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
S3E8: Bytes — Gratitude [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:52
In this Thanksgiving episode, Mandy talks to students who have been at Launch School for over a year. These students share what they are grateful for and how the community has helped them throughout their journey at Laun…
S3E7: Bytes — Life Stages [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:47
In today's episode, Callie chats with three Launch School students in three very different life stages. They share how they came to Launch School, what seemed to come easy to them, and what was harder. Without hearing on…
S3E6: Getting to Know Srdjan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:37
In today's episode, Callie chats with Launch School TA Srdjan as he shares his journey to and through Launch School. He generously shares about a wide range of experiences, from how his cats lovingly torture him to what…
S3E5: Women Who Code (WWCode) at Launch School [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:32
In today's episode, students from Women Who Code share what the group is, what the meet-ups are like, and how they've found a sense of belonging and community. These students talk about the importance of having a support…
S3E3: Bytes — Why Did You Choose Launch School? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:55
Today's episode is the first of a new series called Bytes: a collection of sound-bites from the Launch School community that answer a focused question. A question we've all asked at some point or another is why should I…
S2E11: Q&A Capstone, Assessments, DPP, & 2020 Salaries with Chris [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:06
In this episode, Staacy and I held a Zoom Q & A. I was happily surprised by the wide-range of topics that we got to dive into. Questions ranged from knowing if you’re on track for Capstone, when and how to get a job, how…