Can You Land a Programming Job Without a Degree?

It's definitely possible but not likely. The job market is really competitive these days, and you'll be up against many candidates with degrees. If you can show off some solid projects and experience, there might be a chance, but don't expect it to be easy.

I did this 20 years ago and it was much easier then. Nowadays, the tech field is saturated, and many companies will prioritize degrees. It’s tough out there, but if you’re determined and have an amazing portfolio, you can still find opportunities.

Honestly, do yourself a favor and stay in school. A degree can open a lot of doors that might otherwise be closed for you. Without it, you’ll find yourself competing with a ton of applicants who have the formal education and experience.

You can definitely try freelancing or working on your own projects to build a portfolio. But keep in mind that many companies still prefer candidates with degrees. If you want to get noticed, having solid experience and outstanding work may help, but it's a tough road ahead.

I actually made it work, but it wasn't easy. I started working for a small company that valued my skills over my lack of a degree. Building up from there helped me get into better positions over time, but I wouldn’t say it’s a guaranteed path anymore.