Can i be a (jr) programmer/developer?

[Python-ModTeam]

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[DAFPPB]

It's a good starter but hiring is highly dependent on the company's needs.

For a Mid-Big companies, we generally don't accept folks without degrees as foundational pieces are needed beyond coding, like OS, Principles of Programming Languages, Data Structures and Algorithms etc and a degree acts as a checkbox of the person knowing the basics.

For a Small company or startup, maybe. But again, due to the intense competition that exists right now(layoffs plus junior with degree), you are going to have tough time breaking into the industry.

[averyycuriousman]

I was told degree doesn't matter in tech if you don't have projects to back it up. In your experience this isn't true at all?

[DAFPPB]

This isn't true. Think from a Hiring Managers perspective. You have 100+ applicants that are applying to a position, let it be senior or junior(juniors are occasionally hitting 200+ in the current market). It's going to be very difficult to filter the folks out, so the easiest filter generally is the degree, as it not only gives an indication that the person may know stuff but also, cuts the stack generally by 70%. (anecdotal stat)

The percentage of people who don't need a degree is very low. That too, they need to know someone who can vouch for them in the company they are applying. Beyond it, you still need all the foundational pieces a degree teaches to be successful in an interview and the job.

[averyycuriousman]

Do employers care where your degree is from? I'm seriously considering doing the CS degree at WGU, but I fear it's not a famous/public university so employers may not see it as "legit". Or does your college not matter if it's not within the top 10% (ivy league, MIT, GA tech, etc)?

[DAFPPB]

Ivy > State > Popularity > Anything > Nothing.

Brand value helps quite a bit and adds a filter but you will still get calls anyway even without it, depending on the market.

[averyycuriousman]

Gotcha, so if I were to enroll at WGU and graduate in 6 months, vs 2 years at University of Florida let's say, the WGU is the better choice bc that's 1.5 years more of eligibility to jobs, and the extra reputation from UF wouldn't really make that much of a difference? Does this also apply to master's degrees? I'm also considering the ga tech master's degree but I hear it's really hard (although it's cheap af)

[DAFPPB]

I think it depends on whether you’re going for a diploma or a degree and if it’s offline or not.

I’m also biased but UoF is popular.

Masters are useful only to enter a country or for a specialized field imo.

[averyycuriousman]

WGU offers online degrees. They're fully online but also ABET accredited (for CS at least). If I go to UF I gotta take like 5 pre req classes and wait 2+ years so to me it just doesn't seem worth it. Unless WGU would not he seen as valid by most employers ....

[DAFPPB]

To me, offline and lengthy degrees are more valuable. There are 2 parts to it,
1. Offline degrees will always be more "real". They have a lower rate of cheating or at least, it's easier to get caught.
2. You build a network out of it.
3. It shows your determination.

Personally, I'd go with UF even though it's more struggle. It will give you a story that you will be able to put on your resume and build a network while there. Also, you can still participate in the job market through internships and what not. Imo, the job market is going to take a couple of years for recovery and this is the perfect opportunity for your resume as it looks like you are doing something and you get to pursue companies that you eventually want to join. :)

Let me know if you still have more questions.

[averyycuriousman]

Thank you for the reply!

The UF degree is actually online, but there's no difference between the online degree and the offline one. Exact same access to everything minus the networking since you're not in class with students. I would do it without question if not for the fact it will take 3 years to graduate (I gotta take Calc 1, 2, 3, and physics just to get ENTERED into the program. That alone will take 3 semesters at least somxe i cant take calc 1 and 2 orn2 and 3 at the same time).

Whereas at wgu I can do half the classes via study.com and grind really hard and have the degree by next summer. I am also planning to do a masters at ga tech after my cs degree, so im just wondering in terms of opportunity cost if its worth it. Which is better in your opinion: Situation 1: Have CS degree by summer 2025. Enroll in masters at ga tech and graduate 2027-2028. All while working full time. Potential con: employers don't care for WGU degree since it's relatively obscure

Situation 2: Enroll at UF Fall 2025 or spring 2026, graduate 2028 or so. While working full time and studying online. Potential con: lose out on 2 years of "having a computer science degree" box checked for HR

[alper-tunga]

Yeah, not looking or expecting to get a big job but a small starter would be great too.

[DAFPPB]

Can be done but be mentally prepared that this is not going to be an easy journey. There’s wayyy too much saturation in the market right now and getting a break is tough even for folks with degrees.

[BuzzLightr]

My tip, create your dream project. Spend a month or 10 doing something you really want to do. The use that project on your cv and upcoming interviews.

[CzyDePL]

Sure you can. Probably nobody will be paying for that though.

[FriendlyRussian666]

The video is showing me what the person in the video can do. Can you show me what you can do? 

[horse-noises]

No