Ask HN: I'm a SWE without a CS degree. Will online certs help me get into FAANG?

I studied humanities in university. But I've been programming since I was a kid, so it was a natural career choice. I regret not doing CS. I work for a public sector org and have been promoted to a senior developer.

But I still don't think this is enough for me to make the move to FAANG or other tech companies unless I stay here for a long time to rack up experience (I only have 2 years SWE experience at this point). Also, as the org I work for is not a tech company, I'm not sure how seriously recruiters will take my time here.

I've studied data structures and algorithms, and I think I am a decent programmer. I could probably progress quite quickly through CS50 or some other online course. I just don't know if it's beneficial.

This topic online is full of misinformation and people just trying to sell you a course. So this seemed a good place to ask.

I'm UK-based by the way.

Thanks.

Dude I got into a FAANG company with no CS degree (or any other degree). Unless you're going into research, where is PhD is almost required, they'll hire you based on your skills.

I remember a time when online certificates was an anti signal. I think it still is in many startups. (Most people just hire on skill.)

I work at FAANG and have no degree. Checking for degrees used to be a thing but I don't think anyone does that anymore.

I had the same feeling as you (regretting not doing traditional CS). I ended up studying it on my own and really recommend it as I find that it made me into a much better engineer.

Study leetcode and system design. That's enough.