I've been seeing a lot of posts lately suggesting that it's possible to get into IT without much formal knowledge, maybe just some basic coding skills from a bootcamp, and that qualifies someone as a 'junior developer.' It seems to me that this notion is outdated, as the job market has changed. Today's juniors are more like the middle-senior developers of 2022. I've been in IT for 10 years, and I'm currently studying Electrical Engineering, which has made me appreciate the value of education, even in software development. I believe most people without formal education end up with only elementary coding skills. The few who can succeed without a degree usually already understand that they don't need one, and they aren't the ones asking online about it. I'm just sharing my perspective based on experience—I'm genuinely curious about how others feel about this.
4 Answers
Honestly, I did a bootcamp where I learned full-stack development. I got a job right after, but I wouldn’t dream of applying to Google just yet. The industry is competitive and it’s better to have a solid foundation, which a degree can provide, especially for long-term growth.
They’re a good start, but ongoing learning is key. You need time to get good.
Honestly, if you can showcase exceptional coding skills, it’s possible to get a job without a degree. But you might need to know someone in the industry or have a strong portfolio to get your foot in the door. Plus, with current layoffs and many degree-holders looking for work, the competition is fierce. It's definitely a tougher market than before.
That makes sense. Any tips on building a good portfolio?
Yes! Try contributing to open-source projects or create your own projects to demonstrate your skills!
Whether you need a degree or not can depend on your skills. Some folks think they can breeze through without one, but if you're really serious about getting hired at places like Google, you might still need to tackle technical interviews, including leetcode challenges. If that sounds too tough, it might be a sign you need to level up your skills before applying.
But is leetcode necessary if you’re already good at coding?
Not necessarily, but many companies use it as part of their hiring process, so it’s good to at least familiarize yourself.
I worked at Google for a bit and didn’t have a complete degree. I got my foot in the door thanks to some competitions I participated in back in school. Most new hires do have degrees, but there are positions outside of straight-up software engineering. If you can show that you’re capable, you might surprise yourself!
Wow, that’s encouraging! Did you find it difficult to keep up without a full degree?
It was challenging, but the learning never stops once you’re on the job.
Interesting perspective! Do you think bootcamps are enough for entry-level roles?