Xbox Engineer Explains How He Would Get A Job In 2025

In this episode, Senior Microsoft Xbox Engineer and Codesmith alum, Will Kencel, explains how SWEs can stand out in today’s market, gives an insider opinion of the reality of AI replacing engineers, and reveals what early career engineers always get wrong when they begin working. 💬 Have a question or want to see more content like this? Let us know in the comments below! ✅ Click here to subscribe to Codesmith now! / @codesmith ------ Our full time and part time immersive program is designed for brilliant people who want to break into tech. We have just released our stand alone AI & ML Technical Leadership Program (made by experts in the field) find out more at: https://www.codesmith.io 👩‍💻 Join Codesmith CSX, our FREE coding community here! Connect with peers, talk about tech, and learn to code for free at: https://csx.codesmith.io 📬 Want to learn about Codesmith’s latest graduate news and reports from our community? Subscribe to our newsletter here! https://www.codesmith.io/newsletter --------------- Welcome to the official YouTube channel for Codesmith! As an independent tech school, Codesmith has been a leader in outcomes within the tech space. Our barrier to entry is high and we deeply care about each and every student. Part of that dedication is ensuring our curriculum and pedagogy is both timeless but relevant while providing as much free content and educational material that we can. Our channel is focused on featuring some of the brightest engineers in tech as well as content exploring tech, the future of work and AI/ML. So, hit the subscribe button and turn on the notification bell so you won't miss any new videos! 🔔 --------------- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 00:19 Will’s journey from music, to Codesmith to Microsoft 01:09 Salary and work-life balance: Music v Tech 01:32 Why Will chose Codesmith, an MA in AI, then Codesmith again 02:39 Will’s advice for aspiring FAANG engineers 03:06 Will’s Biggest Setback in Tech 03:55 AI and Layoffs 05:00 Will’s Biggest Mistake On The Job 05:24 Will’s Best Moment In Tech 05:40 Will’s Worst Coding Habit 05:54 Most Overhyped Tech Trend in 2025 07:07 Will’s Tips For Negotiating A Better Salary? 07:28 Will’s Advice For Getting Into Tech In 2025 07:54 One Thing Early Career Engineers Always Get Wrong 08:18 The Biggest Lie The Tech Industry Is Telling People 08:56 How To Stand Out In Today’s Market