I'm a 23-year-old guy from India who completed my intermediate studies in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry with 85%. Unfortunately, I made a poor choice in joining an engineering college for EEE due to parental pressure. My grades started off okay with an 8 CGPA in my first semester, but when lockdown hit, I dropped to 7.5 CGPA because I missed out on online classes. My situation worsened when my father's health declined, and we struggled financially since he was the sole breadwinner. I took a job as a customer service agent, earning 15K per month, and I haven't attended college since then, resulting in 21 backlogs.
Recently, I caught up with friends, and one of them has become a software developer earning 27 LPA, even though he used to score lower than me in school. He encouraged me to learn coding and move on from my current job. I'm feeling uncertain if I can learn coding at this stage, especially with so many backlogs. I've researched the path to software jobs and found that I need to learn a programming language, data structures, and algorithms, create some projects, and study system design, among other things. I'm unsure if this is the right way forward, and I'm worried about whether I can still secure a job without a formal degree, as I'm considering listing only my intermediate education. Any insights from others who've been in a similar situation would be hugely appreciated!
2 Answers
It sounds like you're going through a tough time, but the good news is that many people have made successful career switches into tech, even without formal degrees. Instead of stressing over the roadmap, I suggest you start with some basic programming tutorials on platforms like YouTube or freeCodeCamp. Focus on what resonates with you and don’t hesitate to explore different areas of tech. Once you gain some confidence, you can always pivot towards more specialized topics. Since you have financial responsibilities, consider keeping your job while learning at your own pace. The most important thing is to find your passion within technology first and go from there!
Totally get your concern about job security while pursuing a new path. Your friend's advice is solid, but it might be beneficial to start small, like learning Python, which is known for being beginners-friendly. Focus on building small projects, which can also help with your resume. It’s totally possible to secure a position based on skills rather than formal education, especially in the tech sector. Just make sure to highlight what you learn and any projects you complete on your resume!
For sure! And don’t forget to network—reach out to people in the industry, join online forums, and maybe even find a mentor. It can make a huge difference and help you land a job, even if you're starting from where you are right now.
Exactly! And remember, many employers value skills and project experience over formal education these days. So, if you build a strong portfolio and develop your coding skills, you can demonstrate your capabilities, even with your current situation. Just make sure to manage your time wisely—it can be challenging, but doable!