Comments on: Is there a way to become a programmer without going to college?

By: rod

rod — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:57:33 +0000

You may have a better aptitude for programming than a college graduate. BUT the first step in getting a job is an interview. The company advertises, they get lots of resumes, they weed through for 4 or 5 people to interview.
So the ad said something like 4 year degree, 2 years experience preferred. Usually it will ask for more than just JAVA, like knowledge of databases or HTML or something. The college kids all studied VB and C++ and JAVA and HTML with a smattering of business accounting, management, marketing.
Your resume says self-studied JAVA for 1 year with no experience.
If YOU were hiring, would YOU choose your resume?

Point is, you need something to get you in front of the interviewer to try to sell yourself. With no degree, certifications are a MUST just to have a shot.

good luck

By: fishshogun

fishshogun — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:57:33 +0000

i think you need to know a lil more than just java.

By: a kinder, gentler me

a kinder, gentler me — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:57:33 +0000

Uhh…take a cert test? If you know your stuff, that’s what counts.

By: Carol T

Carol T — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:57:33 +0000

The military.

By: Phoenix of Ronnie

Phoenix of Ronnie — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:57:33 +0000

yes. if you pledge your future to paganism and headbutt a great lake for 5 minutes in winter, your career as a programmer is assured

By: wigginsray

wigginsray — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:57:33 +0000

some colleges may allow you to test out of some classes. You can always go into business for yourself – unfortunately most large corporations value the little piece of paper. Smaller companies might give you a chance. Also try out talent scouts/hiring agencies. A simple search on monster.com will give you some ideas – I think Aquent is a pretty big one.

By: r b

r b — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:57:33 +0000

there is a certification test that you can take. Depending on where you live you might be able to find a center that has open tests it usually cost a few hundred dollars to take. Alot of the vocational schools that you see advertise on TV late at night or during the Maury show require you to enroll in their crap school and complete their lame courses to take the test at their campus.

By: Adnan Sallam

Adnan Sallam — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:57:33 +0000

Yes you can educate your self and be programmer but to get a job as programmer is very hard, the first question they ask you in the interview is how many years of experience do you have, and they prefer some one with degree.

By: shin1.618

shin1.618 — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:57:33 +0000

just be an addict in computer tech… learn new things… and also priorities the things you dont know about computer… self study will do… my advice… start with ms office to turbo C++

By: dryheatdave

dryheatdave — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:57:33 +0000

Well, I’ve been in the business for 20 years, without going to college.

But when I started, all one needed was the ability to write a little COBOL. Everything else, such as personality defects & poor social skills were overlooked.

Certification has helped me – by backing up limited experience (SOA & MQ).

You might get into the business via companies like SetFocus who do Java and/or .NET bootcamps followed by servitude on one of their projects for a set period. WHen I came to the USA from England, I had to stay with my recruiting company, when they got me my visa & then green card. The trick with this arrangement is to be VERY clear when you are free, and to be very clear what limitations exist, if they cut you .

BUT my best advice is – try building something to showcase your skills – put it out on the web & link to it from the softcopy of your resume.