Hey everyone! I'm 18 and just completed my high school education (biology stream, no computer science background). I'm really eager to dive into coding right now—thinking about honing my skills, applying for internships, freelancing, or even entry-level jobs before pursuing a formal degree. My plan is to build a solid portfolio first, gain some hands-on experience, and then think about getting a degree later on (whether part-time, distance learning, or full-time) so I don't waste years just waiting around. However, I have some concerns:
1. Is it realistic to get hired without a degree if I have relevant projects and skills?
2. Will this non-traditional path negatively impact my long-term career, or do practical skills hold more weight?
3. Has anyone taken a similar route? How did it work out for you?
I'm looking for advice from experienced developers who have traveled non-traditional paths or know someone who has. Any tips on planning my learning and career would be super helpful! Thanks a lot!
1 Answer
You can definitely start coding whenever you want! Don't feel like you need to wait for a formal software engineering education. Lots of successful coders have jumped in without a degree right away and built awesome careers anyway!
What does +2 even mean?