The real world is a tough place to get by without a proper degree.
Education gives us the knowledge and skills needed to function as a successful member of society, whether it is distinguishing yourself in one of many fields or attaining a job where you can sustain yourself and your family.
However, for those who have been unable to attain such a degree, a world of opportunity is often shut off. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work as a programmer without any sort of college degree?
This post will tell how to gain programming skills and knowledge that can help secure your future as a software developer.
The first step in the process of learning to program is learning the basics of one or more programming languages. There are a wide variety of different languages to choose from, and a large number of tutorials on the internet that will help you get started writing code to accomplish your goals.
Some popular choices for beginners include Python, JavaScript, HTML, and C++.
After learning an initial language or two it is important to start practicing what you have learned. There are plenty of programs such as Codecademy and Code School which can help people learn new programming languages and practice their coding skills.
These sites will allow you to learn the basics before moving on to more difficult challenges and can provide a great starting point for those interested in becoming programmers without degrees.
Once you have built up your skills in the introductory level of one or more programming languages, it is time to start applying those skills to build real apps and programs.
Like many other professions, there are several ways that programmers can apply their skills without having a degree. There are plenty of freelance sites such as Upwork and Freelancer which help connect people with programmers to work on their projects.
There are also several competitions that you can enter with your software, including CODE - Combat Developer's Evolution and Facebook Hacker Cup, which allow programmers from all over the world to compete for cash prizes while learning new things about programming.
There is no doubt that jobs in the tech industry have been rapidly growing in demand. Many companies have been reporting a major shortage of qualified software developers within their ranks, which means those who can fill those positions stand to make a very good salary indeed.
In addition to increased pay, many tech companies also offer better benefits and other incentives as compared to jobs in other industries.
These factors can combine with the amount of time you have spent freelancing or working with companies to show future employers that you are committed and willing to work hard, which can help put your application above those of other job seekers.
Do you still think someone without a college degree can't become a programmer?
As long as you're dedicated and willing to work hard, there is no reason why you can't gain the necessary programming knowledge and skills to be a successful software developer.
There are plenty of resources available on the internet that will help you along the way, so give it a shot!
Is it possible to get a computer science job without a degree?
YES.
You can also start as an intern or volunteer, then do an apprenticeship for a few years before you apply for the want position.
If there are no entry-level positions in the area, you might have to move somewhere else. For example, if there is no programming work where you live, you can look for jobs in major cities near your home.
There are also boot camps that teach programming skills. You can go to school part-time or full-time during the day, then work at night.
There are lots of ways to learn to program, but you don't have a computer science degree or certificate. If you're willing to put in the time and effort, it's possible to get an entry-level programming job without having any formal training on paper.