Hey everyone! I'm a 25-year-old guy from the UK. I've been self-employed as a joiner for the last five years but decided to make a career switch to programming about four months ago. Since then, I've been learning through _The Odin Project_ and working on some personal projects. I've also enrolled in a two-year software development course at the Open University starting this October.
I'm a bit torn about whether this degree is the best choice. In the past, I found that some vocational courses, like those for joinery, weren't worth my time and led me to a low-paying job instead. Now, I'm concerned about whether the current university courses could be a waste of time and money. I'm also looking at the option of getting a low-paid tech job instead and continuing to self-educate while building a portfolio. I'm asking for your advice:
- How realistic is the second option?
- Are degrees really necessary in tech these days?
- What would you do in my position?
Thanks for any insights you can share!
2 Answers
The job market has changed a lot. Having a degree can definitely give you an edge nowadays, especially since it proves you've got formal training. But self-learning is also possible; it just might take longer and could involve some bumps along the way. Finding communities or a mentor can really help you out if you go this route!
Have you considered degree apprenticeships? They let you work while your employer pays for your education. Though they close for September entry right now, they'll open up for next year. They can be competitive, but it's worth a shot! You might also check out level 4 apprenticeships since they're available year-round and might fit your needs better.
I looked into degree apprenticeships earlier but ran into some issues. For one, my lack of formal education makes it tough to convince employers, and honestly, the pay they offer wouldn’t support me and my girlfriend. So, juggling work and studying feels like the more practical move.
I get what you're saying. I think connecting with someone in the industry will be crucial. It's tough finding a genuine mentor who’s willing to share their time and knowledge, but I know that’s what I need to seek out eventually.