How to Become a Software Engineer Without a Degree: Tips and Tricks

Sometimes, it feels like it is impossible to get a good job without a degree. In fact, around 65% of all jobs require a degree, which seriously limits the job market as a whole. This is even more true when looking for high-paying jobs, where the requirement for a degree is even more common. 

Luckily, there are a few jobs out there that offer a great salary, lots of opportunities for advancement, and plenty of other benefits, all without requiring a degree. Software engineering is one of these jobs. 

However, getting a job like this still isn’t easy. That’s why we created a list of tips and tricks to help you. Follow along with these, and you’ll have a shot at getting a job in software engineering without a degree. 

Related: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer?

Can You Get a Job in Software Engineering Without a Degree? 

So, can you really get a job in software engineering without a degree? The answer is yes. 

This is because of what most companies look for in software engineering. Most companies are more concerned with experience than they are with degrees. So, if you can find a way to obtain experience, you can compensate for your lack of a degree. 

In fact, you can actually have the edge over someone with a degree. Most degree programs don’t focus on providing the experience. Meanwhile, non-degree programs do. So, by coming to the table with experience, you are coming up with something that employers value and that others do not have. 

How to Get a Job in Software Engineering Without a Degree 

Now that we’ve determined it is possible, we can start reviewing the tips and tricks that can help you get a job in software engineering. 

Building Your Knowledge

To get a job as a software engineer, it's important to have the necessary technical knowledge and skills.

This means familiarizing yourself with what it takes to be a software engineer. You will need to learn about web development, different programming languages, and the technology that makes software engineering possible. Without this, you won’t be able to hold a job as a software engineer, even if you manage to get one. 

Thinking about learning software engineering through a bootcamp but aren’t sure if it’s right for you? Join an info session with Sabio and get the answers you need.

Work on Coding

Coding is a big part of software engineering. Luckily, it is also something you can refine and hone outside of a traditional classroom. 

You can study coding on an individual basis. There are a lot of websites and programs that can help you do this. However, doing so won’t give you something to show potential employers. 

Because of this, it is better to go with a coding bootcamp instead. These intense programs focus on providing you with real-world experience in coding. 

Coding bootcamps are generally a better choice because, in the end, they come with a certificate of completion. With this, you can prove to a potential employer that you have gone through a course that directly addresses coding. 

Start a Coding Project

As we previously mentioned, working on coding on your own can be beneficial, but unfortunately, it isn’t something you can show a potential employer. However, if you work on coding through a personal coding project, you can access the project itself. You can then show it off when needed. 

This project can be literally anything you want. It can be something big and elaborate or something small and streamlined. You can even work on multiple projects, either all at the same time or one after another. With each completed project, you have something new to show, and you will get better at coding. 

Just don’t pick a project you’re going to hate. Pick something fun instead. This way, you have more energy and motivation when you work on it. It becomes less like work and more like a hobby. You’ll find that a fun hobby is easier to stick with than something you consider to be a boring chore. 

You can even demonstrate your skills by participating in online coding communities. Many choose to interact with others on GitHub. Building a GitHub profile can be a great demonstration of experience. You can show your community contributions and other things you’ve worked on through it. 

Related: Coding Bootcamp or Computer Science Degree: Which One Should You Go For?

Work With Someone Else

Many imagine coding to be an isolated activity. After all, most people do it on their own while working on a computer. However, working with others is excellent. It allows you to branch out and learn more than you could on your own. 

Go out and find someone with some serious coding experience. Ask them to work with you on a project or teach you directly. In either case, they will share their experience with you. 

This experience is essential; however, the connections they can offer are even more important. Developing a relationship with someone in the tech community can open the door to a future job. They will be able to alert you if they know of an open position and, in doing so, give you a jump-start on a new job. 

Ready to jumpstart your new career with the skills potential employers are looking for? Apply to join our career-focused coding bootcamp today.

Start a Job Somewhere

Without a degree, you may have a little trouble getting a job in software engineering from the very start. However, you can start in a coding-related field as a way to start your path to software engineering. 

For this, you might start somewhere like web design. You can work there and simultaneously work on submitting job applications for software engineering positions. The longer you work there, the more experience you can list on these applications. 

The advantage of this tactic is that you can do everything else on this list while you work. You can attend a coding bootcamp, start a new coding project, and start building your professional network. All of these things will put you closer to your ultimate goal.

Becoming a Software Engineer

You can become a software engineer without a degree. However, you must approach your job with specific preparation methods to succeed. Doing so will put you on the right path to a great job.