In the latest episode of Stories from the Hackery, we catch up with Jordan Rosas, an NSS alumnus and software engineer, whose journey exemplifies the transformative power of learning to code. From working at an Amazon warehouse to developing his own SaaS product, Jordan's story is one of continuous growth and innovation. "I really like to just figure out how things work, whether it’s scaling cloud infrastructure, optimizing some code, or turning an idea into a fully fledged business," Jordan shares.
As a graduate of NSS's Web Development Cohort 29, Jordan has built a successful six-year career as a software engineer, working with companies like Porch Group. In his spare time, he’s spearheading his own project, a social media management application called SocialWaive. The platform leverages artificial intelligence to alleviate the complexities of content planning for social media managers.
Embracing Generative AI
Jordan's interaction with generative AI tools like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot has added a new dimension to his workflow. He candidly recounts his initial hesitation to jump on the ChatGPT bandwagon but was quickly impressed by its early capabilities. When describing how GitHub Copilot’s auto-suggest feature has supported his coding process, he advises, "it's definitely a great tool for any developer of any level.”
The use of AI in Jordan’s development process doesn’t end with productivity. He has woven AI into the very fabric of SocialWaive, using it to analyze engagement patterns and sentiment trends to optimize content performance for businesses. AI isn’t just transforming how developers work, it’s bringing a whole new component to innovative solutions.
Lessons from Building a SaaS Product
Through developing SocialWaive, Jordan has gained invaluable insights that extend beyond technical implementation. He emphasizes the importance of understanding real user needs over hypothetical ones and advocates for simplicity in design. "Simplicity will win always," he advise, encouraging fellow engineers to prioritize clarity and usability–just one of the many lessons he’s learned as a developer turned entrepreneur.
The Future of Software Development
Reflecting on the changing landscape of software development, Jordan stresses the critical role that problem-solving skills play amidst evolving tools and languages. His advice to newcomers is to focus on developing strong analytical abilities rather than mastering every framework. "The ability to solve a problem, problem-solving skills, those are what's going to last forever," Jordan emphasizes, championing a mindset focused on lifelong learning and adaptability.
Jordan’s experience serves as inspiration for students and aspiring tech professionals who are navigating today's dynamic technology landscape. His story illustrates that while tools like generative AI are reshaping the industry, fundamental skills—problem-solving and intellectual curiosity—remain essential. For more of Jordan’s insights, check out the Stories from the Hackery podcast.
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Podcast Show Notes
00:00 Introduction to Stories from the Hackery
00:38 Meet Jordan Rosas: From an Amazon warehouse to Software Engineer
04:22 Jordan's Side Project: Building SocialWaive
06:02 Using Generative AI in Development
11:38 Challenges and Benefits of AI Tools
19:02 Learning and Implementing Machine Learning
24:18 Exploring AI Capabilities for SocialWaive
29:11 The Importance of Prompt Engineering
38:30 Lessons Learned from Building a SaaS Product
41:41 Advice for Aspiring Tech Professionals
44:01 Closing Thoughts
Links from the show
How are NSS Alumni Using Generative AI Tools on the Job (Survey 2024)
