7 Ways to Get a Computer Science Job Without A Degree

Introduction

More than half of all computer science jobs are filled by people without a CS degree. In fact, about 80 % of people employed in the IT industry do not hold a computer science degree. At large technology companies like Google or Facebook, around 30 to 40% of software engineers have a computer science degree, but other skills are equally important to employers.

And every year, as our world becomes more connected and automated, there are more computer science jobs available. Whether you're looking for a job within a big tech company or a startup, a computer science degree is one of the prerequisites for getting hired in this field. Sadly, not everyone has the opportunity to go to school for four years and graduate with a bachelor's degree in computer science, and that's why there are other ways to become a computer scientist.

If you've never had the opportunity to attend college or graduate school, or if you're just looking for a different path into the field, here are some of the most common ways people get their start in computer science.

Show your passion

You don't need to have a degree to prove your passion for computer science. If you've been coding for years on your own, that's more than enough evidence for an employer (and potential employers!) to know that you're serious about the field. If you're looking for a job but don't have any formal training yet, then it's worth considering enrolling in an online course or two before applying, especially if they focus on practical skills like web development or mobile app development. These courses are more affordable than a traditional college degree, and they can help you demonstrate your passion for computer science.

Use online resources

If you don't have a computer science degree, start by checking out websites like Stack Overflow and GitHub (which are used by developers to share their code). These sites include thousands of questions and answers about programming techniques. You'll also find helpful articles written by experts in the field, and you can even post questions of your own. You'll find these sites useful for learning about the latest technologies and techniques, especially if you're interested in working with specific programming languages or tools.

Make yourself valuable outside of the classroom

The most important thing you can do is make yourself valuable outside the classroom. It's not enough to be a good programmer; you need to show that you're someone who understands how businesses work and how they can benefit from technology (or vice versa). Learn how to code like a professional: No matter what, it helps if you know how to code well. What really matters is having an aptitude for problem-solving and logic, along with a keen interest in learning new things and figuring out how they work. If you've managed to hack together something cool or useful on your own, share it with friends and family or post it online—that's often all it takes to impress recruiters looking for fresh talent.

Build things and contribute to projects

This is the most important thing you can do to show potential employers that you're committed to learning and capable of contributing. It doesn't matter what kind of projects you work on as long as they're outside-of-class assignments, they'll help build your portfolio, make you stand out from the crowd, and help show recruiters that you're capable of solving complex problems without being told exactly what to do each step of the way; it will also give them insight into your character as well as demonstrate your commitment to lifelong learning. Plus, many companies use open-source tools internally, so if you're familiar with them, it's easier for them to envision you as part of their team!

Develop a well-rounded portfolio

You may not have a degree, but that doesn't mean you can't show off your skills. You should create a portfolio of some kind that showcases your accomplishments and experience with computers and technology. This could be as simple as listing out what you've done on each project you've had or creating a list of the skills you've developed over time. You can also include certificates or certifications that you've earned through training programs or by taking classes at your local community college.

Employers often look for experience over education when hiring for entry-level positions in software development, according to Francisco Diaz, director of developer relations at Udemy. If you have strong programming skills but no degree, spend time developing an impressive portfolio that demonstrates your abilities as well as your passion for technology.

Get a mentor and network

Find a mentor and tap into your professional network. You can also attend meetups and conferences to meet people in your industry; this will help you build relationships with others who might be able to offer advice when it comes time for job searching.

If you don't have a personal network, try using LinkedIn or another social network to connect with people in the industry. You can also reach out to someone who works at a company that interests you and ask if they'd be willing to chat about how they got their job.

Talk with recruiters

Recruiters can be key sources of leads for jobs that don't require college degrees. They often have access to positions that aren't advertised elsewhere and may be willing to share them with you if they think it will help fill their pipeline with qualified candidates. So when you're networking or just talking with friends, ask if they know anyone who works at companies where you'd like to work—and if they do, ask them to connect you with the recruiter. You can also reach out directly to a company's HR department and ask if they have any openings that don't require a college degree.

Takeaway

The takeaway from this article is that there are many ways to get a job in computer science. Of course, whether you have the skills and energy to pursue one of these alternatives is a different question altogether. But some of them (such as taking online courses) may appeal to you more than others. Whatever your interest, we wish you luck and a lot of success in your search for a job in computer science.