Truth About Getting a Programming Job Without Degree

“Can I get coding job without a Degree?”

“I don’t have Computer Science Degree but I want to switch my career to programming. Is it possible?”

I got these kind of questions on a daily basis. So, I thought why not, I should answer them at once and finish this curiosity.

Drum roll please…… The answer to the question is…. YES!!!

However, this isn’t a simple YES, it needs extra hard work and super dedication to make this happen.

By the way, I also don’t have a CS degree but my passion for computers and programming led me to a career in the Software Industry.

That’s why, I believe I can guide you about the necessary steps to enter in Software Industry without having a CS degree.

I have a feeling that most of the readers have already watched Avengers: Infinity War or Endgame. So, I will borrow the infinity stones reference from these movies. Today, I will tell you about the 6 Infinity Stones which can help to kick-start your career in the Software Universe.

The 6 Infinity Stones of Software Universe:

Anyone who follows these 6 points will stand out against the ones who have the traditional Computer Sciences Degrees.

Expand Your Online Presence:

• Create a solid profile on LinkedIn and other social platforms.

• Join professional networks and follow tech influencers on social media platforms.

• Periodically, write thoughtful comments on the posts of your favorite tech influencers.

• Subscribe to YouTube channels which provide quality content for learning software technologies.

Learn Technical Skills:

• Learn the basic programming concepts. No need to memorize everything, just try to understand it.

• Utilize online programming courses to get practical tutorials

• Join a programming or coding bootcamp or training to get practical knowledge

• Practice programming for at least 30 minutes daily. Start small, create tiny applications and grow from there.

• Most important learn the art of Googling. Learn how to search the stuff you need on Google.

• Stackoverflow is your best friend, its a platform where programmers can get answers of almost all of their technical issues.

Git & Github:

• Learn Git (Version Control System) and its basic commands. Its an essential technology in software industry.

• Create Github Account and upload all of your programming projects. Github is like Facebook of programmers where programmers share their projects and code with each other.

Create Portfolio App:

• Create a portfolio project using your own programming skills

• Add your projects and the technologies which are used in those projects

• Add your social media and Github links

• Buy a cheap web hosting and some web domains of your choice

• Deploy some of your best programming projects on the live server. It will help others to see your work in action

• Add the live web application links on your portfolio as well as social media profiles

Prepare for Interview:

• Use online interview guides to understand what type of questions can be asked in interviews

• Have mock interviews with a friend or colleague

• Practice writing pseudo code on paper as well

• Don’t afraid to fail, and give as much interviews as you can.

Attitude is the key:

• I believe everyone can code and program but it’s not a piece of cake. You need a fighter’s attitude to succeed in Software Industry. Everyday will bring new challenges to you but these challenges are the real fun as well. Be patient and keep grinding day in, day out.

• Be a team player, it will help in the long run because massive projects can’t be built by a single person.

• Be a learner for life, never deny a learning opportunity. Technology is changing rapidly, only the ones who are willing to learn and adapt will survive.

I hope all these points will help you in your journey to the Programming World. Don’t hesitate to contact me if these points raises more questions in your mind. I am here to help always.
Furthermore, if you have suggestions to improve these points, please let me know, I am more than happy to learn and improve.

Comments

[Ihor Vorotnov]

Great advices here, but still too much meta, in my humble opinion. Of course, marketing and selling yourself is an important skill but it is universal soft skill that's needed regardless of industry. I believe that in order to have a successful career in software development without a CS degree you need to:

1. Be passionate, love what you do. That's a must. Without dedication and having fun in the process you won't succeed.
2. Be open. Learn everyday. Learn from those who know their craft. Be prepared to continue to learn new stuff every single day for the rest of your life.
3. Stay curious. Question everything you or others do (even those you learn from). Learn from it (see #2).
4. Work hard. Hard and consistently. Hours and hours of work - it's called "practice" - make you a great developer, not CS degree or hundreds of hours of watched video tutorials.

And yes, if you're good developer with strong soft skills (negotiation, communication, reliability etc) - any doors will be open to you.

P.S.: I don't have a CS degree, of course :)

[Farjad Hasan]

Thanks a lot for sharing your valuable advice. It also added few new points for me.

[Sebastian Vargr]

I’ll allow my self to chime in here, I’m mostly self taught, and have been a developer/freelancer/contractor for neigh on 13 years at this point.

Just make stuff, generally care for what you do, and the rest will follow suit.

The hardest part of this will be getting that first job, and today we have freelancing platforms to help getting started.

Use that to get better and then look for more varied experience, different position, different employer, or maybe even freelancing.

The worthwhile employers don’t look for degrees anyway, they look for passion, examples, and varied experience.

[Farjad Hasan]

Yes, the getting first job is the main challenge. Afterwards your skills talk more than your degree.

[HONEY MASSEY]

Thanks, Farjad :)

[Farjad Hasan]

Most welcome :)