Hey folks! I'm currently in a unique situation, studying programming and juggling two online degrees: one from the Syrian Virtual University (recognized in some parts of Europe) and another from University of the People (which just got U.S. regional accreditation). While these programs are affordable and flexible, I know they aren't among the top-ranked options. My big question is whether I can still make it in the tech world by building a strong portfolio—think freelance gigs, internships, competitions, and contributions to open-source projects. Will solid experience and these degrees help me land international job opportunities or even immigration prospects in tech? I'm open to roles in small, medium, or large companies and just want to get a realistic sense of what's possible. Any insights from industry veterans or hiring managers would be super helpful! Thanks!
5 Answers
Honestly, I got my current job as a software engineer without any degrees, just a strong portfolio and relevant experience. Good companies really value proof that you can apply your skills over simply having a degree. Focus on building your portfolio!
I've seen plenty of people land jobs without formal education, just strong skills and a willingness to learn. I’m one of them! If you can demonstrate your abilities, that's what matters most.
I've noticed on LinkedIn that companies often say they accept 'degree or equivalent experience,' but they really want real work experience—not just personal projects, which sometimes end up being clones from tutorials. Internships or working at smaller firms can give you solid experience, though!
In my view, real experience outweighs everything else. Degrees may help you get interviews later on, but they don’t reflect a candidate's actual skill or capabilities. During interviews, I prefer to hear about the projects you've tackled, the teams you've collaborated with, and the challenges you've faced—those details matter much more than a degree.
As someone who interviews developers, I can assure you that the school you went to doesn't matter to us. We've hired coders with degrees from top universities who couldn't code, while some of our best team members have lesser-known degrees or no degree at all. What counts is your ability to actually build things, write clean code, and articulate your thought process.
Totally agree! Skills over degrees all day!
Exactly! It’s all about what you can do, not where you learned it!