How to Get a Tech Job Without a Degree
Completing a tech degree used to be the typical route to getting a tech job. However, informal ways of learning have made it possible to land a tech job without a four-year stint in a university.
A college degree is still required for many tech roles, but it’s possible to land a tech job without it. Here are some ways to land a role in the technology industry without a tech degree.
1. Use Free Online Resources
A vast library of online resources has made it easy for career shifters and newbies to learn all they can about a tech role. Join the Facebook, LinkedIn, and GitHub communities to gain insights from tech professionals. Watch YouTube videos, read books and blogs, and listen to podcasts.
Read job descriptions to know what employers want for the role you’re eyeing. Then evaluate if the responsibilities are something you want to learn and take on every working day. When researching a specific tech role, some of the questions you want to ask are:
If you’re confused about the role you want, look for a mentor or use one of theguidance sites to find a career path and pick the right job for you. A position might sound appealing, but your personality and interests should also fit the role.
2. Attend a Bootcamp
Joining a coding bootcamp has become a popular way to transition to a tech career quickly. Aside from giving you the space to learn technical skills, bootcamps help you improve your soft skills since you’ll mingle with other learners.
Attending bootcamps is less expensive and time-consuming than completing a tech degree. However, you should be up for rigorous training.
Apply thetips to succeed in coding bootcampsto maximize your learning. Not all bootcamps are effective, so research the most credible organizations with good reviews. Also, allocate dedicated time for learning to avoid burnout.
You can attend face-to-face bootcamps or explore online options.edX boot campsoffer 12-24 week immersive bootcamps for GED holders 18 years old and above. You can learn coding, fintech, cybersecurity, and other tech roles with leading educational institutions.
3. Get an IT Certification
If you want to advance your career in technology without a tech degree, aim for IT certification. Earning a certification proves that you have the skills for the role and shows employers that you’re committed to advancing your skills.
One of thereasons to get an IT Certificationis that it helps you gain in-demand IT skills.CompTIA, a leading organization that certifies IT professionals, says that CompTIA certifications qualify you for entry-level help desk technician, cybersecurity, and system administrator roles.
4. Join an Educational Retreat
Not everyone has the money to earn an IT certificate or attend a bootcamp. But there are other ways to build your skills. Joining a free, self-directed retreat at theRecurse Centergives you focused time to learn new skills and work with other like-minded professionals.
Bukola, a political science graduate, works as a software developer at Google. Without tech experience or funds to attend a boot camp, Bukola joined the Recurse Center retreat. She also created a roadmap for a career change and worked on her hard skills to land her first tech role.
RC creates a supportive environment for beginning and experienced programmers. You can choose to attend the program for six or 12 weeks. You’ll spend your time on self-directed learning and working on your projects alone or with a group.
5. Work With the Skills You Have
When we think of tech roles, we think of coding or hard skills needed in the tech industry. But there are no-code or low-code tech jobs in the tech industry that would hire graduates of non-tech-related college courses.
There are someIT and tech jobs that don’t require coding or programming. Graphic designers, technical writers, UX and UI specialists, and scrum masters are just some of them. Consider your skills, and check if they fit the following tech positions.
Additionally, you’re able to take confidence in your soft skills. Communication, problem-solving, and creativity are essential transferable skills in tech if you want to be an appealing job candidate.
6. Apply for Tech Roles That Don’t Require a Degree
LinkedIn Newscompiled a list of tech jobs that don’t require a degree, including customer support specialist, data analyst, programmer, and developer roles. Look for companies that are hiring based on skills, experience, and a willingness to learn. You can use Glassdoor, Indeed, or similar job sites to find these roles.
Prepare your portfolio before you start applying for jobs. Ensure it’s easy to read and navigate, so employers can focus on your skills. Employers would want to see a combination of the hard and soft skills in your portfolio. Building a professional portfolio is one of thebest HTML and CSS projects for beginnerswho want to land a tech role. It’s a great way to practice and show off your skills.
7. Start as an Intern or Volunteer
A common roadblock to getting a tech job is a lack of experience. But you can learnhow to get the experience you need to land your first tech job. Interning and volunteering are ways to learn the ropes and gain an in-depth understanding of a role.
Volunteer MatchandTech Volunteersare some websites that can connect you to volunteer opportunities. As a volunteer, you get to work with different organizations and make an impact in communities where your tech skills are much-needed.
Internship opportunities help you get into the doors of some of the best tech companies. There areadult internships to relaunch your careerif you’re a more experienced worker. Meanwhile, students should check thebest websites to find an internship.
8. Practice Interviewing for Tech Roles
You have the skills and the experience. But can you nail the job interview? If you have interview jitters, use practice interview websites to help you get a job offer. Some platforms specifically built for tech job interviews arePramp,interviewing.io, andTech Mock Interview.
Be prepared for both online and face-to-face interviews. Learn what you can about the company and practice your hard skills. You can also use a spreadsheet to list the most common interview questions and your answers to them.
Launch Your Tech Career Without a Tech Degree
Success in the tech industry doesn’t solely depend on having a tech degree. While many IT jobs still require a degree in tech-related courses, an increasing number of companies find more value in skills and experience.
Transitioning to a tech role can be challenging. However, if you’re passionate and willing to work hard, tech can be a fulfilling career path. Choose the position you’re most interested in and start learning.
Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are just some of the giants offering free courses in tech.
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