How to Get a Computer Programming Job Without a Degree🧑🎓?
We all know that the most conventional path to acquiring a computer programming job is to get a degree in the corresponding field.
I have come across many people in my circle who are interested in working as IT professionals but do not have a relevant degree. But, I would like to throw light on the fact that there are many renowned programmers who do not possess a computer science degree yet are still successful in the industry.
Yes, you have heard it right!😀
Even if you don’t have a degree in computer science, information technology, or any other related discipline, you can still acquire a computer programming job. However, you need to develop all the essential expertise.
As computer programming is evolving as one of the most sought-after skills in this digital epoch, many individuals and professionals from non-technical fields wish to put their steps in the IT industry. However, many of these individuals don’t know that they can land a computer programming job without a degree.
With the aim of enlightening people from non-tech backgrounds, I thought of curating this article to help them know how they can get a computer programming job without a degree.
Before delving into this, let me make you aware of who exactly a programmer is.
What is a Programmer?
A programmer is a specialist who excels in developing and maintaining computer software and applications by providing sets of sequential instructions to a computer in a specific programming language. Alternatively, programmers are professionals in charge of writing, testing, debugging, and maintaining computer programs for larger computer software.
Programmers often work in conjunction with designers and other developers to plan and design computer software. They also work on improving existing software applications by identifying defects and glitches in them.
Surprisingly, the programmer is an umbrella term for different job roles, including software engineers, software developers, game developers, web developers, system hardware developers, and analyst programmers.
Consequently, before you proceed to your learning journey, make sure to decide upon which type of programmer interests you and who you want to become. This is because the required skills vary according to the job role.
Essential Skills Required to be a Programmer
Here are some common skills that every type of programmer should possess. They are as listed below. ⬇️
1. Programming Language
Without the knowledge of a programming language, it is not possible to write computer programs or code. A programming language is a computer language used to instruct computer systems to perform certain tasks.
To become a computer programmer, you must master at least one or two programming languages. I would recommend you pick the trending and popular programming languages to learn.
Your question about how to recognize a popular programming language is obvious. To help you out, here are some popular programming languages according to Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2022.
2. Operating Systems
If you are aware of the basics of computer systems, you will definitely know what an operating system is. It is the heart of a computer system. It is a software program that facilitates communication between humans and computer hardware.
When you develop any software or computer program as a programmer, you have to make sure that it works well on all major operating systems. Besides this, when you will work on developing projects, you may come across a variety of issues related to an operating system. In such a case, having a good grasp of the OS will help you.
3. Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA)
Another must-have skill to land a computer programming job is to have profound knowledge of data structures and algorithms.
A data structure is a way of organizing data so that it can be retrieved and managed easily. Meanwhile, an algorithm is a step-by-step process of solving a specific problem.
As a programmer, it is essential for you to know which data structure fits right for a specific problem and which algorithm is the most efficient in terms of space and time for the same.
One tip I would like to mention here is that only reading the concepts of data structures and algorithms is not sufficient. In addition to this, you need to implement those concepts on the computer.
There are many platforms, such as GeeksforGeeks, Code Chef, LeetCode, etc., where you can practice DSA problems and gain mastery over them.
4. Version Control System (VCS)
A version control system is a software program that lets programmers or developers track changes in the source code made over time. It is a very helpful tool for every developer and programmer. You must have hands-on experience working with major VCS if you want to get a computer programming job.
Some major version control systems include Git, Mercurial, SVN, etc. More preferably, organizations choose Git as their version control system.
5. Database
Without a database, it is not possible for anyone to create an application. A database is used to store, retrieve, and manipulate application data. Some popular databases you must learn include MySQL, Oracle, MongoDB, Cassandra, PostgreSQL, and Redis.
6. IDEs and Code Editors
An IDE is an application that combines a source code editor, compiler/interpreter, and debugger. It eliminates the need to use different types of developer tools separately, as it combines them all together under one roof. IDEs assist programmers from writing code to deploying.
Meanwhile, a code editor is a computer program with the sole intent of helping programmers to write the source code quickly. It provides various features, such as auto-completion, syntax highlighting, code refactoring, and many others that facilitate the code-writing process.
Some popular IDEs are Visual Studio, NetBeans, Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, and PyCharm.
How to Get a Computer Programming Job Without a Degree?
1. Choose Your Specialization
Very first, figure out what type of programmer you wish to become. For instance, if web development is your interest, you can opt to become a web developer. I recommend you research all types of programmers and choose one that aligns with your interest, skill, and knowledge.
Once you are done with the specialization, it’s a turn to choose the programming language. Search which programming languages best suit your specialization and choose accordingly.
2. Opt for an Online Class or an Academy
As you will be an absolute beginner, it is better to gain a good grasp of programming concepts from scratch. So, I personally suggest you go with an online class or course, as they teach everything from the basics you must know.
Initially, start with the fundamentals of programming, move on to learning the basics of the programming language you choose, and finally, the advanced concepts. Moreover, there are Bootcamps that help you gain all essential programming skills within less time.
3. Develop the Essential Skills
Besides learning programming languages, it is mandatory to master other required skills. In the above section of this blog, I have mentioned a few essential skills you must master to land a computer programming job.
To learn operating systems, DSA, and databases, you can refer to online blogs, tutorials, or YouTube videos. I am pretty sure that these resources will help you because I personally learned all these concepts from these resources.
When it comes to IDEs and code editors, they are very easy to use. Find out some of the best IDEs or code editors and use them on your system to understand which one fits you. Finally, you can choose one and gain hands-on experience with it.
4. Earn Relevant Certifications
Certification improves your credibility among employers. It demonstrates that you possess certain skills and excel in them. So, definitely, certifications play a vital role in helping you land a computer programming job.
The web is replete with a wide range of online certifications. Opt to earn certifications relevant to your specialization and the programming language you choose. In addition, make sure to get certified by accredited institutions. Many individuals opt for certifications from Udemy, Coursera, and many other e-learning platforms. But, I personally don’t feel these certifications would work for landing a job, while they help you gain comprehensive knowledge.
5. Develop Projects
After you learn the programming language and all other essential skills, start building projects ranging from simple to complex. Along with practical experience, building projects help you strengthen your portfolio. The more projects you develop, the more chances you have of getting hired!
6. Contribute to Open-Source Projects
There are a lot of websites allowing programmers to contribute to certain projects. When you work on open-source projects, it reflects that you have a keen interest in programming. Also, many employers hire programmers who actively participate in open-source contributions.
7. Work as a Freelancer
Before working as a full-time employee, give a try for a freelancer. Initially, check whether there is any friend or local client for whom you can work. Once you work on 1 to 2 projects, your credibility increases, and you can reach out to huge potential clients.
Moreover, build your profile on platforms where you can find clients for you, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.
Working as a freelancer helps you hone your programming skills, increases your visibility, and improves credibility.
8. Keep on the Job Hunting Process
When you gain enough experience working as a freelancer, search for a full-time job that pays well. You can find a variety of job portals on the internet where you create your profile, upload your resume, and search for a relevant job.
As you will have experience working as a freelancer, there are great chances that you can easily land a job.
Work As an IT Professional without a Degree
Hurray!🥳You can now get a computer programming job without a degree. Along with the above steps, you need a strong passion, determination, and, of course, a lot of effort to step into the IT industry without a degree. Your skills, certifications, and strong portfolio will help you easily become a successful computer programmer.
I hope this article will help all individuals wishing to become IT professionals with no degree. If you really found it helpful, do leave a clap.
See you soon with new content! 👋
