Applying for jobs without degree?

[callvm]

So I'm 23 and looking to enter the workforce as a software dev. Have been programming for around 4 years and been working as a freelance dev for the past 2, taking on clients from all around the world and building a variety of different programs, websites etc.

I'm in the process of doing a Bcom majoring in IT through UNISA and will only finish in around 2022. I'm wondering if it's too early / a waste to start applying for jobs now. As I'm studying through UNISA, I can go at my own pace and can slow my studies down if need be in order to spend more time at work.

What do you guys recommend for me to do? I already have my CV all laid out, as well as a few side projects that potential employers can check out. I know that my coding ability is on par, if not better, than that of a fresh CS graduate, but I feel limited in that every job offer requires a degree for developers.

Apply now and shotgun my CV everywhere, or just leave it and wait until I've got a degree??

 

[cguy]

The unknown variables here are what level of work can you get now, versus what level of work can you get with your degree?

In other words, I wouldn’t delay my degree if it meant delaying my Data Scientist job at awesome company X, in order to get some web dev experience (and make a little cash while at it).

If, however, I wanted my degree as an additional qualification to help me with my career in backend server code development, and I could currently get a job as a backend server developer, doing the degree simultaneously, even if it takes a year or two longer could be beneficial, since at the end of the day you end up with a degree, and relevant experience, and the benefit of being able to see the application of your studies in a real world context.

In summary, I would try my luck with sending my CV out there, but only if the experience is relevant to what I want to do (I don’t think “it’s a programming job” is necessarily sufficient).

 

[callvm]

The unknown variables here are what level of work can you get now, versus what level of work can you get with your degree?

In other words, I wouldn’t delay my degree if it meant delaying my Data Scientist job at awesome company X, in order to get some web dev experience (and make a little cash while at it).

If, however, I wanted my degree as an additional qualification to help me with my career in backend server code development, and I could currently get a job as a backend server developer, doing the degree simultaneously, even if it takes a year or two longer could be beneficial, since at the end of the day you end up with a degree, and relevant experience, and the benefit of being able to see the application of your studies in a real world context.

In summary, I would try my luck with sending my CV out there, but only if the experience is relevant to what I want to do (I don’t think “it’s a programming job” is necessarily sufficient).

The degree I am getting is not really as specialized as a normal CS degree, and covers business as well as programming. Therefore, I'd say it'd be unlikely I'd ever work in DS as my maths is pretty bad as well tbh. The second case you made reference to, regarding the backend dev working and studying sounds like its more up my alley, as I really don't want to wait to finish my degree and then only start looking around.

The issue I am having, really, is how to get accepted to a job WITHOUT the degree... As I said I do have an up to date CV, as well as a portfolio with a few projects in - but I've just been discouraged by the amount of job listings that say "degree required". There are a few postings for backend Java developers, which is what I'm probably best at right now, but as I said, they all mention that the degree required. Maybe I'll send a few out as a test and see what happens...

 

[cguy]

The degree I am getting is not really as specialized as a normal CS degree, and covers business as well as programming. Therefore, I'd say it'd be unlikely I'd ever work in DS as my maths is pretty bad as well tbh. The second case you made reference to, regarding the backend dev working and studying sounds like its more up my alley, as I really don't want to wait to finish my degree and then only start looking around.

The issue I am having, really, is how to get accepted to a job WITHOUT the degree... As I said I do have an up to date CV, as well as a portfolio with a few projects in - but I've just been discouraged by the amount of job listings that say "degree required". There are a few postings for backend Java developers, which is what I'm probably best at right now, but as I said, they all mention that the degree required. Maybe I'll send a few out as a test and see what happens...

The DS point was really just a hypothetical - the important point is that not all experience is equivalent, so don’t delay your end goal to get experience that isn’t all that relevant.

If you can do the work you apply to with your current experience and without a degree, then it wouldn’t surprise me if at least a few people on the hiring side have been in the same situation as you before and appreciate that sometimes the “degree required” line is just boilerplate originating from HR, and doesn’t align with the company’s current hiring needs. So yeah, shotgun it, make sure your LinkedIn looks good, etc.

 

[Polymathic]

Portfolio

 

[Emjay]

Bachelors degrees are a dime a dozen these days (that are not STEM). They are really only valuable to get you into the market, and to take you into the C level in large organizations (as a start). Your experience is going to set you apart. Make sure you stand out from the rest of the crowd by writing up a very good profile, CV and cover letter. Put effort into each of these. And then some more. Personalize each application to the company and role. If your CV is feeling a bit light, bolster it with some online courses (verified) and get involved in some larger projects, even if you have to work extra time to get the experience.

I don't even look at degrees anymore. The only time it's relevant for me is when I need very specific technical certifications.

You will be 25 in 2022. If you can finish up your degree part time, rather do that. However, be wary that distance studying while working is very difficult. It's not impossible. I did it. But it came at a very heavy personal cost. Lost all my friends, suffered financially, burnt out, etc. You will need to weigh up your options very carefully. I value experience over a generalist degree, and most people I work with do. Even taking a bunch of shorter certifications will prove just as valuable.