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I think we can be damn proud that Software Engineering is still open to anyone who can do the job, whether they have a formal degree or not!

Almost all other high paying professions are locked away.

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I think this is mostly true. IT/Software in general are a lot less focused on proxies for success than other fields, I think that is largely because it is much easier for individuals to learn skills outside of a professional setting, it is also much easier to validate knowledge and competency than in other fields; and, of course, there are many other factors such as a more progressive workforce, etc.

I was very lucky to have a professor who pulled me aside and steered toward IS. Once I got my first post-degree job, the company I worked for was happy to help me develop technical competency.

Things have definitely changed for the worse in the past few years. You won't hear anybody with a similar story coming into the field today.

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