I'm considering a career change from teaching music to becoming a software developer, despite my non-CS background. I hold a degree in performing jazz music and I've been studying coding through various resources, including a program called boot.dev. Though I've made progress, I'm not sure if I can actually land a software developer job without a computer science degree. Given the demand for software developers and the potential for higher earnings, I'm wondering if my passion and self-taught skills can help me break into this field. Is it really realistic for someone like me to transition into software development, and do employers value skills over degrees?
4 Answers
You might find it interesting to check out "Gödel, Escher, Bach" by Douglas Hofstadter. It explores the connections between music and programming, which could really inspire your transition!
Absolutely! Employers really care more about your ability to get the job done rather than the degree you hold. A lot of tech pioneers didn’t even have formal degrees when they started. So while some specialized fields might require specific qualifications, there are plenty of opportunities in tech where your unique background could be valuable, especially at companies that might appreciate your music expertise too!
That’s really reassuring to hear! I feel I could leverage my teaching and project management skills in this transition.
Honestly, even folks with CS degrees are finding it tough to secure jobs right now. If you want to get your foot in the tech door, consider starting with a non-coding role and then moving into development once you're in the field. It could be an effective strategy!
Good point! I’m looking into non-coding roles in tech like QA, does that sound like a good path?
As someone who got into software engineering without a degree or boot camp, it can be done, but you should be ready for a bumpy ride. I had to apply to thousands of jobs to get an interview, and you might encounter some challenges due to the competitive nature of the field. Just stay persistent!
Wow, that's tough but also inspiring! Trying a QA role first sounds like a good stepping stone.
Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll grab that book with some gift cards I have.