Can you become a Software Developer?

Can you become a Software Developer?

To answer this question, let me bust some myths you might have about a career in Software Development.

Need for a college degree

To begin with, do you need a college degree? Absolutely. It doesn't have to be in computer science or information technology. It could also be anything else like a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, journalism, history, etc. It doesn't matter. Software developers still need an undergraduate degree to break into the field. 

Personal experience related to degree and job

Now, why should you believe me? Well, I'm a living example who does not have a computer science degree. I graduated with an accounting degree many years ago. But through coding on the side and learning this stuff myself. One year after graduating college I was able to get my foot in the door in a software development type role, it was a data role. I learned SQL first. I got a SQL developer job, learned databases, and got good at that. Then learned about the tech space, how the software development life cycle works, how project management works, learned the company culture, and the technical jargon. 

And then I started learning about software development, and different programming languages like Python, Java, JavaScript, and Ruby. I learned all of the necessary skills and then I started applying for full-stack software development jobs. Later, I got my foot on that and then the rest is all history. I worked for various large companies, small companies, and tech startups, you name it. I’ve been there and done it. It's possible for anyone and you are hearing it from the right person.

Myths about the no-degree requirement

Now there is news about the tech giants that are getting rid of the requirement for a four-year degree but that's really for people who can get those jobs without a four-year degree are prodigies, to begin with. They've probably been coding since they were four. And have already had quite a bit under their belt and have a very good portfolio to show off. And typically they're already in the spotlight from these companies and they get recruited and they end up just not going to college because they got hired by this company. And then maybe later they do continue their education. That's so rare and you shouldn't be comparing yourself with other people, anyway. There's still plenty of time for you to learn something rapidly and be good at it.

Various types of tech roles

So, if you have some level of a college degree, there is room for you in Tech. There are so many fields within Tech that you can get into. Let’s say you enjoy coding then you're probably going to be a coder. But if you're a more social person, then you might want to go be a project manager or project coordinator, business analyst, or technical support or sales type role.

Or if you have a math degree you can get into a statistics role in a machine learning environment or you know in a data science company. There's Blockchain, Cloud computing, and so on and on.

Opportunities in the tech industry

So, I want everyone to go into Tech because that’s where the world is headed, and that’s the reality of job opportunities. If you do a quick search for “Database developer” or “Software Developer” on any job website like indeed.com or LinkedIn Jobs Portal. You will see that there are so many jobs out there, no matter where you are in the world, you are going to find jobs in the tech industry. Because Tech is it. Everything is headed in the world. 

I don’t want anyone to be unemployed or not have the means of making a living. There are many opportunities for you here at Tech and I’m going to help you get there.

So, you know, it's really up to you and how hard you're willing to work.

Now, check out the upcoming blogs where I will be sharing the best way to get into Tech and I will provide you with insights on the right software development skills to learn.

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Resources

• Join Job Ready Programmer Courses and gain mastery in Data Analytics & Software Development.
• Access our free Programming Guide (PDF) to explore our comprehensive Job Ready Curriculum today!

About the Author

Imtiaz Ahmad is an award-winning Udemy Instructor who is highly experienced in big data technologies and enterprise software architectures. Imtiaz has spent a considerable amount of time building financial software on Wall St. and worked with companies like S&P, Goldman Sachs, AOL and JP Morgan along with helping various startups solve mission-critical software problems. In his 13+ years of experience, Imtiaz has also taught software development in programming languages like Java, C++, Python, PL/SQL, Ruby and JavaScript. He's the founder of Job Ready Programmer - an online programming school that prepares students of all backgrounds to become professional job-ready software developers through real-world programming courses.