It seems weird to me that he would go to one of the 'for pay' gimmick places like Dev Mtn after graduating BYU.... but at the same time, I've never interviewed a BYU Software Engineering (CS) graduate/student I've wanted to hire 🙂

The fastest way to get a development job out of college (or.. ugg.. places like Dev Mountain) is to be humble.

Lots of kids leave these places being told they will make $120k starting. And sure... some places might pay that much.. but you better have one heck of a portfolio and be able to pass all the hiring tests. (which in my experience 99% can't).

It's common to offer a kid with zero experience $65k just to have them say No.... then a few months later they call you back and ask if the job is still available.

My advice:
Get your foot in the door.
Get some real-world experience.
Don't let your ego get in your way when you start out.

Prove you can do the job and the money will start to flow.