How I became a software engineer without a CS degree

I landed my first software engineering job in 2021 after self-studying for over half a year. In this video, I share my story and talk about some important lessons that I learned along the way.

📃 Contents
00:00 - Intro
00:40 - My background
02:02 - My study plan
02:56 - Independent study
03:39 - Getting practical experience
06:37 - Job applications
07:28 - Interview tips
09:58 - Summary

👉 Resources I used
- Grokking the System Design Interview: you can probably find a free PDF online
- Cracking the Coding Interview: section V. Behavioral Questions

🎵 Music
Sunshine (feat. LAYNE, Ben Jamin & Junior Dollar)

[arnavhazra]

This is gold! As a new CS grad, not having pushed to get any internships of repute means I am starting from scratch and building the interview skills while trying to figure out wth my niche will be. Thanks for the systematic perspective :)

[michaelcronk]

Very helpful! I didn't know about the collaboration websites to get 'real work experience', so thank you for that!

[imuser]

Amazing joseph. thanks for providing quality video, most importantly the important steps you took like what exactly needed to get the interview and pass the interview.

[mohitkadukar]

thank you so much this cleared my doubts I was having

[rightq]

Would love to see a video of how you made tweaked your resume and prepped for interview to work in a trading company as opposed to FAANG or tech companies

Bro! Thank you so much for this information. This is gooold! 🎉🎉🎉

[gabrielfono]

I started working at software engineer at Booz allen Hamilton a year ago while my security clearance was on the process.
why you had to wait that long !!!! ?
I am also a self taught gradudated with bachelor in civil engineering.
thanks for sharing such amazing contents

[tyler-ngu]

Such a helpful video! I def plan on applying to recurse center, do you have any tips for the interview process?

[sineadward]

Which programming language did you go with for the coding interviews? Btw, really loving your channel! Hope you can post more often.

[LabibIbnMuzahid]

how you got the interview though of having an aeronautics degree in your resume?

[onlysparsh]

I am also going to sit in placements next year, I am working on problem solving and full stack development skills

[ayushsharma]

The question should be why I chose to become slave ?

[westernpigeon]

“i graduated with a degree in Aerospace engineering” — yep, i’ve watched enough. pretty obvious why u got a job without CS degree / bootcamp.

[fitness.for.everyone]

vậy khi đi phỏng vấn họ yêu cầu bằng cấp thì anh trả lời như thế nào ?

[lillyinthefield]

Never said how long did you end up self studying?? Before the practical

[boatnerjg]

How many hours would you say you were doing daily on average throughout this time frame (Seems like sep 2020 -May 2021)? I am 35 doing a career shift, and I need to be working at least part time so I will most likely only be able to put n 4 or so hours a day m-f and more on the weekends.

[zamanmakan]

Is it required to know Data Structures and Algorithms to join Recurse program, please?

[SirGoals]

How many hours a day did you study/practice brother?

[aswathiremesh]

i am just starting my coding journey to get an SE job and i am currently doing a python bootcamp. I want to know which language did you learn to start off with?

[ArmDoorsNCrossCheck]

Its like saying: How I became a Surgeon or a Civil Engineer without a Degree.

Please, lets make a distinction between a Software Developer, and a Software Engineer.

A Software Engineer is a protected title in countries like Canada and the US.

To become a Software Engineer in Canada, you have to:
1. Earn a 4 year accredited BEng in Software Engineering.
2. Join a Professional Society.
3. Acquire 4 years of supervised experience.
4. Pass a Certification Exam.
4. And finally, be Licensed to practice as a PROFESSIONAL Software Engineer.

What this means is that when I make a software update to a critical system, for e.g. a Rail Terminal Management Software System, I Endorse that update with my Official Stamp: So that in case my update screwed up, they come after me and screw me.

Thats how serious it is to call yourself a Software Engineer. You are a Programmer(or a Software Developer at the very best).