Hey there, aspiring coders! Ever felt like the world of programming is an exclusive club you can’t join because you don’t have a degree? Trust me, I’ve been there. But guess what? I broke the rules and found a way in, and so can you.
I started out like many of you, in love with what computers could do but never imagining I could be the one to make them do those things. Then one day, it clicked. Why couldn’t I be the one to create the programs and games I enjoyed so much?
So I rolled up my sleeves and dove in headfirst, teaching myself PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript. I was fueled by Google searches, a couple of books, and a whole lot of passion. Before I knew it, I was working on my own projects and loving every second of it.
Soon after, I landed a full-time gig where I had to hit the ground running. Sure, there were experienced devs around to give me a few pointers, but mostly, I was winging it with good ol’ Google by my side. The first few months were a whirlwind—super challenging but incredibly rewarding.
Over time, things got easier, and before I knew it, people were calling me a “Senior” developer. A “Senior”? Me? The title felt strange then and still does now, even after five or six years in the role. But hey, it didn’t stop me from climbing up the ladder to become a Domain Lead at a major corporation and a Tech Lead at a startup raking in millions in investments.
So if you’re wondering whether you need a fancy degree to get started in coding, let my journey be your answer. Stick around, because I’ve got a ton of insights to share that could set you on your own path to success!
Do Companies Like Self-Taught Programmers?
Companies are rapidly evolving in how they approach tech hiring. Gone are the days when a college degree was the sole ticket to a rewarding career in technology. Nowadays, what truly matters is your skill set and how well you can execute tasks. This is great news for those of us who have taken an unconventional route into tech, investing our own time to learn coding from scratch.
The Stats Don’t Lie
According to the 2022 Stack Overflow Developer Survey, more than 20% of respondents who are professional developers don’t have any type of college degree. This is indicative of a broader trend in the tech industry that values skills over diplomas. So, if you’ve been worried about your non-traditional educational background holding you back, take this as a sign that you’re in good company.
Skill Over Degree
The modern tech industry is more concerned with what you can actually do, rather than where you learned how to do it. Sure, degrees might still matter to some employers, but many are moving away from this traditional mindset. What they want to see is your portfolio, your GitHub projects, or any other tangible evidence of your skills. This is where you can shine and make up for the lack of a formal degree.
Company Policies Are Changing
Some of the big names in tech have relaxed their degree requirements in recent years. This means that self-taught programmers have the opportunity to work at some of the most innovative companies in the world, so long as they can prove their skills. This speaks volumes about how much the industry is shifting towards skill-based hiring.
So there you have it. The industry is shifting, and the tides are in favor of self-taught programmers. Your skills and ability to learn and adapt are your biggest assets. Don’t hesitate to show them off, no matter what your educational background is!
Who Hires Self-Taught Programmers?
Big Tech Companies: Breaking the Mold
Surprisingly, some of the biggest names in tech are becoming more open to hiring self-taught programmers. Companies like Google, Apple, and IBM have made headlines for relaxing their degree requirements in favor of skill-based assessments. It’s no longer a pipe dream to think you could land a job at one of these tech giants without a degree.
Startups: The Breeding Ground for Talent
Startups are often more flexible in their hiring requirements compared to established companies. They’re looking for talent who can wear multiple hats and adapt quickly. Many startups are less concerned about formal education and more focused on what you can bring to the table right now.
E-Commerce Leaders: Skill Over Pedigree
E-commerce giants like Amazon and Shopify are also joining the trend. They have various roles that don’t necessarily require a formal degree, as long as you can demonstrate your skills. These companies often have a broad range of projects that require diverse skill sets, giving self-taught programmers a chance to shine.
Digital Agencies: Flexibility is Key
If you’re more into the creative side of tech, digital agencies could be your playground. Companies like Wieden+Kennedy or Ogilvy have digital departments that look for programmers who can work on everything from website development to interactive campaigns. Again, what you can do often outweighs how you learned to do it.
Remote Opportunities: The World Is Your Oyster
With remote work becoming more common, you can even get hired by companies that aren’t based in your country. Remote-first companies like Buffer and GitLab are known for their flexible hiring policies, often giving self-taught developers a chance to prove themselves regardless of their educational background.
Is a Coding Bootcamp Enough to Get a Job?
Quick Take: Yes, But It’s Not That Simple
A coding bootcamp can land you a job, but it’s not a guaranteed one-way ticket. Your success depends on factors like the quality of the bootcamp, your own dedication, and your networking efforts.
What Employers Are Saying
Many employers consider bootcamp graduates as qualified candidates for entry-level positions. Bootcamps often provide interview preparation and job placement services, which can give you an edge.
Real-World Experience Counts
Simply attending a bootcamp won’t automatically secure you a job. You’ll also need to network and gain some real-world experience through freelancing or personal projects to make your resume stand out.
Are Bootcamps Recognized?
Most employers do recognize coding bootcamps as a valid form of education. While they may not completely replace a traditional degree, they can serve as a fast-track to breaking into a tech career.
Cost vs. ROI
Bootcamps can be pricey, so weigh the cost against the potential job opportunities and salary boosts you could gain. Many bootcamps offer various payment plans or scholarships to help offset these costs.
In a nutshell, a coding bootcamp can give you a significant leg up in the job market, but it’s not a golden ticket. To maximize your chances, complement your bootcamp learning with networking and real-world experience.
How Hard is Coding Bootcamp?
The Simple Answer: It’s Challenging
Let’s get straight to the point: Coding bootcamps are intense. They’re designed to get you job-ready as quickly as possible, which means you’re going to be diving deep into coding, often feeling like you’re drinking from a firehose.
Time Commitment
Most coding bootcamps are full-time commitments that can last anywhere from three to six months. Expect to spend at least 40-60 hours a week learning, coding, and debugging. You won’t have much time for anything else, so make sure you’re prepared for that.
Complexity of Curriculum
The curriculum is usually fast-paced and covers a lot of ground. You’ll be learning multiple programming languages, frameworks, and tools in a short span of time. If you’re not used to the intensity, it can feel overwhelming.
Emotional Rollercoaster
There will be highs and lows. One day you’ll solve a complex problem and feel like a genius; the next, you might hit a wall and question your abilities. It’s a rollercoaster, but the key is to stay focused and persistent.
Assessing Your Readiness
Before jumping in, it’s wise to assess your current skill level and commitment. Some bootcamps offer pre-coursework to help you gauge your readiness. Make use of these resources to see where you stand.
In summary, coding bootcamps are hard but rewarding. If you’re committed and prepared for the challenge, the skills and opportunities you’ll gain can be life-changing. Just know what you’re getting into and give it your all.
How to Afford a Coding Bootcamp
Scholarships and Grants
One of the first things you should look into is scholarships and grants. Many bootcamps offer scholarships for underrepresented groups in tech, such as women, minorities, and veterans. These can significantly reduce the financial burden of attending a bootcamp.
Payment Plans and Deferred Tuition
Several bootcamps offer payment plans or deferred tuition options, where you only pay after you’ve landed a job. This can be a less stressful way to finance your education, but make sure to read the fine print and understand the terms.
Employer Sponsorship
If you’re already employed, your employer might be willing to sponsor your education as an investment in your professional development. It doesn’t hurt to ask, and the worst they can say is no.
Personal Savings and Loans
Using personal savings or taking out a personal loan are also options, but proceed with caution. Make sure to consider the interest rates and repayment terms before making a commitment.
Coding Bootcamps That Pay You
If you’re looking to kill two birds with one stone, consider enrolling in a bootcamp that actually pays you while you learn. In a previous article, we listed 12 bootcamps that offer various types of financial support, including stipends, free housing, and even full salaries. This can be a game-changer for those who are financially constrained.
Online vs. In-Person Bootcamps
Don’t forget that online bootcamps usually cost less than their in-person counterparts. If location is not a concern for you, this could be a way to save some bucks while still receiving a quality education.
So, yes, coding bootcamps can be expensive, but there are multiple ways to make them more affordable. Take your time to research and explore all the options available to you. With a bit of strategic planning, you could embark on this transformative journey without breaking the bank.
So there you have it, folks. The road to becoming a self-taught programmer isn’t always smooth, but it’s definitely possible. Companies are increasingly open to hiring self-taught talent, especially if you can prove your skills. Coding bootcamps are another viable route, but they come with their own set of challenges and expenses. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to fund this educational experience, and you can even get paid to learn in some instances! Whatever path you choose, make sure to weigh all your options carefully. Happy coding!
