Hey everyone! I'm in my late 20s and have always had a passion for technology, but I've struggled to align my career with this interest. I want to discuss a common concern: Is it realistic to score a decent job in the tech field with only certifications?
Right now, I'm working through a list of certifications and am about 25% done. I don't have a college degree and would prefer to avoid that path if possible. I've seen mixed reviews about bootcamps, but I'm considering them as a potential option. I'm particularly looking at Coding Temple and Full Stack Academy and wonder if having their completion certificate would really make a difference.
Lastly, how much weight does a college degree hold in this scenario? Any advice would be super helpful!
2 Answers
I've been in the software engineering field for 25 years without a degree or certs. Ideally, having a degree might be beneficial, but it's not essential. I've seen many developers in the same boat without degrees. The main thing is to have a strong portfolio. If I had to choose, I'd pick someone with a solid portfolio over someone with just a degree but no relevant projects. So, work on creating some standout projects!
What do you think defines a good portfolio these days? It feels like the standards have changed a lot over the years.
If you're aiming to be a software engineer, I'd say that focusing on certs and bootcamps might not be the best route. A CS degree could really open more doors for you. Just my two cents! Also, don’t forget to check out the FAQ and search existing topics about this—there's a ton of useful info out there.
Does your team actually hire people without a degree and no experience? That's a whole different ballgame from your perspective.