How to become a software developer without a degree

While many of us were introduced to computers in our early school years, only a few chose to explore further and pursue careers in the tech industry. It is perfectly natural to experience mixed feelings when considering a career change early in your professional life. Have you ever considered joining the tech industry by looking at your friends or colleagues who are already working as software engineers? This thought may arise from your curiosity about how they handle complex problems or build the apps and websites you use daily.

The good news is that transitioning into software engineering is possible even if you’re starting from scratch. You can turn that curiosity into a rewarding career with guidance and determination.

A few reasons to choose software engineering#

Software engineering is more than just writing code—it’s about solving problems, creating solutions, and building the tools and systems that power our world today. Here are a few reasons why many people are choosing to move into this field:

The tech industry offers many opportunities and competitive salaries, making it an attractive field for those looking to change careers. Software engineering, in particular, is in high demand, with companies constantly searching for skilled developers to build and maintain their digital products. The ability to work remotely and the variety of roles available—from web development to data science—make this field appealing to many.

Here’s a blog on why everyone should learn to code.

Your current skills can be beneficial#

Before diving into learning new technical skills, it’s important to recognize the value of your current experience. Many non-tech skills are highly transferable to software engineering:

• Problem-solving: If you’ve worked in any role that required troubleshooting or creative thinking, you already have a head start. Software engineering is all about solving problems through code.

• Communication: Clear communication is essential in tech. Whether explaining complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders or collaborating with a team, your communication ability will be an asset.

• Project management: Managing tasks, meeting deadlines, and organizing work are skills that translate well into software development, especially when working on larger projects or in agile environments.

Setting goals for your transition#

A successful transition starts with clear, achievable goals. Break down your journey into manageable steps:

• Short-term goals: These could include learning the basics of a programming language, completing a beginner’s coding course, or building your first simple project. Set achievable short-term goals, like completing a course or building a small project. These small wins will motivate you to keep going.

• Long-term goals: Aim toward bigger achievements like becoming skilled in a particular set of tools and technologies.

If you are planning to learn all by yourself, we recommend reading the Self-taught coding: Essential tips for beginners blog at Educative.

Learning the basics#

Transitioning to software engineering requires learning new technical skills. Here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Pick a programming language: Start by choosing a beginner-friendly language, such as Python. Python is known for its simplicity and readability, making it an excellent choice for those new to coding. Many online resources, including tutorials, videos, and interactive coding platforms, are available to help you get started.

2. Understand core concepts: As you learn to code, you’ll encounter fundamental concepts like variables, loops, and functions. These are the building blocks of programming, and mastering them is essential for progress.

3. Web development basics: Another good place to start is web development, which involves creating and maintaining websites. If you’re interested in the idea of web development, it’s better to start by learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. HTML structures your web pages, CSS styles them, and JavaScript adds interactivity. These skills are crucial for creating modern, responsive websites.

To further learn the basics of coding, you can look at the following beginner-level course on Python at Educative.

Practice by building projects#

One of the best ways to learn is by doing. Once you have familiarized yourself with the basics, start with small projects that align with your interests. For example, you could build a personal website, create a simple to-do list app, or automate a task you do frequently. These projects will help you apply your knowledge and build a portfolio to showcase your skills to potential employers.

Engaging with the tech community#

Joining a tech community can accelerate your learning and open up new opportunities. Online platforms like Stack Overflow, GitHub, and Reddit are great places to start. Here, you can ask questions, share your projects, and get feedback from more experienced developers. Participating in local meetups, hackathons, or coding boot camps can also help you connect with others who share your goals.

Mentorship and guidance#

Having a mentor or guidance during your transition into software engineering can significantly impact your journey. A mentor provides valuable insights, helping you navigate the challenges of learning a new field, avoid common pitfalls, and stay motivated. They can offer personalized advice based on their experiences, recommend resources, and help you set realistic goals. With a mentor, you can gain a deeper understanding of the industry, accelerate learning, and build confidence in your abilities.

Whether through formal mentorship programs, online communities, or industry connections, having someone to guide you can be crucial to your success as you make this career shift.

Internships and real-world experience#

Consider applying for internships once you have some basic skills and a few projects. Even if they are unpaid, internships provide valuable hands-on experience and a glimpse into the daily life of a software engineer. This experience is crucial for building your resume and increasing your chances of landing a full-time job.

Developing soft skills is a must#

Soft skills are often just as crucial as technical skills in software engineering. While knowing how to code is essential, success in the field requires more than technical expertise.

Here’s why soft skills matter:

• Communication: Explaining your ideas is vital, especially when working in a team.

• Willingness to learn: The tech world evolves rapidly, so being open to continuous learning is essential.

• Problem-solving: Developing a logical approach to tackling challenges is at the core of software engineering.

• Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with others, share ideas, and contribute to team goals.

• Time management: Set achievable goals and stick to a schedule to keep your learning on track.

Continuous learning and staying updated#

The tech industry is ever-changing, with new tools, languages, and frameworks emerging regularly. To stay relevant, commit to continuous learning. Follow industry blogs, attend webinars, and consider advanced courses or certifications as you progress in your career. Lifelong learning is essential in software engineering, helping you adapt and thrive as the field evolves.

If you want to start a career as a software engineer, check out the following path on Educative.

Conclusion#

With the right mindset and approach, it’s possible to transition into software engineering from a non-tech background. By leveraging your current skills, setting clear goals, learning the basics, and engaging with the community, you can build a successful career in tech. The journey might be challenging, but the personal and professional rewards are worth the effort.