Yes, but they must write something first. Something like nginx or redis..)
Very few poets and writers have a degree in literature.
Can programmers without CS degrees find jobs?
11–20 of 59 posts
Re: Can programmers without CS degrees find jobs?
#12tl;dr - Yes, it opens more options.
== Long version == Depends on: (i) the job, (ii) quality of CS degree, (iii) career ambition/plans, and (iv) companies/people/culture, (v) project, and (vi) your ability/motivation/persistence.
A lot of basic programming can be picked up over time if you are keen. For many people, structured education is helpful when learning more complex material -- concurrency, compiler construction, advanced data structures, optimisation.
Some companies insist on a CS/SE degree (esp. consulting). Some projects state that all engineers must have formal qualifications.
There are a lot of Dilbert bosses out there -- they do not know/care/will-ever-know about Github profiles. There are bosses that just want stuff done. If you ever have to work for them, a paper with shields on it helps.
Re: Can programmers without CS degrees find jobs?
#13I was a hiring manager and lead developer for a very well known tech company in the valley - now working at my own startup. I can honestly say that unless you have a CS degree from a top 5 school, which only earns you brownie points, I really don't care if you have that piece of paper or not. The proof is in the pudding, my friends.
I would suggest you keep learning as much as you can by building projects and learning from your mistakes. Work on things with programmers better than yourself. Contribute to open source projects.
Re: Can programmers without CS degrees find jobs?
#14My degree is in fine art printmaking. I've had 2 jobs programming in research labs. I'm looking for work right now, and my interviews outnumber the applications I've submitted. No one has ever asked about my lack of CS degree -- instead, they ask about my art.
Be good at your work -- that's primary. Then, write well. Speak well. Do interesting things. See your varied background as a strength, not a weakness.
Re: Can programmers without CS degrees find jobs?
#15I knew nothing about web dev 2 years ago and am now a senior sw eng at a successful company. Self taught. Do everything you can for free, experiment with all at your disposal, and get passionate about the stuff that you don't know that you never think you'll understand. Then find a lower level eng job somewhere with kind smart people, and shadow the hell out of them every day :) Some of the best developers I know are…
"and get passionate about the stuff that you don't know that you never think you'll understand." I went through this phase when I started out. Now I'm just fascinated by all the different languages/libraries I can learn.
Re: Can programmers without CS degrees find jobs?
#16Yes. Half of our guys have no qualifications at all or even dubious ones. What matters is that they can prove themselves and deliver stuff.
People who are self taught and self motivated tend to go futher than CS graduates. Reputation is the key thing - get a good one :)
Re: Can programmers without CS degrees find jobs?
#17tl;dr - Yes, it opens more options. == Long version == Depends on: (i) the job, (ii) quality of CS degree, (iii) career ambition/plans, and (iv) companies/people/culture, (v) project, and (vi) your ability/motivation/persistence. A lot of basic programming can be picked up over time if you are keen. For many people, structured education is helpful when learning more complex material -- concurrency, compiler construct…
Exactly. The more technical and broader hollistic look of a computers, performance is something I think a CS is expected to be mindful of. But it does not mean they all are.
I think it also depends on your drive and your niche. I am in a GIS world and am very enthusiastic about programming. Where most people are more interested in the application than in the backend. If you know your target group you can cater for them specifically and understand their problems better.
So of course it depends (as always), but to be able to program and know another field is VERY valuable I'd say. To have a CS grad in the group too, but it would serve a more specific purpose.
Re: Can programmers without CS degrees find jobs?
#18> can developers without CS degrees find jobs?
Yes, of course. The demand for qualified programmers is high, and skill and good work habits rank high in the minds of recruiters. Some places require a degree, some don't. I don't think the absence of a degree will hinder you if you're qualified to meet the demands of the position you're applying for.
If the market were full, if no positions went begging, the outcome might be different. But there's an unmet need for skilled programming talent right now.
To put this another way, being educated ranks above being schooled.
Re: Can programmers without CS degrees find jobs?
#19I've worked at tech companies of virtually every size, from MSFT to startups with < 5 people, as a dude with a German degree. Having been involved with hiring at many of these companies and now hiring for my own, I can say that it matters very little what your degree is in. Just focus on showing that you are capable in other ways. Github is certainly the easiest one to start with :)
Re: Can programmers without CS degrees find jobs?
#20I don't have a CS degree, and I turned out all right. Ran my own company, worked at Microsoft, a startup or two, and back to my own company again.
That said, I would encourage anyone to get a degree if you have the opportunity. Sure, you can learn stuff on your own, but directed learning can save you time down the road. And the paper can help sometimes.
On the other, other hand during the times I was a hiring manager I never really cared much whether someone had a degree or not. Demonstrable experience and chops are worth more to me.