Ask HN: How Relevant Is a Technical Degree/Exp to Get a Job as a Software Engg? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: How Relevant Is a Technical Degree/Exp to Get a Job as a Software Engg?

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I did my Bachelors Degree in Arts. I got interested in Computer Science/Programming and enrolled myself in a Object Oriented Certification program at a local community college. In this program I learned VB, C/C++, Java, Android Development, Javascript & HTML/CSS. I also picked up PHP & SQL for a personal project. After completing my OO Certification I got this job where I am working on Wordpress (mostly) and sometimes VB/HTML/CSS. I am in this job since March of this year but I don't think I am learning anything. I feel as if I am wasting my time and my knowledge. I wanted to work in Java as I really liked it during my academic program at the community college. Also I would like to work on Programming projects but wherever I apply either they are asking for 2-3 years of relevant experience or a Masters/Bachelors in Computer Science. Do I had to have a degree for sure if I would like to get a job as a software engineer/programmer? I am thinking of getting a Masters in Computer science, but again it will be an investment of both time & money. I guess I have the basic platform to start as a programmer.

Please suggest what should I do ?

Half of our engineers did not go the academic route. A few went through intensive programs such as hacker school and a few were self taught.

There are definitely jobs out there that look at skill and experience over a degree, but on the flip side there are companies that do look for degrees or rather look for knowledge that you might not get going the non-academic route.

Have you thought about attending an intensive program? If you're looking for a quick and cost effective way to get in the industry it might be a great alternative. If you're self-driven, you could go the self-learning route, but there is something to be said about being with other students, having teachers, and being focused on learning.

Wish you well, always glad to hear of people that go the non-traditional route.

I went back to school when I decided to switch careers (I was a banquet manager at the time) and my experience was that a relevant degree will make it easier to land interviews, but doesn't matter much beyond that. Interviewers were far more interested in things like side projects I did for fun or how well I whiteboarded than my education.

So your real hurdle (assuming you're at the skill level of an entry-level/junior developer) is landing interviews. If you're not interested in going back to school I'd suggest reaching out to recruiters. Work with several, try not to be too picky, and most importantly, be patient. With an unconventional background getting your first offer will not be easy - but after that you're set. [Or at least, that was my experience, your mileage may vary].

Lastly, you mentioned you picked up PHP & SQL for a personal project - make sure that's on your resume and make sure to bring it up in every interview you have. It shows a genuine interest both in writing software and in learning as well as demonstrate you're capable of learning outside of a classroom.

Experience beats certification when it comes to job-hunting hands-down. The trick is being able to demonstrate that you actually do understand the technologies you listed. Set up a Github account and put code in there. I've literally gotten job offers on that alone.

Another tip is that you should avoid applying through the company website - hundreds of people do that. They have software which will automatically filter out people without the correct keyword.

Instead, meetups and user groups have been more fruitful for me. You want to work in Java? Chances are, there's a Java User Group happening in your area, and chances are, there are people attending those meetups to source local talent. Attend them, network, collect contact cards, and bypass the HR process altogether.

I agree with this. If you're passionate about it then going out and actually meeting people will help you a lot. That's what I did.

At the very least attending meetups/user groups will give you a feel of where you are relative to everyone else. It'll help you find out what you actually need to know.

Recruitment costs can be pretty high so small and medium sized companies are more likely to give you a shot if you go out and find them. But you won't find them looking exclusively online.

Searches are basically a popularity contest, and by definition companies that aren't as established aren't as popular yet.

A technical degree can land you interviews, but how well you code is what matters the most at the end of the day.

Experience matters the second most to actual ability.

My own experience has been while I have a technical degree (B. S. Math & Physics, M. S. Math), even those degrees weren't enough to land me interviews most of the time. I had to teach myself programming to land interviews and my first job with the help of a recruiter.

I got my first programming job with 0 years of professional development experience and no degree. Honestly, the key is to get yourself the interview. In your cover letter explain that you have taken the Certification course. Explain your motivation and passion. Once you get in front of the interviewer you can show yourself off.

Unfortunately all the knowledge in the world will never replace experience. As a fast way to catch up on experience you should participate in open source projects. You will learn a lot, be able to do what you enjoy and it will look great on your CV.

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