Pathways Unconventional: Becoming a Software Engineer Without a Degree

So you want to work in the extremely lucrative field of software engineering…but you can’t afford or don’t have the time to complete a degree. Don’t worry; we’ll show you how to become a software engineer without a degree in this article.

While it may not have been possible just a few years ago, thanks to boot camps, courses, videos, and other resources, becoming a software engineer without a degree isn’t a stretch anymore.  

How to become a software engineer without a degree?

A software developer or engineer is someone who builds and maintains software applications. Software engineers use computer science skills and principles to create software for users and businesses.

Traditionally, a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field is required to become a software engineer. However, there has been a growing demand for software engineers in recent years, and many companies are now willing to hire self-taught engineers and engineers with non-traditional backgrounds. This means you don’t need a degree in software engineering or a related field. 

You can take many pathways to become a software engineer without a degree. Here are a few of the most common options. 

• Self-learning: You can access several resources online that can teach you the fundamentals of software engineering. You can also find courses and tutorials that can assist you as you learn specific programming languages and software development tools.
• Coding boot camps: Coding boot camps are intensive programs that teach you the skills you need to become a software engineer in a short time. Bootcamps can last several months and cover various topics, including programming, software design, and web development.
• Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships are paid training programs that allow you to learn from experienced software engineers. Apprentices typically work on real-world projects and are given hands-on experience with the latest software development tools and technologies.
• Portfolio projects: One of the best ways to demonstrate your skills to potential employers is to build a portfolio of software projects. This can include personal projects, open-source contributions, or freelance work.

Once you have developed the necessary skills and experience, you can start applying for software engineering jobs. Be sure to highlight your skills and experience in your resume, and be prepared to answer technical questions in job interviews.

Can you become a software engineer without a degree?

Let’s talk about how to get into software engineering without a degree! First, focus on in-demand skills. Before you start learning, take some time to research the skills that are in high demand among software employers. Once you understand the skills that are in demand, you can focus your learning efforts accordingly.

One of the best ways to learn about the software engineering industry and find job opportunities is to network with other software engineers. You can network online through forums or on platforms like LinkedIn, or attend industry events and meetups.

Be patient and persistent. Becoming a software engineer takes time and effort, especially if you are learning without a degree. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t land your dream job right away. Keep learning, building your portfolio, and networking; eventually, you will achieve your goals.

People who found success without a degree

So, do you need a degree to be a software engineer? No! Here are some examples of successful software engineers who do not have a degree:

• Chris Messina: Chris Messina is the inventor of the hashtag. He is also a co-founder of the social media platform Medium. Messina learned to code independently and has worked at impressive places, including Google and Twitter.
• Mike Krieger: Mike Krieger is the co-founder of Instagram. He learned to code himself and has worked at companies such as Yahoo! and Microsoft.
• Andrew Ng: Andrew Ng is a professor of computer science at Stanford University. He is also the co-founder of Coursera, an online learning platform. Ng learned to code on his own and has worked at large companies such as Google and Baidu.

If you are passionate about software engineering and willing to put in the effort, you can achieve your goals. We’ve shown you how to become a software engineer without a degree — now go forth and conquer!