I'm 40. If You're in Your 20s Watch This.

Most software engineers never break into the top 1%. Not because they aren’t smart—but because no one teaches them how. After 20 years in tech—from an early software engineer at WhatsApp to leading engineering teams at Meta as a manager—I’ve seen firsthand what separates top software engineers from the rest. In this video, I’m sharing 40 lessons I wish I had known earlier. I’ll cover the billion-dollar engineering mindset and why small, focused teams win big. You’ll learn why thinking in decades, not quarters, as a software engineer sets the best engineers apart. I’ll also share some hard truths most software engineers ignore—things no one tells you about tech career growth. If you’re serious about leveling up as a software engineer in tech, don’t just watch—take action. Drop a comment and let me know which lesson hit you the hardest. #softwareengineer #CareerAdvice #FAANG ⏱️Timestamp: ============== 0:00 Top Engineers 0:23 Billion-Dollar Mindset 1:12 Hard Truths 2:35 Influence 3:35 Politics Game 4:17 Interviews & Landing Top Jobs 5:03 Future Proofing 📎 Resources: ============== ✅ FREE AI ML Roadmap Self Study Plan (16-page PDF Guide) https://www.exaltitude.io/job-seekers?utm_source=youtube ✅ The FREE Ultimate ATS-Friendly Resume Checklist https://www.exaltitude.io/job-seekers?utm_source=youtube ✅ Download the FREE Job Search Keyword Toolkit in a PDF file https://www.exaltitude.io/resume-handbook?utm_source=youtube ✅ The Ultimate Resume Handbook https://www.exaltitude.io/resume-handbook?utm_source=youtube ✅ FREE Interview Prep Resources https://www.exaltitude.io/job-seekers?utm_source=youtube ✅ FREE ATS-Friendly Resume Template https://www.exaltitude.io/job-seekers?utm_source=youtube 🚀 Learn to code ======================== Machine Learning Bootcamp: https://links.zerotomastery.io/MLBootcamp_Exaltitude TensorFlow for Deep Learning: https://links.zerotomastery.io/Tensorflow_Exaltitude PyTorch for Deep Learning: https://links.zerotomastery.io/PyTorch_Exaltitude Machine Learning Career Path: https://links.zerotomastery.io/MLcareerpath_Exaltitude Career Path Quiz: https://links.zerotomastery.io/CPQuiz_Exaltitude All Courses: https://links.zerotomastery.io/Courses_Exaltitude 🎙️Other videos you might be interested in ======================== 👉 https://youtu.be/K7GShburb6A 👉https://youtu.be/x2t4rGMBcX4 👉https://youtu.be/8e3Yu_S28s4 👉https://youtu.be/IxwHzva9sKs 👉https://youtu.be/rYIe0aUbe14 👉https://youtu.be/kArOk8tudoM 👉https://youtu.be/t2fk26KA-30 👉https://youtu.be/b57KapzhVzs 👉https://youtu.be/NVRxfRVu9yM 👉https://youtu.be/IS2a6hkspWI 🖥️ My SETUP ======================== Sony Alpha 6700: https://amzn.to/4iccaSj 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Sony Lense: https://amzn.to/3XwDti1 Blue Yeti USB Microphone https://amzn.to/4ijgZsI LED USB Lights: https://amzn.to/3sEZf76 Amazon Basic Tripod: https://amzn.to/3MrbTfY The full list: https://www.amazon.com/shop/exaltitude/list/3NBYWPBJ39LA7?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfexaltitude_9BS9RJSNJNBXTT94GBYW_f 📣✨Connect with me ======================== 💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanklee/ ✉️ NEWSLETTE: https://www.exaltitude.io/newsletter 📲 Email for business inquiries: exaltitude.info@gmail.com 📌 Website: https://www.exaltitude.io/?utm_source=youtube I give advice for navigating your engineering career journey successfully. ⭐️About me ======================== Hi, I'm Jean, Founder of Exaltitude. I've been working in tech for the past 20 years as an engineer, an engineering manager, and a team builder. I was the 19th engineer at WhatsApp and worked with Facebook as an Engineering Manager for six years after the $19B acquisition. I'm excited to share the ins and outs of a Software Engineering career based on my experience as a hiring manager for top tech companies. Credits ======================== 🖼️ All images, graphics, and b-roll videos used in this video were sourced from Canva. I may earn a small commission for purchases made through affiliate links on this website. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Your support helps me continue creating content for you.