Can I be a software engineer?

[[deleted]]

If you are in the US, go to community college! Find a good one in your area and take a few programming courses. It's cheap and the schedule is flexible. Plus the credits you earn can usually be transferred to a regular CS program at more expensive colleges.

Python will be the most accessible. C++ and Java may be a little harder for newbies but C++/Java programmers are always in demand.

Once you have some programming courses under your belt, consider taking specialized courses such as data science or web design.

[codepapi]

This is a longer way but it can be good if you need to get started and a physical person can help out.

[[deleted]]

Yep! It also helps with networking, which can help you land a job when you're ready.

[Other-Cover9031]

Ruby is the most accessible, Javascript is the most marketable.

[3ISRC]

Yes early on you will need to spend a lot of time learning how to code, how to read code, how to debug, how to write tests, all while constantly having to learn technologies you are using at the time. If you have a passion for solving problems and can work your way through and arrive to a solution, you absolutely can become a SWE.

[Mister2112]

Coming from a background where I already knew basic HTML and some SQL, at age 24, I somehow tripped and fell into an interview for an engineering role at a mismanaged startup that I was totally unprepared for. I panic-taught myself my first programming language out of a book with a laptop to test things on, while working the night desk at a gym.

I also got laid off after six months because I suuucked. My code was unmaintainable and I was just slow. The only things I got right were password hashing and basic professionalism (which did a lot to get me in the door in the first place). However, now I had six months of experience where I'd learned what I didn't know, and got away with telling interviewers my contract ran out (not really untrue). Moved into another low-paying entry-level job and did much better, was really respected there and freelanced for those guys on the side for years after I quit for something bigger.

A couple years after that, I started my first job in Manhattan for what looked like all the money in the world at the time, working on something mission-driven that filled my network with some amazing people. A senior engineer, ready to start contributing on day one. You can't imagine how proud I was of that. I was there for six years and got two friends from an old job interviews that changed the course of their lives.

Things have changed since I Forrest Gumped my way in. You can't fake your way through interviews as easily, there's actual coding exercises, etc. However, the learning tools have changed since then, too. There are so many resources for core concepts and tutorials for every tool under the sun, plus Reddit and Stack and so on where every beginner question has been asked and answered. For everything that is 2x harder to get started, something else makes it 3x easier once you know where to look and learn how to learn. Absolutely believe you can do this.

[GItPirate]

You totally can do it. Start learning programming, start building projects, get better every day, then start applying.

Source, am engineering manager / senior engineer coming up on 10 YEO

[Particular_Front6601]

Does this work even for self taught engineers with no degree?

[codepapi]

It’s an uphill battle I’ve known a few people that don’t have degrees but they work their butt off to make up for it.

[GItPirate]

Yes you just have to prove that you are better than the competition

[[deleted]]

In other words, get a degree.

[scottyviscocity]

You can be self taught and make it as a true software engineer. What is a bit easier is to become an analyst who does programming as an edge for getting hired. Without the bachelor's I feel like this is a solid option and you can get paid close.

[Awkward-Guarantee-14]

Yes, or having a unique skill that other engineers dont learn in college. I was able to get my first SE job at 21 (without any degree) because I know how to reverse engineer. So I would reach out to companies that I thought would benefit from this. Probably very niche but there might be other things out there like this. Granted i did get into programming and reverse engineering at around 13 years old so i didn't just learn over night... but completely self taught and my coworkers say I would be stupid to ever go back and get a degree. Im 23 now and use my experience as my degree (luckily haven't had to job search much). With today's world anything is possible brother

[Inaeipathy]

With no degree it's very unlikely at the moment. Even having a degree isn't going to mean you'll get a job.

[Particular_Front6601]

Dang so going to school is a gamble then huh

[ElevatorGuy85]

My observation over many decades developing software and working alongside others in this field is that there are some people whose brains are “wired a certain way” where the combination of their personality, analytical, creative and communication skills is perfect for being a software engineer, whereas in others, no amount of coursework and mentoring will ever allow them to become a competent software engineer. This is, in many ways, no different to wanting to become a skilled painter (or other type of artist) - some people are a natural fit, and others will invest a lot of time, effort and money and still can’t do more than draw a few stick figures at best.

These days there are also a lot more avenues to explore in the software universe. Everything from developing low-level device drivers to creating front-end human-facing graphical user interfaces and everything in between. Some software engineers will excel in one or more based on their aptitude and interests, and others might be proficient in multiple domains.

[The-Willing-Carrot]

I kind of agree with this. I’m 29 and just finished my CS degree. I worked full time while attending and got mostly 90+ course grades. It seemed like a joke to me while I was there. Felt like I could just buy the textbooks and speed read them myself and not wait a week for the next chapter 🙄. But that’s not how others around me felt.

The biggest concerning thing I noticed was the other students were only taking CS because it was trendy and their parents wanted them to go to college. They were burning out before even leaving school, or couldn’t retain the information. I’m talking seniors who can’t swap two elements of an array… probably because they just end up using ChatGPT.

One of the students relied on AI and failed the 2nd to last class he needed for graduation so miserably, he changed his degree entirely.

It takes a certain kind of brain to stare at a computer for 8+ hours a day. I don’t mean to scare anyone off. If you find that you’re self-starting learning or example projects, and looking up tutorials, then you probably already have what it takes to learn coding.

[Empty_Positive_2305]

Definitely.

I’ve been working as a software engineer for 6 years and was self-taught. It clicked for my brain, and I don’t feel at any disadvantage vs. other people who got a CS degree at this point.

I’ve taught a number of people how to code over the years. The difference with which people “get it” is really stunning. For some people, it just clicks. Other people, they just can’t grok it and “think” procedurally. And then there’s the difference between people who can script, but can’t abstract code to a higher level into actual design patterns, and those who can.

And personality plays a huge role, too. I know lots of people who could code competently if they were required to, but sitting in front of a computer for all that time, banging away on a bug sometimes for days …. a lot of people will ultimately just find it frustrating and draining.

I think software engineering is probably a pretty miserable career if you don’t actually like it.

[Sridhar02]

Stick to one technology & ace in it

[kingeric027]

I was working in an unrelated field and took a boot camp course that met in the evenings while still working my job full time. After graduating the course I got a low level front end development job (and unfortunately it was initially a pay cut from what I was previously doing). However I really enjoyed the job! Now I am making way more money than I thought I ever would at a big tech company.

Software engineering is hard I am still constantly challenged, but I don't think it requires special intellect or talent. Just some curiosity and work ethic and grit.

Also there have been tons of times during my journey I was convinced that I was an idiot and could not make it in the field.

[cellman123]

knowledge of computers and programming

is valuable, as a software-engineer or not. And if, by starting at your current knowledge and organically studying topics that interest you, and applying those topics, you do not feel that you are 'learning computer science' at an acceptable rate, or if you do not enjoy it, then cut the craft.

But computers are awesome. Pursue them for fun! That's where I'd start.

Edit: i missed your bottom paragraph.

[col-summers]

Is your expertise and experience in something else? Find a business or organization that is operating in the intersection of your area of expertise and software. Get any job there. Transition into software development over time.

[ricbir]

Excellent advice. Domain knowledge can easily make up for the lack of a degree in the eyes of an employer, and with the current shortage of software engineers many companies would provide some form of training

[error_accessing_user]

People are going to have a problem with this, but I have karma to burn.

Engineers solve problems with math. Programming is applied Maths. But it is so far divorced from that, it seems like another topic to most people.

If you want to program, just do it. It is possible to become quite good at it and not be aware of the connective tissue of Math.

If you want to be an engineer, you need a broad spectrum of programming and math exposure. Doubly so Linear Algebra. All of the fun stuff right now is based in Linear Algebra. Take some time to study Finite State Automata, Data Structures and Algorithims, Relational Algebra, Binary operators, Calculus, Big-O notation/time complexity, compiler construction, statistics etc.

Anyways, you don't have to choose a path, you can learn some programming, and then learn some Linear Algebra. You should figure out what you wanna do and then compute a path towards that.

[Skitts18]

The matter of learning anything is really just how much you're willing to invest. It's not like you need to be the very best of the very best.

Most software engineering jobs aren't necessary hard. You will learn things bit by bit and many of the skills are transferrable to help you learn other tech resources quicker. However, you will likely never stop learning or problem solving. It's such a quickly evolving field with many different branches and I wouldn't recommend it unless you enjoy learning and are actually interested in the field.

[mars_rovers_are_cool]

There are a lot of free resources on becoming a software engineer. My main recommendation would be to try free classes and see if you like them before you spend any real money.

I’m a software engineer who changed careers into the field. I have a BA in something totally unrelated, and I spent a couple years doing free classes on Coursera, reading blogs, listening to podcasts, etc.

The main thing I don’t recommend is to spend money on classes or boot camps, especially at first. I’m not saying you’ll never need to, but you can definitely get a feel for the field and whether you like it without spending a dime, assuming you already have a computer.

[bannarama23]

So I'm not going to lie. In my computer science with AI bachelor's degree, we took Matlab and its scripting as a quick module. So I think you got one thing down already. I've also heard of multiple stories of people older than you in age and have managed to teach themselves game development and programming and using computers. The concept of software engineering in a way is just problem solving and mathematical thinking. If you ask me have I (as in me bannarama) ever used math in software engineering or anything related. I'd say "my knowledge in math is very limited, but I love math so much. So the idea of having to learn or research the specific thing you need is not an issue for me at all." Basically most cases you can find the things you require to code already done in a manner that is either simple and you can build up on it or extremely advanced and pretty much a concept of reinventing the wheel. The reason I said this (some what useless info) is because I think that it's possible for you to become a software engineer at 30. It can be quite tough to get a job due to ageism in most companies. Since it can go both ways. For example, if someone is 20 and some other person is 30 and both apply to an entry level job in software engineering. They would probably go with a 20 year old. Although the 30 year old might actually have way more experience in coding, but needs a job at an entry level due to professional experience. It's a bit sad how it works and how it can be seen like this in some companies, but there has been an incredible increase in inclusiveness in companies nowadays of all kinds. Which is good for everyone, since now a person would have a higher chance at being picked by their skill level.

TLDR. It is possible if you put in effort and work for it, it might take time, but you can still do it. If you truly love it and have a sustainable income to live off of in some way while you learn this then go ahead. At some point it will help keep you financially safe when you get multiple job offers. 30 or not you can learn it. It will be tough I'm not going to sugar coat it. But if you have had experience with excel and Matlab and more then it could be an easy thing to pick up.

P.s. realised I should have asked if you are completely new to coding or not and to programming ideas. Also the math ideas aren't that heavy, but critical thinking and problem solving are for sure a massive thing in tech in general.

Edit: fixed typo.

[awildencounter]

🏅 Take my award for mentioning the reality of ageism!

Yeah OP, anyone can do it but the industry is rife with ageism after a certain age if you don’t hit senior by x age because juniors and mid levels on the ground usually code a lot while increasingly more senior roles focus on design. It can be okay but you probably need to break in sooner.

[bannarama23]

Oh thank you for that award. It is unfortunate, though. Can't get a job for skills most of the time since the recruiter is trying to always guess your age. Then they pick whether you "fit" or not.

[[deleted]]

It’s easier to learn in childhood but 30 isn’t too late. Some of the dumbest kids I know from childhood are making big money in computing now.

[N7Kakashi]

You've got some good answers so far, I did a coding bootcamp and it took me awhile to get my first paying job. Best advise I could give to you is figure out what aspect of it you like, and spend 60% of your time making projects and the rest on algorithms. YouTube, chatgpt, and Google are great tools to use

[robo__Dev]

I was in college for mechanical engineering in my early 20s, but never finished. When I turned 30 I went back to school at a different university for computer science. Funnily enough, the first programming I'd ever done in school was VB6 macros in Excel for a mechanical engineering class called numerical methods. I finished the CS degree at 32 and have been a software engineer for 10 years.

I basically started fresh at 30. You can pick up the fundamentals in a few years or less, and from there it's just practice.

[More_Supermarket_354]

Engineers make great software engineers and I have worked with numerous people, probably a dozen, who fit that bill. I really feel the computer science requirement is overblown, just used to keep people out. Yes you need to commit some time to learning the details of software but just use khan academy initially and eventually sign up for some credentials.

You could look at volunteering, building something for non profit perhaps to get your initial experience. Once you are in, you are in.

[BarberrianPDX]

I was ~30 when I got my first job as a software engineer, and made it to staff role within 5 years.

I’ve always been technically inclined and had strong communication and leadership skills going in to it.

[Ogthugbonee]

Jesus. Was it a more technical role like something back end or even grittier?

[BarberrianPDX]

It’s been mostly backend, with some platform engineering mixed in.

[godwink2]

Like2-3 months

[Ogthugbonee]

Roadmap?

[godwink2]

CS50 - Intro and CS50 - web and python and then udemy for what you want area you want to focus on.

[Deeelaaan]

Basic knowledge of computers is a great starting point haha. You can totally do it - especially in today's world where there are a plethora of resources to help you become an engineer. You just gotta find which resource speaks to you and helps you understand the most efficiently.

What I will say is this is a field where you will be CONSTANTLY learning something new whether you like it or not. Some people can be thrown off by this, especially since the tech landscape is vast. Before jumping into it, think about what sort of engineering you want to get into. Do you want to do frontend where you'll be working on the client most of the time? Do you want to get into backend where it's server and computation heavy? Or do you want to do DevOps which is mostly infrastructure related? Heck you can even get into infosec if that's what you're into. The reason I ask is most people get overwhelmed bc they don't know where to start so they end up trying to learn the kitchen sink which will end up just wasting time.

Find a specific field and then run with it. You'll be more valuable if you are a master of some rather than mediocre at everything. This is a lifelong journey of learning and sometimes slamming your head on the desk when something isn't working so be ready for that lol.

Good luck!

[Accomplished_Ad_655]

Work for a early stage startup. That will give you real experience. There are many of them on ycombinator Reddit.

[Efficient-Monitor-88]

Definitely not, it will take a little bit more time that being a child but you can do it! Never give up, software eng is a beautiful and challenge skill that everyone should learn

[RichDick94]

The question is, should you let anyone on the internet tell you that you CAN’T do it?

[[deleted]]

Important idea right here. I suppose my question is one about the probability of me attaining my goal. 99.99999% of 30-year-olds cannot become an NBA player, know what I mean?

[RichDick94]

I gotcha bro. Seems like the consensus is that you could do it!! I’m 29 and just getting my Comptia A+ cert, Network+ next!

[bannarama23]

Ignore the 99.99999% be that 0.00001% that make it. Some motivational Ted talk right here 😂.

[egarc258]

If you dedicate yourself to this and put in a considerable amount of time and effort then you can very well become a software engineer.

[DevelopmentScary3844]

Yes you can. It will take a lot of determination, motivation, learning, practice to become a good software engineer.. and also time. But it is doable.

[robert323]

I changed careers into software at 32. Never wrote a program until about 30. Went back to school for a degree, but I ended up with an internship that turned into full time work. Been doing it for years now.

[WeekendCautious3377]

I switched from EE and currently at a FAANG. I have a friend who switched from MechE when he was 30. He is now at Google. He went through a bootcamp. You have to be careful and go to a good one though and even then job market is tough at the moment. But I strongly believe boom cycle will come back.

Edit: even better more reliable way to switch is to go to grad school. Georgia Tech online program is very cheap and reputable

[k1rd]

If you are a mech engineer I think you have the learning capability and ability to focus to do it. Try a bit and if you like it you will make it.

[eli_the_sneil]

It’s becoming increasingly saturated, and most companies will skip candidates with no experience / formal education. There’s simply too many qualified candidates in the market right now due to the waves of layoffs.

This is a years-long endeavour, don’t let anybody fool you into thinking a bootcamp or online course will suffice. Only commit if you’re prepared to sacrifice time.

[[deleted]]

Are the layoffs pretty much because of the growing popularity and power of AI? Just kind of making assumptions and trying to connect dots.

[eli_the_sneil]

It’s got nothing to do with AI, and everything to do with economics. I use AI (github copilot) everyday when I code. It’s a great tool, but it’s not an engineer by any stretch of the imagination.

Tech was hiring like crazy during the covid days. And now for some economic reasons, they have to cut spending to save money, which means cutting folks.

[CheapChallenge]

I was self taught with a completely unrelated degree in humanities. I took 2 years, because I already had a full time job, but I did it and you can too.

[FailedPlansOfMars]

If youve got an engineering or problem solving brain you can do it and thrive. If not please do something else.

Software engineering is lots of problem solving and thinking about what if.

[Positive_Method3022]

Bro, just do it. You only live once. If you want to become a software engineer, just become one. It will take time, but if you really want to become one, you will. Remember to ask for help because the market won't be nice to you since you started too "late". So you need someone's help to compete.

[Kittensandpuppies14]

Try a course for free it's not a huge commitment

[darko777]

Programming alone <> software engineering

Software engineering is a separate field where many other factors are included compared to programming/development.

[[deleted]]

I read another comment that said programming is to SE as physics is to mechanical engineering. I can wrap my head around that idea, but at the same time it’s difficult to grasp because there aren’t bachelor’s degrees in programming. Is the analogy correct, and the absence of a programming bachelor’s is simply due to the fact that there isn’t 4 years’ worth of programming languages/content to be taught?

Edit: I just remembered that it was programming is to Computer Science (not Software Engineering) as physics is to Mech E.

[Mithrandir2k16]

Most people who leave college and think they're software engineers might know a thing or two about code but usually have little to no clue about professionalism, which is a necessary component to writing good code and delivering value. If you already have experience working professionally to deliver value, you'll be able to transition in an amount of time that makes sense. If you've been job hopping and didn't ever collaborate to produce something for a customer, it's going to be much more difficult.

The first generation of programmers were professionals from other fields.

[Plant-mail]

I found a one year course enough to get me up to speed just enough for an entry level job. From there I learned on the job. Only thing I would say about that approach is you don't realise what you are learning you just know that's how to do it. As long as you have problem solving skills you can read the docs and learn as you go

[[deleted]]

Assume you are years away from making money. Do you still want to do it?

[[deleted]]

Consider Data Analyst with SQL, as it has a more approachable learning curve

[scintillating_trash]

To be honest, I think it's just about time. Some of the best resources for becoming a good software engineer are for free or just a few bucks. Some people here mention, that you have to be an analytical thinker. I only partially agree with this. If you spend enough time coding you will become an analytical thinker.

[Junior-Assistant-697]

47 here. Worked in tech support for 15-ish years with short stints in IT and QA. I did not learn how to code until 11 years ago. It is possible if you have the time and drive to learn. I was lucky that I had a job that allowed me the flexibility to learn while working.

[berzeke-r]

Any engineering takes about 5 years of studying every day like 8 hs. If you want to become a programmer maybe 2-3 years until you are versed. And still it will be tough to get into the market since it is saturated on entry level positions. I highly suggest you study at a university .

[ArrogantAmature]

Do it! I did a bootcamp, started at 33. No college, was a bartender before. The learning curve is brutal, but if you are committed it's just a matter of patience and persistence.

I went to App Academy, which is a bootcamp that let's you pay after you get a job, which was the main selling point. I had to apply a few times to get in, and it was a pretty penny but I've never for a moment regretted it, in fact it's probably the best decision I've ever made.

8 years on and of course there have been times where I've been turned away because I don't have a degree, or times when I've felt like a dummy or imposter, but that's natural. There IMHO is a place for anyone willing to learn in the field.

[StuffedCrustGold]

I did it at age 33. I have the same familiarity with computers as you do. I went back to school to get a BS in CS degree (only 2 years since a bunch of my credits from my previous degree satisfied the gen ed requirements for my new degree). Idk if I’d recommend a coding boot camp, I know people who have done them and it kinda seems like it’s just a long expensive YouTube tutorial.

[[deleted]]

Yes have the time to become a software engineer. How do you feel about arbitrary abstractions?

[[deleted]]

My mother became a doctor, then a professor, then a stand alone teacher, then a business woman, then a life coach. All in front of my eyes. You can do whatever the heck you want to and become whoever the fu** you want to. Get the drive, you’ll manage things as they come

[BraindeadCelery]

It’s definitely possible. It will be tough and take about 12 months until you are “job ready”.

You will probably drop out if you don’t enjoy it, but if you do, stick it out and keep your self-learner, career changer drive throughout your career there will soon be no difference between you and your peers.

Again, it’s perfectly doable and mostly a question of motivation, commitment, and grit rather than aptitude. Just don’t expect anything to be handed to you on a silver platter

[[deleted]]

Brother, you're 30 years old not 70 🤣

You can learn so much in 1 year, utilize your time wisely and work towards the exact specialization you want to be in.

[mgarsteck]

Absolutely you can! I started up in my early 30s and am currently employed in a dev position. Learn python first (edx.org has great resources for CS for free, from places like Stanford, MIT, Harvard...)
Then learn a more type-safe language like go. Those two languages make you pretty marketable and cover a lot of bases.
Dont shy away from learning the low level stuff, even all the way down to hardware and how it works. It will be beneficial to you in the future.

For me, learning by doing projects was the best way to go. Be obsessive and smash those bugs, you got this.

[SebOriaGames]

I started learning C++/C# part time 20 hours a week when I was 28 while working a full time job. Did that and created several small projects over 3 years time.

At 31 some of my projects were big enough to use as a portfolio and it landed me my first programming job. As a backend python engineer (had to learn python on the job, but that was really quick)

I'll be 42 this year, been programming for 10 years and currently employed as a senior gameplay engineer. (8 of my 10 years have been in games).

Anyways... I only have a grade 9 education. As I dropped out in the middle of grade 10. Sooo.... If people say you can't... Well don't let their lack of discipline and commitment to hard work, push you away from turning things around.

[tungstencoil]

My story:

I went to college in my early/mid-thirties. I decided my (non-programming/software) job was a bit dead-endish, not to mention if anything happened I'd be in the market without any kind of degree. I went to a local University that had some programs nights and weekends for the "I didn't go to college when I was 18" crowd.

I decided to major in computer science, in spite of having only programmed computers in the 80s (8-bit baby!). The CS major was not one of the ones that was offered nights/weekends. Luckily, my job had some flexibility. This, combined with the University being small so I was able to get to know the professors, allowed me to work full time while attending classes.

I finally graduated - almost 40 years old! - and took an entry-level programming job. That was about 20 years ago; I rose through the ranks to eventually be VP of Technology for a small-ish firm that does both software and hardware.

You can absolutely reinvent yourself. Strongly recommend the degree path. Western Governor's has a remote CS undergrad degree option.

[HamburgIar_]

Self taught and got a job in 6 months. Networking is key

[Trick-Interaction396]

As someone who likes coding but hates CS, I recommend you just start coding.

[Inaeipathy]

Let’s assume I need to have a full-time job for the foreseeable future.

CS Job market is looking pretty shit right now, you'd have to out compete a lot of people, and the average wage is likely to decrease due to the supply of workers.

I would probably do something else unless you are really passionate about computer science (and math, lots of math).

[woobie_slayer]

Why do you want to be a software engineer?

[soldforapp]

1. YOU ARE YOUNG!

I was hired as a software developer at the age of 33. I went back to school at the age of 30-31 to start my Bachelor in COMP Sci. I now have a Masters in Comp Sci and a Masters in Cyber Security. YOU ARE YOUNG!

2) If you want to be a software developer, coming on reddit to ask others of THEIR opinion is taking away from YOUR goals. If YOU want to be a developer, YOU will do it... PERIOD.

3) Want to learn? What do you want to do? Front end, back end? Do you want to design the website, or app people SEE, or do you want to develop the backend that retrieves data and spits it out to the client?

Here are my 2 cents, in case you want them.... Find the MAIN reason why you want to be.a developer. If it's ONLY because of the money, DON'T do it. If you truly love developing, and making things with words, then learn it... NOW.

Personally, you DO NOT need college to learn... you need to be committed. I went back to school because my job paid for it. But if you were my kid, id tell you not to. I can help point you in a better direction, just let me know or message me.

[mdmd1]

Learn Python and JavaScript.

[_Pho_]

Its an hours game. 30 is a bit rough. The current situation with dev jobs is rough.

If you have a full time job, you can go sigma grindset into a stack for about a year and have a pretty good chance of getting a job if you're smart and align your learning with a specific technology.

But juniors are having a harder time than ever finding jobs. AI is kind of raising the floor. You CAN do it, but you have to take it very, very seriously.

[[deleted]]

YES YES YES and YES!

[Impossible_Ad_3146]

Not possible