1 Month intensive
with Ben Smiley-Andrews
This plan includes 4x 1 hour calls. They can be scheduled any time over a month and they don't expire. Read more
Scheduling conflict? No-show? Cancel session & get your money back instantly.
About this session
This plan includes 4x 1 hour calls. They can be scheduled any time over a month and they don't expire.
Your mentor
I’m a full-stack software developer with 15+ years of hands-on experience, and the creator of two long-running projects: the open-source mobile messaging framework ChatSDK (github.com/chat-sdk) and the Chinese learning app WeHanzi (wehanzi.com).
Alongside development, I’ve mentored individuals at various stages of their careers—especially those switching fields or building technical confidence from the ground up. For example, I supported an accountant in becoming an iOS developer; he now leads a team of over 270 people. I helped a medical imaging professional secure a top-tier software role in Munich.
I focus on practical, real-world progress. Whether you’re starting out, pivoting careers, or deepening your technical stack, I can help you move forward.
I can help you with:
• Programming foundations: logic, structure, and problem-solving
• Native mobile development: iOS (Objective-C, Swift) and Android (Java, Kotlin)
• Front-end web: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, Angular
• Back-end development: PHP, Node.js, Python (FastAPI), REST APIs
• Architecture: full-stack app design, design patterns, scalability
• Databases: schema design, performance, SQL (MySQL, PostgreSQL)
• Real-time communication: Firebase, XMPP, WebRTC
• Tooling: Docker, Git, deployment workflows
Beyond code, I also support mentees with:
• Preparing for technical interviews and coding challenges
• Reviewing and improving your existing projects
• Helping you move from “plateaued” to the next level technically
• Career and business advice—especially for freelancers, indie hackers, and developers branching into product development
• Strategy for launching and sustaining apps or side projects
If you’re looking for a mentor who’s been through the full developer journey—from writing code to building businesses—I’d be glad to help.
What mentees say
“Couldn't speak highly enough of Ben as a mentor. We vibe on many levels and without him I'd probably still be lost in the weeds trying to figure out my way forward on my own project. He has been invaluable in improving …”
Joshua
Standard Plan · 4 months
“Ben is super helpfull mentor. He helped me with my confidence to finally do a CV and review letter and send it to a companies, that I wanted to try work in. I realised thanks to Ben that I need to make a bigger project …”
Jan
Standard Plan · 2 months
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is a session?
A session is a focused one-on-one call with your mentor. Use it to get feedback, work through a specific problem, review your work, or get unstuck. You reserve up to 4 hours of their time.
How do I pick a time?
After checkout you pick a slot from Ben's live availability, and it's confirmed on the spot.
How does the session take place?
Sessions happen over video call. Your mentor shares the meeting link ahead of time, so all you need is a quiet spot and a stable connection.
Can I reschedule?
Yes, up to 24 hours before the session. Message your mentor and find a new time that works for both of you.
What if my mentor doesn't show up?
You're protected. If a mentor is a no-show, it takes one click to cancel and get your money back, no questions asked.
How do refunds work?
You pay securely by card at checkout. If the session can't go ahead, you can cancel and get your money back instantly from your dashboard.
Still have questions? Visit our Help Center.
Our pledge to you
We're committed to a safe and reliable mentorship experience with quality mentors.
Protected
If you don't hear from a mentor, it only takes one click to get your money back.
Top-rated
All mentors are pre-vetted and continuously evaluated based on their ratings.
Easy scheduling
We find the easiest way to schedule your session with your mentor.
Scheduling conflict? No-show? Cancel session & get your money back instantly.