How to Get a Programming Job Without a Degree
Programming jobs are growing 50% faster than the overall market, but do you need a degree to be a programmer? We’ll look at how to become a software engineer without a degree by climbing the freelance ladder and applying for entry-level programming jobs.
The Misconception
Self-taught programming is a contentious topic because there are too many programming jobs and not enough programmers to fill them. Colleges want you to believe that the only way to get a programming job is to pay thousands of dollars in tuition.
The Truth
Most industries that hire programmers don’t require a computer science degree, and many tech companies have eliminated college degrees entirely from their job requirements. You can now work as a software engineer at Google without a degree, according to Burning Glass. Only 25% of IT and programming job postings require a degree, according to Burning Glass.
My Experience Getting a Programming Job Without a Degree
Because I’ve done it, I know it’s possible to become a software engineer without a degree. After graduating from Clemson University, I struggled to find work after graduation, so I decided to learn to code, and a year later, I was working as an eBay software engineer.
Self-Taught Programmers
Our community of self-taught programmers working at a variety of companies, all without degrees, is one of the largest programming groups on Facebook. Here are some tips and tools to help you break into the job market and get an entry-level programming job.
What You Need to Learn
In this article, I’ll look at the programming skills you’ll need to work as a software engineer.
Learn a programming language
You can’t become a programmer without first learning a programming language, such as Python, JavaScript, Swift, or Java. You can learn to program through classes, webinars, books, or even programming podcasts.
Programming Paradigms
You must master at least three different paradigms in order to learn a programming language, the most popular of which are object-oriented programming and functional programming. Object-oriented programming treats everything as an object, whereas functional programming emphasizes the evaluation of functions.
Programming Tools
Version control is software that allows coders to communicate with one another, and you’ll also need to know how to use GitHub, a website where you can upload and manage your code. The command line is the terminal that allows you to communicate with your operating system.
Study Computer Science
To become a software engineer, you must first study computer science, which entails writing computer-readable instructions. Computer science is the study of computers and how they work. Check out my list of the best online coding courses to find the best computer science class.
Climb the Freelance Ladder
Employers often want you to have at least some programming experience before hiring you, so starting freelance programming as a contractor is an alternative to the traditional route. This alternative route can take a long time but is more cost effective.
Use Freelance Platforms
Upwork.com, Fiverr.com, and Freelancer.com are just a few of the many websites where you can find freelance programming jobs online. They all have slight differences, but you can get started on any of them.
Start Small
Freelance platforms like Upwork have projects ranging from $25 to $10,000, and each project you complete will give you positive feedback on your profile and allow you to work your way up. By 2027, the majority of workers in the United States will be freelance.
Pivot to an Entry-Level Programming Job
How do you get started freelancing and work your way up the freelance ladder to a full-time position at a traditional firm?
Become a LinkedIn Allstar
Instead of submitting a resume and hoping for a callback, focus on building a great LinkedIn portfolio. There are a few things you can do to make your LinkedIn portfolio stand out if you want to get a programming job without a degree.
Update Your Most Recent Job
You should list your most impressive projects in your profile, as well as your most recent job as a freelance software engineer, so that employers see you as a professional software engineer rather than an unqualified candidate applying for their position.
Include Keywords
Make strategic networking connections with programmers at companies you’re interested in, and inquire about job openings. You’d be surprised how receptive technical recruiters are to hearing from programmers, so make sure your profile includes keywords so they can find you.
Build a Portfolio
Create a portfolio of your achievements when you’re ready to apply for a job, listing your skills and experience and including links to your work, as well as a link to your GitHub account so potential employers can check out your code quality.
Master the Technical Interview
If you want to be a professional programmer, you’ll need to know how to ace the technical interview. While it may seem daunting, many programming books provide tips, tricks, and advice on technical interviews.
Can I get a job as a programmer without a degree?
Can you get a programming job without a degree? Yes, you can. If you want to start a career in tech quickly, coding bootcamps can provide you with the skills you need in a much more affordable and time efficient manner.
How do I get a job in coding with no experience?
You can work as a freelancer and bid on jobs on sites like Upwork.com; if you’re willing to work for a very low rate, you might be able to get a job even if you don’t have any experience; for example, a programming job might pay $25 an hour.
Can I teach myself programming and get a job?
Many professional programmers are self-taught, and many of them have gone on to achieve fairly high positions in their careers. As long as you can demonstrate your programming skills during the recruitment process, you will be able to find work as a software developer.
Does coding require math?
It’s far more important to understand the math concepts that give coding its foundations than it is to write code that uses math. More often than not, you’ll use a library or built-in function to implement an equation or algorithm for you.
Can I make money coding from home?
The truth is, you can start earning money right now while learning to code, even if you have no prior experience. I’m sure you’ve read dozens of’make money coding from home’ articles telling you to go to Fiverr and complete 20 jobs for $5 each to make $100.
What is the easiest programming job to get?
Here are four coding jobs that are suitable for beginners:
- Web developers create the front-end and back-end code that powers web applications and websites.
- Junior web designer. Web designers are digital artists who are tasked with creating the visual look and feel of a website.
Does coding pay well?
Computer programmers are well compensated, with an average annual salary of $63,903 in 2020, with beginners earning around $50k and experienced coders earning around $85k.
How do I start coding?
Here are the fundamentals for getting started with coding on your own.
- Make a simple project.
- Get the software you’ll need.
- Join communities about how to start coding.
- Read a few books.
- How to start coding on YouTube.
- Listen to a podcast.
- Run through a tutorial.
- Try some games about how to start coding.
Is Python enough to get a job?
No, just knowing Python won’t get you a job.
Does Google Hire self taught?
Yes, Google and Facebook, as well as most other successful companies, do hire self-taught people without degrees; however, they are more concerned with hiring exceptional people, so you must persuade them that you are one. Keep in mind that the risk/reward profile for such candidates differs from that of most other candidates.
What careers can be self taught?
We’ve listed 15 self-taught careers as an entrepreneur that don’t require a college diploma below.
- YouTuber or Vlogger.
- Motivational Speaker.
- Digital Marketing Specialist.
- Jewelry Designer.
- Social Media Strategist and Manager.
- Graphic Designer.
- Copywriter.
- Freelance Writer.
- YouTuber or Vlogger.
How difficult is coding?
Coding isn’t difficult; it just takes more time and practice than you might think. To be a competent coder, you must learn how to create products, not just write code; most coding courses don’t cover these topics, so it’s no surprise that people become frustrated and give up.
Can I learn to code on my own?
Yes, you can learn programming without going to class, and you can start with any programming language. So, ask yourself what you want to achieve by learning the programming language, and that will help you decide which programming language to try.
Can I learn to code if I’m bad at math?
It’s possible to be bad at arithmetic and calculus and still be a great programmer, but it’s unlikely to be bad at logic and structured proofs. Rigorous abstract logic, as used in high level mathematics, is essential to programming.