Is it possible to become a software engineer if I don't have a degree? I'm 19 and live in Iraq, where I faced challenges in the education system and recently dropped out after failing grade 12 three times. I'm currently job hunting and I've heard that many tech companies value a solid portfolio over formal education. I'm looking for insights from anyone who has faced similar obstacles but managed to succeed in the field, ideally with a decent salary.
6 Answers
Yeah, it's still possible, but it can be tougher these days. I worked with folks who became engineers without degrees years ago, but the competition has increased significantly. If I were you, I'd still consider going back to school, as you'll have more opportunities and freedom to explore things you enjoy.
I'll be turning 20 in less than two months too! Have you had any luck finding resources?
I got into software engineering without a degree over 35 years ago, but it's much more competitive now. The AI boom is tough on job seekers, especially with so many qualified candidates out there. Still, having a strong portfolio can help you stand out.
You absolutely can! Most software engineers I know don’t have computer science degrees. They taught themselves, and I did too. Just focus on learning popular programming languages and building projects to showcase your skills.
Do you have any recommendations for courses or books? I'm on a tight budget.
Where are you based? I'm curious about different job markets.
Definitely! Many people work in tech without formal degrees. A lot of my coworkers are dropouts or come from different fields. The tough part will be getting your first job, so focus on building your portfolio to show your skills. It helps make that strong first impression!
Are you a software engineer yourself? How did you get your first job without a degree?
It's absolutely possible, but it can be a harder path. I was in a similar boat about 15 years ago, and while it took a lot of self-study and practice, it paid off eventually. A degree could get you in the door faster, but with hard work, you can still thrive without one.
For sure! Just strike out on building an impressive portfolio. The more you demonstrate your skills, the more likely someone will pay you for your work.
What makes you say it's much harder now? I’m just trying to understand the landscape.