S2E6: Michael Mentele - From Launch School to making $250k at Facebook

S2E6: Michael Mentele - From Launch School to making $250k at Facebook

Author: Launch School May 17, 2020 Duration: 42:45

In this episode, I asked one of our very first Capstone graduates to share with us what’s been going on a few years removed from graduating Capstone. Michael joined Launch School in 2016, finished Capstone in 2017, and is now making a “quarter of a million” at Facebook working on the Oculus VR team.

We always talk about Launch School being a long-term investment, so now we get to see what the returns on that investment can look like years down the road. I loved this conversation because despite the dream job and impressive salary, Michael absolutely exudes humility. He said something that I completely agree with, which is that humans are more similar than we are different, and if he can do it, anyone can. Just two years ago, he was just like you: here at Launch School working through the assignments. Note that this episode was recorded in the fall of 2019 and it is now, at the time of publishing this episode, mid-2020. I hope you enjoy our conversation.


For anyone curious about the deliberate, patient path to becoming a true software craftsman, the Launch School Podcast offers a grounded and insightful companion. This isn't about quick hacks or trending frameworks; it's a deep, ongoing conversation about the fundamentals of mastery itself. Each episode connects through the shared experiences of learning to code, drawing on voices from within the Launch School community and beyond. You'll hear from students navigating the curriculum, employers discussing what they truly value in developers, and seasoned engineers reflecting on the principles of long-term career growth. Discussions naturally explore effective study habits, the philosophy of mastery-based learning, and the practical realities of transitioning into a professional role. By focusing on the underlying process of expertise, this podcast provides a unique and thoughtful resource for anyone committed to a meaningful education in technology. Tune in for honest conversations that reframe the journey of learning to code as one of continuous, intentional growth.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Launch School Podcast
Podcast Episodes
S4E8: Capstone Salary Reflections [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:51
In this episode Chris and Karis discuss the latest Capstone Salaries page update. Chris shares important data to look out for on the new salaries page, and provides advice when comparing other career-launching programs o…
S4E7 Bytes: Biggest Takeaways This Year [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:13
In this bytes episode Karis asks Chris and the Launch School community "What was some of their biggest takeaways this year at Launch School?" After the students and staff share their takeways, Karis closes with some Laun…
S4E5: Transforming at Launch School [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:54
In this episode Chris and Karis discuss a recent inspirational talk given by Core graduate student Jake. Chris answers some additional Launch School-related questions including how ISAs work. Karis interviews Capstone gr…
S4E3: The Story of Launch School [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:03:41
In this episode Launch School Student Felicia interviews Chris as he shares the origin story of how Launch School came to be. He also offers his unique perspective on how Launch School approaches learning, coding educati…
S4E2: Latest News, Interviews and Catch-up with Mandy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:26
This episode Karis and Chris discuss the all the latest Launch School interviews and presentations. Karis also catches up with the co-host from last season Mandy who now works at Mozilla. Finally they leave you with a nu…
S4E1: Welcome to Season 4! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:19
This season Chris kicks off our first episode by introducing Launch Schools new podcast format and new co-host Karis. Together they discuss the latest events happening at Launch School and some quick reminders students s…
S3E10: Season 3 Final Episode [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:49
In today's episode, our podcast hosts Chris, Callie, and Mandy share their end of the year reflections on Season 3, new updates on where Mandy and Callie are going, upcoming ideas for season 4, and ambitious goals for La…
S3E9: Getting to Know Pete [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:05
In today's episode, Callie chats with Launch School TA Pete about his journey to and through Launch School. He shares about his beloved cats we see glimpses of, what brought him to Launch School, and why he enjoys being…