+ per minute and how that justifies $170K+ compensation

• The core stack for Chaos Engineers: cloud, observability, distributed systems, incident response

• A practical 2–4 year career path from 62 sre/59 devops engineer to 53 chaos engineer

• How to introduce chaos experiments at your current company and turn that into a portfolio

👤 Who this video is for:

• SREs and DevOps engineers who want senior-level pay and impact

• Backend / platform engineers curious about reliability and failure testing

• Tech professionals interested in Netflix-style engineering practices

• Anyone exploring high-paying, niche tech roles with strong job security

📈 Next steps for you:

• Start running safe chaos experiments in non-prod environments

• Build a portfolio of documented failures, learnings, and reliability wins

• Leverage those projects to position yourself for 0 chaos engineering jobs and internal promotions

🔔 Subscribe for weekly deep dives into high-paying tech roles, interview strategies, and real-world career playbooks.

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He Faked SailPoint Skills for $90/Hour — Fired in 5 Days (Why This Job Pays $211K)

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 20:37:48 +0000

SailPoint Software Engineers are making up to $211,000 in total compensation — and some contract roles are paying $90 an hour.

But that insane demand has created a dangerous problem in cybersecurity.

In this video, I break down a real hiring story where a SailPoint “expert” interviewed so well that the client canceled every other candidate… only to discover he was a complete fraud by Friday of his first week.

No camera. No real work. Slack location overseas.

This isn’t just a wild story — it’s a perfect example of what happens when demand massively outpaces supply in tech.

In this breakdown, you’ll learn:

• Why SailPoint skills are so rare in cybersecurity

• How IAM failures lead to multi-million dollar breaches

• Why companies are skipping due diligence just to fill roles

• What real SailPoint engineers actually make (from $85K to $211K+)

• A realistic 2–3 year roadmap to break into SailPoint legitimately

• Red flags hiring managers should watch for to avoid fraud hires

SailPoint sits at the center of identity, access, compliance, and cloud security — and when it’s done wrong, the consequences are massive.

Whether you’re:

• A tech professional looking for a high-ROI specialization

• A career switcher exploring cybersecurity

• Or a hiring manager trying to avoid a costly mistake

This video will change how you think about rare tech skills.

👇 COMMENT BELOW

Have you ever worked with someone you suspected was faking their technical skills? Share the red flags (no names).

🔔 Subscribe for more breakdowns of rare, high-paying tech skills and the real economics behind tech hiring.

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Why Developers Are Switching to Rust w/@francescociulla

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 21:19:06 +0000

Is Rust the most future-proof skill you can learn in 2026? (Plus: How to start for FREE).

Demand for Rust developers is outpacing supply, and salaries are skyrocketing. But is it too hard to learn? And is it too late to start?

In this episode, I sit down with Francesco Ciulla (@francescocioulla), a top voice in the Rust community, to break down exactly why this language is about to explode in 2026.

We discuss the massive career opportunity in Rust, the specific industries hiring right now, and—most importantly—Francesco’s inspiring story of breaking into tech in his 30s. If you are looking for a high-paying, strategic niche to future-proof your career, this is it.

🚀 JOIN THE FREE BOOTCAMP (Starts Jan 16th): 🦀Rust Bootcamp 2: https://luma.com/6n0agjqj

Follow Francesco: Twitter/X: @FrancescoCiull4 YouTube: ‪@francescociulla‬

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FinOps Engineers Are Making $180K+ — What Even Is This Job?

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 8 Dec 2025 17:05:33 +0000

🔑 Discover the Hidden Goldmine Career in Tech: FinOps Engineering

In this video, we break down everything you need to know about becoming a FinOps Engineer — one of the most lucrative tech careers in 2025 that no one is talking about. From understanding cloud cost optimization to mastering FinOps certifications, this career path is booming as companies scramble to control their skyrocketing cloud bills. Find out how YOU can land a $180K+ salary in this emerging field, even if you have no experience in FinOps.

💥 Key Topics Covered:

00:00 - Introduction to FinOps Engineers

01:00 - What Is FinOps? A deep dive into the role and its importance.

03:00 - Why This Role Is Exploding – Demand vs. supply, and why companies are struggling to fill these positions.

04:30 - Salary Breakdown – From entry-level to senior positions in FinOps.

07:00 - Day-to-Day Responsibilities – What you’ll actually be doing as a FinOps Engineer.

09:30 - How to Break Into FinOps – The step-by-step guide to landing your first FinOps role.

11:30 - Future Outlook for FinOps – Why now is the best time to get into FinOps.

🔥 Why Choose a FinOps Career? With cloud spending expected to skyrocket over the next few years, businesses need FinOps Engineers now more than ever. Learn why this is one of the highest-paying tech jobs you can break into without a computer science degree.

🌍 Ready to Break Into FinOps? Find out how you can start your FinOps career in the next 6 months with certifications like the FinOps Certified Practitioner and gain the cloud fundamentals needed to stand out in this rapidly growing field.

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DevOps vs SRE vs Platform Engineer: Which Pays More? ($120K to $450K)

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 19:36:11 +0000

Confused about DevOps vs SRE vs Platform Engineer roles? You're not alone. These three positions overlap heavily but have distinct responsibilities, salary ranges, and career paths.

In this video, I break down the real differences between DevOps Engineers, Site Reliability Engineers, and Platform Engineers so you can decide which path fits your skills and career goals in 2025.

📚 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

✅ The core responsibilities of DevOps, SRE, and Platform Engineering roles

✅ Key skills and tools required for each position

✅ Salary expectations and career growth potential

✅ Which role is best for your background and goals

✅ How companies define these roles differently (and why it matters)

Whether you're a software engineer looking to specialize, a cloud engineer planning your next move, or someone breaking into tech infrastructure roles, this breakdown will give you clarity on the difference between DevOps and SRE, what a Platform Engineer actually does, and how to position yourself for the right opportunities.

📢 ABOUT TECH JOBBER PODCAST:

I share tech career strategies, job search tactics, and insider insights from hiring managers and industry leaders to help you accelerate your career in tech.

Subscribe for weekly videos on landing interviews, negotiating offers, and building a high-paying tech career.

🤝🏻 CONNECT WITH ME:[www.linkedin.com/in/christopherschwenk

instagram:@chris_delosstaffing]

#devops #sre #platformengineer #techjobs #careerdevelopment #softwareengineering #cloudcomputing #techcareers #devopsengineer #sitereliabilityengineer #techjobsearch

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From Target to Cybersecurity: How ‪@TechTualChatter‬ Landed Jobs at Intel & McAfee

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:07:25 +0000

In this episode of Tech Jobber Podcast, Henri Davis shares his journey into the cybersecurity field and how he went from help desk roles to securing high-paying cybersecurity jobs in less than a year. Henri discusses his early experiences, the value of networking, and his strategic move to Dallas to level up his career.

Henri explains how he used his Security+ certification, hands-on experience, and LinkedIn networking to break into the cybersecurity space. He also shares practical tips on how you can stand out as a candidate, even with zero experience in tech. Whether you’re looking to start in IT support, SOC roles, or land your first cybersecurity job, Henri provides actionable advice to accelerate your career.

If you're serious about making the leap into cybersecurity, or even pivoting to a higher-paying role, this episode is packed with insider knowledge you can use today.

Henri Davis’ Journey into Cybersecurity:

00:00 - Intro to Henri Davis
02:10 - What Is a SOC and NOC? Understanding Key Cybersecurity Roles
05:30 - Henri’s Journey: From Social Engineering to Cybersecurity Career
08:00 - How Henri Got His Start with a Service Desk Role
12:00 - The Importance of Networking in Cybersecurity
14:00 - Henri’s Advice for Breaking into Cybersecurity with No Experience
18:00 - Tips for Enhancing Your LinkedIn Profile for Cybersecurity Jobs
20:00 - How Henri Got a Job at Intel and McAfee
24:00 - The Value of Certifications and Real-World Experience in Cybersecurity
28:00 - Henri’s Advice on Cybersecurity Career Progression
32:00 - Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn – Henri’s Tips for Success

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How I Went From Developer to Executive in Tech (And You Can Too!)

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:30:19 +0000

In this episode of Tech Jobber Podcast, Will Lukang (‪@IWillAim‬ ) a longtime tech executive and author, shares his expertise on leadership in the tech space. With over 30 years of experience, Will dives into what makes effective leadership, the importance of trust in leadership, and how to navigate career breakthroughs.

Will discusses his personal journey from software developer to tech executive, offering actionable tips for those looking to advance in their careers and break through stagnation. He explains how to serve others as a leader, the value of emotional intelligence, and why people are the greatest asset in any organization.

Whether you’re just starting out in your tech career, in middle management, or a senior leader, Will’s insights on building trust, helping others grow, and navigating corporate environments will help you elevate your leadership game.

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Data Jobs That Actually Pay: From SQL to $100K+ Salaries!

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:15:41 +0000

Let's do a dive deep into the exciting and lucrative world of Data Analytics. Data Analysts are in high demand, earning $95K+ by answering key business questions like, "Why did sales drop?" or "Which customers will cancel next?" You don’t need a PhD in statistics to break into this field—just a solid grasp of SQL and Excel.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

What Data Analysts really do: Turning raw data into actionable insights for businesses.
The skills you need: SQL, Excel, and Data Visualization.
Salary Breakdown: From entry-level to lead analyst, with potential salaries from $55K to $170K+.
The fastest path to a data career: Learn SQL, master Excel, and build a portfolio of real-world data projects.
Why business analysts and data analysts are indispensable in every industry—from retail to finance, and even healthcare.

Want to know how to break into data analysis without a tech degree? You can start your journey with free resources, and in as little as 6 months, you could be earning $100K+ in a high-growth career.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Data Analysis
01:30 – Breaking the myth: Do you really need a master’s degree for data analysis?
03:00 – Key tools and skills for data analysts (SQL, Excel, and more)
06:00 – Salary ranges for Data Analysts and growth trajectory
08:00 – Types of data roles: Business Analyst, Product Analyst, and more
10:00 – Portfolio projects that help land interviews
12:00 – How to build a portfolio that stands out and get your first data job

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How C++ Engineers Earn $800K+ Building the Fastest Systems in the World

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 15:26:25 +0000

Think C++ is outdated? Think again.

C++ engineers are behind the systems that run Tesla’s Autopilot, power the PlayStation 5, and move billions on Wall Street — often earning salaries that top $800K per year.

In this episode, we break down why mastering one of the hardest programming languages in the world can lead to the most rewarding roles in tech.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

- Why C++ dominates high-performance software — from trading systems to gaming engines

- What makes low-latency programming so valuable (and so rare)

- Real-world examples: Tesla Autopilot, Unreal Engine, Hedge Fund trading systems

- How hedge funds justify $800K+ paychecks for C++ engineers

- Salary ranges across industries — finance, gaming, automotive, aerospace, FAANG

- What it takes to break into elite C++ roles and stand out among thousands of developers

- The key technical skills: memory management, multithreading, CPU optimization, and more

If you’ve ever wondered where the real money and mastery in programming are, this episode lays it out clearly: C++ isn’t dead — it’s powering the systems the world runs on.

💡 Why Watch

- Learn why difficulty equals value in engineering careers

- Understand how microseconds can literally equal millions

- Discover a career path with unmatched longevity, pay, and technical challenge

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Business Analysts: The $120K+ Problem Solvers Keeping Tech Projects on Track

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 14:03:17 +0000

🚀 Want to earn $120K+ as a Business Analyst?

In this episode, we dive into the Business Analyst (BA) career, exploring how these strategic problem solvers prevent costly tech failures and help businesses save millions. Learn how Business Analysts bridge the gap between business stakeholders and tech teams to deliver successful projects on time and within budget.

📊 What You’ll Learn in This Video:

The critical role of a Business Analyst in tech projects
Real-world example: How Starbucks’ mobile ordering was improved by BAs
Daily tasks of a Business Analyst: requirements gathering, technical translation, and solution validation
Salary Breakdown: $65K → $85K entry, $120K+ senior roles, plus bonuses
Types of BA roles: Systems Analyst, Process Analyst, Product Analyst, and more
How to get started without a technical background
Career progression: From BA → Lead BA → Director of Operations

💡 Why Watch: Learn how to break into a high-paying Business Analyst career Discover the key skills that lead to steady demand and leadership opportunities Gain insights into BA salary potential across different industries and companies (FAANG, mid-tier, traditional corporations)

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Building a Tech Career That Floats: Lessons from Royal Caribbean’s VP

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 13:55:51 +0000

In this episode of The Tech Jobber Podcast, I sit down with Gustavo Netto, Vice President of Technology, Innovation, Strategy & Delivery at Royal Caribbean, to uncover the fascinating world of technology that powers the cruise industry.

From building “floating cities” at sea to managing cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and AI-driven innovation… Gustavo shares how Royal Caribbean operates like a massive tech company disguised as a vacation brand.

We dive deep into:

1.⁠ ⁠The unique tech challenges of running a cruise line

2.⁠ ⁠How Royal Caribbean is using AI and automation for seamless customer experiences

3.⁠ ⁠The importance of intrapreneurship and innovation inside big companies

4.⁠ ⁠Gustavo’s journey from Brazil to GE, IBM, and Royal Caribbean

5.⁠ ⁠Why personal branding matters more than ever for tech leaders

6.⁠ ⁠What tech skills, mindsets, and industries to bet on in 2025 and beyond

If you’re interested in technology, leadership, innovation, or career growth in tech, this episode is packed with insights from a global technology executive who’s seen it all.

Don’t miss this one… whether you’re a developer, entrepreneur, or aspiring tech leader, you’ll walk away with actionable lessons to level up your career.

Links: Connect with Gustavo:

/ gnetto

www.gustavonetto.com

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From Zero to Data Career Hero: Make $75K+ Quickly! | Avery Smith

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Tue, 7 Oct 2025 17:08:23 +0000

‼️ Get more information on Avery's Data Career Jump here: https://datacareerjumpstart.com/daa62... ‼️ 🚀 Want a high-paying data career without years of schooling? In this episode, Avery Smith – founder of Data Career Jumpstart and host of the Data Career Podcast – breaks down how he’s helped nearly a thousand people transition into data roles, including Tesla, Apple, Amazon, NASA, and Humana. 📊 What You’ll Learn:

How to start as a Data Analyst and quickly move up the career ladder
Salary breakdowns: $60K → $75K starting roles, six-figure growth potential
Skills that matter most: Excel, SQL, Tableau, Power BI, and Python basics
How to build a portfolio to land your first job even without experience
Networking strategies, internal company tips, and leveraging career clubs
Real-life success stories: teachers, warehouse workers, and more landing six-figure jobs

💡 Why Watch:

Learn how to pivot into a flexible, high-paying career in months
Avoid wasting years on degrees or expensive programs
Gain insight from someone with a massive following and proven track record

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How to Get a Platform Engineer Job in 2025 (No Guesswork)

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 6 Oct 2025 16:31:32 +0000

What is Platform Engineering, really? We brought on Ameen Sherali (Principal Platform Engineer @ JetBlue) to demystify the role: how it differs from DevOps/SRE, the exact tools hiring managers ask for (Kubernetes, Terraform, GitHub Actions, Argo/Flux, Docker, Observability stacks), where to learn in 2025, salary ranges, plus how Ameen went intern → principal without job-hopping.

You’ll learn:

Platform vs DevOps vs SRE (no buzzwords, real responsibilities)
The core stack: infra-as-code, CI/CD, observability, containers, K8s
2025 skills to prioritize (Terraform/OpenTofu, GitHub Actions, Argo/Flux, Python)
“No Click-Ops” mindset and why it matters for reliability & scale
Hiring POV: what gets you interviews (curiosity, home labs, proof-of-work)
Salary ranges & industries hiring (aviation, fintech, health, startups)

Resources mentioned

Learning: Pluralsight, LinkedIn Learning, Udemy “zero-to-hero” style courses
Tools to Google: Terraform/OpenTofu, GitHub Actions, ArgoCD/Flux, Kubernetes, Docker, Grafana stack

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Quality Assurance Jobs: The $55K → $200K Career Path!

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:12:17 +0000

💻 Want a high-paying tech career without writing code? Quality Assurance (QA) might be your perfect entry point! In this video, we break down how QA professionals earn $120K+ testing software, improving user experiences, and ensuring products are bulletproof. 👀 What You’ll Learn in This Video:

Common QA misconceptions & why it’s more than “finding bugs”
Daily tasks of modern QA: manual, automated, performance, and security testing
Salary breakdown: entry-level, specialized, and management roles ($55K → $200K+)
How to get started without a CS degree
Certifications, portfolio tips, and transferable skills that can launch your QA career
Career growth opportunities and adjacent paths: Product Management, DevOps, Business Analysis, Technical Writing
Insights from industry experts like Joel Singh

🚀 Who This Video Is For: Detail-oriented problem solvers Investigative thinkers with empathy for users People who want accessibility, job security, and career growth

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Business Intelligence Director Reveals Career Secrets in Daily Fantasy Sports!

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 23:05:35 +0000

What is it really like working in the Daily Fantasy Sports Industry? In this episode of the Tech Jobber Podcast, Frazier Seay-Rad shares her journey from Barstool Sports to becoming a Business Intelligence Director in the Daily Fantasy Sports industry.

Frazier discusses how she leveraged her analytical skills and business intelligence expertise to break into high-paying roles in sports tech. If you've ever wondered how to build a career in FinTech, sports betting, or daily fantasy sports, Frazier's story reveals the skills and career paths that lead to success.

🎯 In this episode, you'll learn:

✅ How Business Intelligence drives decisions in Daily Fantasy Sports

✅ The connection between BI skills and high-paying sports industry jobs

✅ How to transition into Business Intelligence without a traditional tech background

✅ Why Daily Fantasy Sports and sports betting industries are booming with opportunities

✅ Essential soft skills for data-driven careers: critical thinking and communication

✅ Insider tips for breaking into sports analytics and gaming industry jobs Perfect for: Data analysts, BI professionals, career changers, sports industry job seekers, and anyone interested in high-paying tech careers in sports.

⏰ TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Meet Frazier Seay-Rad: From Barstool to Daily Fantasy Sports

02:30 – What is Business Intelligence in Daily Fantasy Sports?

05:00 – Career transition strategies for Business Intelligence roles

10:30 – Breaking into BI and Data Analytics: Frazier's proven tips

15:00 – Critical thinking and business strategy in data careers

18:00 – Navigating the sports betting and gaming industries

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Top Paying Tech Jobs: Is ServiceNow the Best Tech Career in 2025?

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 18:28:44 +0000

Want to know how professionals are making $4K to $8K per week in the ServiceNow space?

🚀 In this video, I’ll break down exactly why ServiceNow careers are booming, what skills you actually need (spoiler: you don’t always need coding), and how you can start building a high-paying IT career today.

ServiceNow is one of the fastest-growing platforms in tech. Companies everywhere need experts who can implement, customize, and manage their ServiceNow systems — and they’re willing to pay big for it. Whether you’re looking to switch careers, freelance, or land a remote job in IT service management, this video will show you the roadmap.

📌 What you’ll learn in this video:

Why ServiceNow jobs pay so well
The truth about earning $4K–$8K per week
ServiceNow skills that are in highest demand
How to get started even if you’re brand new to IT
Career paths: consulting, contracting, or full-time roles

If you’ve ever wondered “Is ServiceNow worth learning?” or “How much can I make in ServiceNow?” — this is your answer.

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How I Built an AI-Powered Crypto Trading Platform and Sold It to Kraken

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 15:21:49 +0000

In this episode of the Tech Jobber Podcast, James Putra, the Head of Product at TradeStation, shares the incredible story of how he helped launch one of the first AI-powered crypto trading platforms. From mining crypto using excess data center power to building the infrastructure for automated trading that transformed the FinTech space, James reveals it all. He takes us through his journey from software engineer to FinTech executive, sharing lessons on how AI and crypto have completely reshaped financial services. James explains:

How AI-powered portfolios are changing the game for traders and investors
The secret to automating crypto trading and making it accessible for everyone
What it’s like to build and sell a crypto trading platform to one of the world’s biggest exchanges
Why AI + crypto is the future of trading and FinTech
How AI tools are making trading more efficient and profitable than ever before

If you're interested in the future of crypto trading, AI’s role in finance, or high-paying careers in FinTech, this episode is a must-watch! Timestamps:

00:00:20 – Meet James Putra: From software engineering to FinTech executive
00:05:01 – Building TradeStation’s AI-powered crypto trading platform
00:12:08 – How AI and data-powered trading systems work
00:16:15 – The story behind launching a crypto business at TradeStation
00:19:30 – Mining crypto with TradeStation’s excess data center power
00:22:00 – Transitioning from crypto mining to a trading platform
00:25:11 – The regulatory and business hurdles of entering the crypto market
00:31:45 – Why AI and crypto are the future of FinTech careers

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Top Paying Tech Jobs: Program Management Explained!

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Thu, 4 Sep 2025 18:13:10 +0000

IT Program Management Career Guide: $250k+ Salaries & Executive Growth Path 🚀

*Ready to discover one of tech's highest-paying strategic roles?*

Program Managers earn $180K-$350K+ orchestrating million-dollar initiatives across multiple departments. This isn't your typical project management role – it's the fast track to executive leadership. 🎯

What You'll Learn:

✅ *Program Manager vs Project Manager* – Key distinctions that matter

✅ *Salary Breakdown by Experience Level* – $110K entry to $250K+ senior roles

✅ *6 Types of Program Management Roles* – Find your perfect fit

✅ *Career Entry Strategies* – Multiple paths beyond traditional PM

✅ *Executive Growth Trajectory* – COO, CTO, and C-suite pathways

✅ *Essential Skills & Qualifications* – What executives really want

Salary Ranges Covered:

• *Entry Level:* $110K-$140K

• *Mid-Level (3-5 years):* $140K-$190K

• *Senior Level:* $190K-$250K+

• *FAANG Total Comp:* $200K-$300K

• *Director Level:* $250K-$350K

• *VP Level:* $400K-$500K+

Program Management Role Types:

• Technical Program Manager (TPM)

• Business Program Manager

• Digital Transformation PM

• Organizational Change PM

• Product Program Manager

• PMO Manager

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Why ERP Consultants Make $200K+ (And Companies Can't Find Them)

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Tue, 2 Sep 2025 13:25:07 +0000

In today’s episode of the Tech Jobber Podcast, we dive deep into Samir Wadhwa’s journey from starting at the service desk to managing $70 million projects in the tech space – and how he didn’t need a degree to get there! From ERP implementations to managing big tech projects, Samir shares the skills and mindset you need to land a high-paying tech job without a degree. Samir breaks down how Workday, ServiceNow, and Epic are the game-changers in the tech world and gives us insights into the future of AI in healthcare. 🚀 🚀 Timestamps for Samir Wadhwa’s Journey to Tech Success:

00:00 - Intro: Who is Samir Wadhwa?
02:00 - How Samir Went from Service Desk to Tech Leadership
05:30 - Samir’s Path to Managing $70 Million Projects
08:15 - Tech Skills for $200K Salary – What Samir Recommends
11:40 - Breaking Into Workday & ServiceNow – The HOT Skills
15:10 - Why You Don’t Need a Degree for a High-Paying Tech Job
17:00 - How AI is Transforming Healthcare in 2025
20:05 - The Future of Tech Careers – What Samir Thinks is Next
22:00 - Wrap-Up: Samir’s Top Advice for Job Seekers in Tech

If you're looking to break into tech, make $200K a year, and work on cutting-edge technologies, Samir’s story is one you do NOT want to miss!

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From Whole Foods Tech Leader to Fractional CIO | Daniel Dorb

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:35:24 +0000

Daniel Dorb’s journey from restaurant management to tech leadership at Whole Foods proves that navigating the complex world of technology and retail is possible — even for someone without a traditional tech background. After years of scaling tech solutions for one of the world’s largest retailers, Daniel now shares his expertise in fractional CIO roles and tech systems management.

In this episode of the Tech Jobber Podcast, Daniel shares:

How his restaurant background set him up for success in retail tech
The challenges he faced building tech infrastructure across 488 stores at Whole Foods
Why retail tech systems are more complex than we think
How he led cybersecurity efforts during Whole Foods’ massive tech transformation
Why fractional CIO roles are a game-changer for businesses

This isn’t just a tech leadership story — it’s a journey of innovation, problem-solving, and the importance of understanding how technology drives success in every corner of a business.

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From MySpace to Running 'Spanish Netflix' — Nicole Williams' Program Management Career Path

chris@techjobberpod.com (Chris Schwenk) — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 16:47:06 +0000

Nicole Williams has led program management at some of the biggest names in tech and media — from MySpace and Verizon to Pluto TV and now Univision’s VIX, the Spanish-language answer to Netflix. In this episode of the Tech Jobber Podcast, she shares her unfiltered career journey:

How she landed her first tech job at MySpace without a technical degree (and with a Post-it note offer letter)
The real differences between project management and program management — and why titles (and salaries) matter
Navigating the jump from startups to Fortune 500 giants like Verizon
Building teams and processes during the high-stakes streaming wars at Pluto TV
What it’s like to develop the Spanish-language version of Netflix at VIX
Negotiating salaries, bonuses, and equity in tech leadership roles
Overcoming bias and leadership challenges as a woman in tech

Whether you’re aiming for your first program manager role or looking to move from mid-level to senior leadership, Nicole’s story is packed with insights on career strategy, skill-building, and making the most of opportunities in the fast-moving tech and media space.

📌 Chapters: