Phase 10: Capstone Deployment Project · 3-4 hours · Python · Markdown · Mermaid

Capstone Client Presentation & Portfolio Finalization

Present like an FDE. Defend like an FDE. Get hired as an FDE.

Hiring signal: The capstone presentation is the final interview simulation: candidates who present their system using the Minto Pyramid Principle, defend architecture decisions under questioning, and demonstrate radical ownership of the full deployment lifecycle pass. Candidates who present technically without business framing fail. The finalized portfolio (case study, architecture diagrams, eval report, presentation deck) is the deliverable that gets FDE offers.

What you will learn

Present the capstone system using the Minto Pyramid Principle to a simulated client CTO
Defend architecture decisions under technical questioning (vector DB choice, chunking strategy, eval methodology)
Write the final case study: problem, constraints, solution, evaluation results, lessons learned
Finalize the FDE portfolio: case study, architecture diagrams, evaluation report, presentation deck
Practice the client simulation: Q&A on scope, timeline, risks, and expansion opportunities

What You'll Learn

This lesson takes approximately 3-4 hours. By the end, you will be able to:

Present the capstone system using the Minto Pyramid Principle to a simulated client CTO
Defend architecture decisions under technical questioning (vector DB choice, chunking strategy, eval methodology)
Write the final case study: problem, constraints, solution, evaluation results, lessons learned
Finalize the FDE portfolio: case study, architecture diagrams, evaluation report, presentation deck
Practice the client simulation: Q&A on scope, timeline, risks, and expansion opportunities

The Problem

The capstone presentation is the final interview simulation. You'll present your system using the Minto Pyramid Principle to a simulated client CTO, defend architecture decisions under technical questioning, and demonstrate radical ownership of the full deployment. This lesson covers presentation structure, Q&A preparation, and defense strategies.

Unlock the full lesson

You've read the first 2 sections. The rest of this lesson covers Capstone Presentation Structure, Architecture Decision Defense, Final Case Study, Portfolio Finalization Checklist, Practical Application, What Hiring Managers Look For, Resources, Key Takeaways, Next Steps — plus a hands-on lab, quiz, and project artifact.

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