How to Get Into Tech Without a Degree

Imagine landing a job that keeps your stress minimal and also lets you save plenty of money. The tech industry is renowned for having many jobs with great compensation and work-life balance. It also has plenty of growth opportunities. As you cultivate your skills in the industry, you’ll quickly open doors that lead to better roles. However, it’s no secret there are obstacles you’ll need to overcome to get a job in this space.

The good news is that starting your career with no experience isn’t impossible, and there are certain steps you can take to streamline the process. Getting a job in tech isn’t the same as in industries like healthcare since you don’t always need a degree. This industry is very skill-based, and it’s possible to get your first role by showcasing your talents. Let’s explore how to get into tech without a degree and take one step closer to getting your dream job.

Determine Your Needs

To establish the right path, you’ll need to figure out your needs. Think of what you want from your job in this industry. Do you want a solid work-life balance?

Are you looking for a substantial income? The answers to questions like these will help you quickly narrow down the ideal options.

Understand the Available Positions

Until you get industry experience, there will only be certain positions available. Fortunately, these can still come with high earning potential and minimal stress. Let’s explore some of the most notable.

Web Development

As you might assume, web developers are tasked with creating websites. There are two primary types of web development: front-end and back-end.

Front-end development focuses on maximizing the user experience. This is achieved by making the site aesthetically appealing and easy to navigate. Back-end development is more concerned with the code that makes the site function.

The most well-rounded candidates understand both types of web development. However, it’s not uncommon for companies to hire a web developer that focuses only on front-end or back-end development.

System Administration

These professionals install, configure, and manage multiple types of systems on the networks. These include routers, switches, intranet systems, and local area networks (LANs).

They also provide ongoing technical support. System administrators work alongside application teams to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Technical Support

Many people who don’t have experience in the tech industry break into the space by getting an IT technical support role. This job handles a large number of issues across different priority levels.

For example, your first task of the day might be helping someone format a hard drive. Your next obligation could involve reinstalling an operating system after a cyber attack. People who love technology tend to thrive in this occupation.

Software Development

You don’t need tech experience to become a software engineer. However, you’ll need to prove you can handle your daily responsibilities. Developers without formal education or industry experience have spent hundreds or even thousands of hours teaching themselves.

Cybersecurity Analyst

To mitigate the chance of experiencing a data breach, organizations often hire a cybersecurity analyst. Virtually every organization is at risk of experiencing a cyber attack. This is especially true for companies in lucrative industries like finance and healthcare.

A cybersecurity analyst assesses an organization’s cyber threats and develops strategies to mitigate them. Depending on the size of the company, they may work alongside a team of other cybersecurity professionals.

How to Develop Tech Skills Without a Degree

Embarking on a tech journey without a formal degree might feel like a big leap, but many have successfully navigated this path through various learning methods. Remember, the key is to harness your unique learning style and gain practical experience along the way.

Let’s dive into some empowering ways to grow your tech skills:

• Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX are treasure troves of knowledge, offering classes in coding, software development, and data science. These courses, often led by industry experts, provide a structured environment to build a solid foundation. While some courses may require an investment, balancing your budget with your time commitment is crucial.
• Self-Study: Embrace the freedom of learning at your own pace with free resources like freeCodeCamp, Codecademy, and Khan Academy. These platforms offer tutorials and exercises to help you strengthen your foundational knowledge. Remember, self-study requires discipline and motivation, but the flexibility can be incredibly rewarding.
• Open-Source Projects: Dive into community-driven projects on GitHub to gain real-world experience. Contributing allows you to refine your coding skills, collaborate with a vibrant community, and build a portfolio that showcases your talents to potential employers.
• Coding Bootcamps: Consider an intensive bootcamp like Coding Temple, General Assembly, or Le Wagon, designed to equip you with job-ready skills quickly. While there’s a financial aspect to consider, choosing a bootcamp that aligns with your goals and offers continued support post-graduation can be a game-changer.

No matter which path you choose, consistency is your ally. The tech industry values skills and problem-solving abilities over formal education, so focus on building a portfolio that highlights what you can achieve.

We’d love to hear about your learning journey! Feel free to share your experiences and insights. Remember, you’re part of a supportive community, and we’re here to cheer you on every step of the way.

Enroll in a Bootcamp

Once you’ve figured out what role to pursue, your next step is to sign up for a bootcamp. This provides access to organized, comprehensive information that will prepare you for a job in the tech industry. Not all bootcamps are created equal, though, and you’ll need to consider their reputation.

Only choose opportunities that have a large amount of positive feedback. Make sure they provide the right subject matter, such as comprehensive info on coding, cybersecurity, and the tech industry as a whole.

The last thing you want is to spend money on a bootcamp and discover it doesn’t cover topics you’re interested in. Avoid the cheapest options you encounter during your search.

Rock-bottom prices are indicative of low-quality companies that won’t meet your needs. Many people overlook the opportunity to enroll in a bootcamp due to the upfront cost.

However, you should consider this an investment in your future. The money you pay now could help you make exponentially more money throughout the rest of your life once you get a job in the tech industry.

Networking and Connecting with Tech Professionals

Networking is your gateway to any industry, and tech is no different. Building connections with professionals can open doors to new opportunities, offer valuable advice, and even help you land your first job.

Get Started at Industry Events

Attending tech conferences, meetups, and workshops can be transformative. Learn from experts and connect with like-minded individuals. These events often attract recruiters, startup founders, and hiring managers eager to find new talent. Whether you’re attending in-person or virtually, take the plunge—introduce yourself and spark conversations!

Join Online Communities

Online platforms like Stack Overflow, Reddit, and Discord are fantastic for networking. They provide spaces to ask questions, share ideas, and connect with others. LinkedIn groups are also a great resource. These communities are perfect for finding mentors and keeping up with industry trends.

Harness the Power of LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for building connections. Keep your profile updated with your skills, projects, and career goals. Reach out to professionals you admire or whose roles you aspire to. Personalize your connection requests to create meaningful relationships.

Find a Mentor

Don’t underestimate the impact of a mentor. They can guide you through challenges, offer skill development advice, and introduce you to job opportunities. Look for experienced professionals in your areas of interest and reach out for guidance.
Your potential is limitless, and every step you take brings you closer to your goals.

Building a Strong Online Portfolio

As a future tech trailblazer, your portfolio is one of your greatest allies as you step into the tech world. With many companies valuing skills and hands-on experience over formal education, a strong portfolio empowers you to showcase your talents and demonstrate what you bring to the table.

1. Showcase Your Projects: Start by highlighting your projects. Whether it’s a website you’ve crafted, software you’ve developed, or contributions to open-source projects, include examples that reflect your diverse skills. Keep in mind, these projects don’t need to be colossal; even small, well-executed ones can highlight your technical and problem-solving abilities.
2. Utilize GitHub: Consider using platforms like GitHub to host and share your code. It’s a staple in the tech industry, and employers love seeing an active, up-to-date profile. This platform not only displays your work but also showcases your collaboration skills, which are vital in tech roles.
3. Create a Personal Website: To truly stand out, think about creating a personal website. This gives you total control over how you present your work and can serve as a hub for employers to find your projects, résumé, and contact information. Whether you use WordPress, Squarespace, or build a custom site, it’s a chance to flaunt your design skills and creativity.
4. Engage in Coding Challenges: Participating in online coding challenges can also bolster your portfolio. Websites like LeetCode, HackerRank, and Codewars offer problems that test your skills, and completing these challenges can illustrate your problem-solving prowess to potential employers.

Remember, your portfolio is a living testament to your growth. As you gain experience and complete more projects, update it regularly to reflect your latest work. We’re excited to see where your journey takes you. Let’s keep growing together!

Tips for Crafting a Winning Resume and Cover Letter

Navigating the tech job market without a formal degree? We’ve got your back. Your résumé and cover letter are your personal spotlight—show off your skills, experience, and passion for the industry to stand out.

• Tailor Your Resume – Focus on the job at hand. Incorporate keywords from the job description, emphasizing technical skills and qualifications. Tools like Jobscan can guide you in optimizing your résumé for ATS, ensuring it gets noticed.
• Showcase Your Skills – Create a dedicated skills section highlighting your technical prowess, like programming languages and software tools. List any certifications or courses that align with the role you’re eyeing.
• Highlight Work Experience – It’s about impact! Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your abilities. For example, “Developed a website for a local business, boosting customer inquiries by 30%” packs more punch than “Built a website.”
• Crafting Your Cover Letter – This is your stage to shine! Share your journey—how you fell in love with tech, the skills you’ve honed, and why this role excites you. Address any experience or education gaps by highlighting practical skills gained through projects, bootcamps, or self-study.

Remember, your unique path is your strength. You’ve got this!

Preparing for Job Interviews

You’ve got a fantastic opportunity to showcase your skills and passion, even if you don’t have formal experience. By preparing thoroughly, you’ll not only stand out but also boost your confidence.

1. Dive into Common Tech Interview Questions
   • Let’s start with some research. Many tech companies value problem-solving and technical skills. Be ready for questions about coding challenges, system design, or troubleshooting. Sites like Glassdoor can offer insights into company-specific questions.
2. Embrace the Technical Assessment
   • During the interview, a technical assessment or live coding challenge might come your way. Practice ahead on platforms like LeetCode, Codewars, or HackerRank. Understanding the basics of data structures, algorithms, and coding best practices will set you up for success.
3. Prepare for Behavioral Questions
   • Alongside technical skills, employers are curious about your approach to challenges, teamwork, and setbacks. Share examples from past projects where you’ve demonstrated communication, teamwork, and resilience.
4. Show Your Enthusiasm
   • Remember, companies seek individuals passionate about learning and contributing to their success. Let your excitement for the role and the chance to join their team shine through.

We believe in your potential and are here to support you every step of the way. Feel free to share your experiences or ask questions—let’s grow together!

Get Your First Job

After you’ve cultivated your skills and expanded your professional network, you can start looking for your first job. Keep in mind that it’ll likely take you anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to find your first role.

However, the search will become easier as time goes on. The more interviews you have, the more fluidly you’ll navigate them. You’ll begin to learn what qualities you should emphasize to encourage employers to choose you over other applicants.

For example, you might have stellar communication skills that easily make up for your lack of industry experience. It’s only a matter of time until you find someone willing to work with you.

After you secure your first job, you’ll open a large number of opportunities in the industry. People with solid skill sets and at least two years of experience have no shortage of options available.

To clarify, let’s assume you work as a system administrator for two years before deciding it’s time to move on. However, you’ve also developed a strong interest in quality assurance. Having tech industry experience and a decent foundation of software engineering knowledge will help you transition to this role.

Coding Temple proudly offers ongoing support for graduates. Our Career Services include job search support, access to our employer partnership network, and technical interview training. They also include mock interviews and resume recommendations/refinement to help you stand out from other applicants.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s essential to avoid mistakes that people sometimes make when breaking into the tech industry. Understanding these will help ensure your journey goes as smoothly as possible. Listed below are common pitfalls to consider.

Doubting Yourself

Many people avoid trying due to having overwhelming self-doubt. They might feel they aren’t smart enough to work in tech or assume they don’t know enough to get started. This is especially true regarding complicated roles like data analytics.

Don’t entertain these thoughts, as there are plenty of ways to learn new information and improve your skills. As time goes on, your confidence will increase and you won’t struggle with doubts as often.

If you feel yourself getting discouraged, remember that the tech industry is inherently complicated. Very few people can easily break into the industry without plenty of effort. So, you’re not an outlier if you struggle with a project or find it difficult to understand a set of concepts.

Not Networking Once You’re Hired

Don’t make the mistake of getting too comfortable once you get hired. It’s essential to properly network so you can build valuable industry connections.

More often than not, the best way to increase your salary is by applying for a job at a different company. The best way to learn about positions like these is through people you know.

People with extensive lists of industry contacts can easily maneuver through the industry and take their careers to new heights. Don’t neglect this information so you can leverage opportunities that come your way.

Not Honing Your Skills

One of the worst things you can do for your career is not hone your skills once you get hired. Not only will you be less efficient at your job, but you’ll be more likely to get laid off if your company downsizes. The good news is you don’t have to stress yourself out when improving your performance.

Something as simple as reading about industry trends each morning will go a long way. You can also take courses in your free time to improve your knowledge of key concepts.

Continuing Education and Staying Relevant

The tech industry is a dynamic place, and staying relevant is a journey of continuous learning. Even after landing your first gig, it’s crucial to keep updating your skills and stay in tune with new technologies. You’ve got this!

• Stay Informed: Following industry news and trends is a great way to stay current. Check out websites like TechCrunch, Wired, and The Verge for the latest updates. You can also subscribe to newsletters or follow influential tech leaders on social media for regular insights. Your voice matters—engage and share what you find interesting!
• Keep Learning: Dive into online courses and certifications to keep your skills razor-sharp. Platforms like Udacity, Coursera, and edX offer courses on topics ranging from AI to cybersecurity. Plus, the certificates you earn can boost your résumé and LinkedIn profile. Celebrate your achievements and share them with your community!
• Join the Community: Participating in hackathons and coding challenges is an amazing way to learn and connect. These events aren’t just about sharpening your technical skills; they’re about building relationships and collaborating. Embrace the opportunity to grow together!
• Embrace Self-Study: Never underestimate the power of self-study. Reading books, watching tutorials, and experimenting with new technologies in your spare time can keep you ahead of the curve. Remember, every little step you take adds value to your tech journey.

Your potential is limitless—let’s unlock it. What’s your next step in this exciting journey? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!

Understand How to Get Into Tech Without a Degree

Knowing how to get into tech without a degree is much easier than it seems at first. The information in this guide will help you break into the industry as soon as possible and achieve the career shift you’ve been waiting for.

Coding Temple prides itself on helping people change their lives in a matter of months. We allow our students to quickly explore different career paths and determine which avenue is best for them. You’ll learn more about what we can do when you get in touch with us today.