How I became a Software Engineer with no experience or degree | my experience + tips

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A story of my 3-year journey and a beginner's guide to getting a job as a software engineer at top tech companies with no coding background or degree all in less than 20 minutes.

Hey everyone, to give back to the community that has always been kind and generous to me, I decided to make a video sharing my unconventional advice and experiences getting into tech as a software engineer. Hopefully, this is able to show you what's possible for your life. I know a lot of people may be struggling to land their first tech job or struggling to find their way into tech. Years ago, I decided to take control of my career and change my life. I hope this helps you.

Resources I mentioned:

Other videos:
How I funded my software engineer career

#collegedropout #softwareengineer #iOS #FAANG

[angryguymwa]

"Dismissed from college, becomes software engineer." This pretty much tells us everything we need to know about the American education system.

[loujon]

She did a 4 month coding bootcamp and thats how she got a job. You're welcome.

[sams]

Having to worry about finance in itself can be overwhelming but learning to code well requires complete focus over extended periods of time. Words don't do justice to the stress and hustle to explain how you got to where you are, I applaud you. 👏👏👏

[techmentormaria]

As a software engineering manager, I appreciate this video for sharing the story of how someone was able to break into the field without a traditional education or experience. It's great to see that there are alternative paths to becoming a software engineer, and that it's possible to succeed through self-study, determination, and hard work. The tips offered in the video are also valuable for anyone looking to enter the field and could be helpful in getting a foot in the door. It's important to remember that while a degree or experience can be beneficial, they are not the only determinants of success in this field.

[freyalizbeth]

I have a similar background! Dropped out of college, was a barista, and am now enrolled in a bootcamp! Very motivating to see you journey!

[desertstormergg]

Literally the the first software engineer I truly feel isn't feeding me nonsense about how easy it is to just change careers 🙌
Mad respect for you !🔥

[jolenezhong]

I recently had a set back. After watching this video, I feel stupid for getting upset over one small failure. Thank you for sharing your experience. Your resilience is inspiring.

[caeles]

When you told your story it felt like you were describing me. I'm going through exactly the same thing as you, being rejected from internships, boring lectures, actually no practice, totally lost and getting a bad GPA in my civil engineering school. I just started my process towards software engineering being self-taught (I don't have the money to invest in courses) and your testimony was comforting, thank you! ❣

[APPR.]

As someone who is switching careers and doing it without a degree this is beyond helpful! Thank you!

[petermaloney]

Education is always important when can be afforded but there is nothing better than a person who has goals and is committed to achieve them. So many people in their late 30's just want to have mediocre jobs and are not doing anything about it. Also, I personally admire women who strive to be successful, not career freaks but just know what they want and they are fighting to get it!

[paulifea]

I always have the utmost respect for people who dare to try new things and dare to change their career path. It's never an easy choice, much less the courage and effort to learn any IT skills. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Computer Science but I'd never, in my entire lifetime, have the balls to change career paths as you did. Hats off to you! Also, while everyone is on their journey to learn something new, it is very common to devalue your worth and knowledge on the said subject. I always carried that imposter syndrome to every Computer Science class I attended. But everyone is different, everyone has different skill sets and knowledge. There is most probably someone in your class that are just as clueless, and maybe your finance background might work to your advantage in the future over other IT students without that finance background (e.g. fintech industry). To everyone that's learning a new skill: Don't be discouraged, dare to ask questions, and try to enjoy what you're learning (: Keep pushing on everyone!

[BABEENGINEER]

Timestamps!
00:27 My journey & background
12:15 What you need in order to become a software engineer
13:53 Resources I found most helpful

[salchiz]

I felt a lot of shame not completing my degree and seeing how you explained your journey, setbacks and all, and didn’t let it deter you is so inspiring!! I am about to start a free java developer program with Generation USA and wanted to see if there were any successful programmers without cs degrees. Your video was so well explained and had useful tips for the future. thank you!

[tarsus]

I have watched a LOT of these types of posts. Frankly, I had very low expectations when I started watching yours. I WAS SO WRONG! You blew me away, not just your story, but also how you told it, your energy, your poise, everything. You are obviously a very self-aware person, comfortable in your own skin, something that most people (of any age) lack. So very glad I found your post!

[RichChic]

I’m crying and excited at the same time. THANK YOU for sharing your journey, the only place is UP from here.

[valerieoguchi]

It’s so crazy your story sounds exactly like my journey, the craziest part is that you are also my namesake, dropped out of uni studying economics, and currently trying to switch my career to a software developer-, so glad I found your video, very detailed and told both the good and bad.

[navapavarapark]

I also have a finance background and in the progress of changing my career to tech. I truly know how you feel. I'm self-taught and trying to apply for a another college degree. I constantly discourage and have imposter syndrome. Your story is truly inspiring. I really respect you and your hard works all paid off. Thank you so so much. <3

[infiltrateddestroy]

Great video, I thought that I was the only one with no degree or academic diploma who made it. I am not a software engineer by the way, I am in the network and security scene. I started as a simple tech support and 8 years later I am the one who handles and manage the network and security infrastructure of a big French company, still no degree lol

I realised that experience on your CV does make you stand out from other candidates. L1 tech support -> Network and security admin -> Telecom Engineer -> IT manager. 5 different companies.

It was hard work but also required lots of skills that are learned on the job. No Degree can replace that.

[blakebyerly]

Your video is so useful for everyone! Completing my degree in CS now, but many times college does not teach you how to actually build yourself before entering the job world and narrow down what you're good at. Taking your advice and doing everything I can to learn and apply outside of my classes now.

[abrahamg]

You're a good person. You truly inspired me. I graduate from college in Criminal Justice. I knew I didn't want to work in it before graduating. I spent about 5 years visiting in jail a childhood friend of mine, whom also used to live with me prior to his arrest. He got transferred to prison in March 2020. The prison was too far for me to go visit him. Today, I thought about coding and software engineering, and that's what brought me here. I like the fact that I can have a girl explain it to me. You gave me reason to not let a single day go by without accomplishing your life's purpose. You didn't give up easy, that's what I like about you. Just on this past Friday, I got news from a friend who was seeing 100devs Agency working on software development. I don't know what this means about I know that it's something, coming from a kid from Pompano, where I grew up at.