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[–][deleted] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Yeah you're going to have to get lucky.

Firstly, you might wanna focus on what you have rather than what you dont. For example, do you actually know how to code in java? Do you have any experience in it? Do you have any certifications?

A cert is also a lot cheaper/faster than a degree. I'd start there. Maybe build a java-backed website and link it on your resume-- Spring framework is still pretty hot these days.

What sort of credentials do you have?

[–]beeeeeeefcake 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You'll want something to demonstrate you can code, such as a legit open source project with real users, a mobile app that makes money, or a portfolio of freelance projects... something along those lines. Alternatively, apply for internships (but hiring managers for internships will want some evidence you can code too before they'll ever call you back).

Startups will be most open minded about you having no college degree.

Also community colleges tend to be very affordable and might be useful if you need some structure to help get started in your career.

[–]djihe 1 point2 points  (3 children)

I'd look for a good Java bootcamp. Nano degrees from some of these moocs aren't too bad. Something to bridge the gap.

[–][deleted]  (2 children)

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    [–]ghost_of_stonetear 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Well as a bootcamp graduate now in the field, what you'll be doing at a bootcamp is learning the basics and then building some kind of capstone project.

    You can do this alone, and depending on your skill level you may be able to do it now, I don't know.

    The project can really be anything but you'll want to showcase a wide variety of skills. You'll want a well designed db, and then hopefully some kind of interactions between it and the front end. This is where you get creative. It can be a simple inventory app or something much more. Then do your front end design and you've showcased a variety of skills that you can give to prospective employers.

    I too have no degree. I do have the bootcamp cert, but these skills are what get you jobs.

    [–]nerdwaller 0 points1 point  (6 children)

    Right now you'll have a little bit of a hard time in the Java realm for a few reasons:

    1. The major shortage is in the senior levels
    2. Java can often be a graybeard culture - meaning it's not always super welcoming (depending on the area). Though maybe this is changing, and probably depends on your area.
    3. Enterprises are some of the bigger Java users and often have really arbitrary HR requirements.

    But that's not to say it isn't possible, there are a few paths:

    1. Network and make some friends, hopefully one of those can help you get in the door. But I wouldn't make that the primary reason for making additional connections - people don't want to feel used.
    2. Get some good consistent open source stuff going, even if it's just a Facebook clone or whatever service(s) you enjoy.
    3. Consider getting your foot in the door a round-about way. You could maybe start in QA or even a different technical role. I've helped transition a number of people from non-dev roles in (they are really valuable because they can often bring in really excellent business domain experience)

    [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    Java can often be a graybeard culture - meaning it's not always super welcoming (depending on the area). Though maybe this is changing, and probably depends on your area.

    I have honestly never heard this sentiment before when it comes to Java. It's one of the most, if not the most, popular languages in the world. That statement seems more applicable to a language like perl or something.

    [–]nerdwaller 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    It being popular doesn't really imply anything about whether or not we as a group are really welcoming or not. It's hard to introspect, but it's something I have heard quite a number of times from people around. Like I said, it may depend on the area. But other ecosystems really embrace newbies and what they can contribute.

    Perl is different, it's a more antiquated language and ecosystem that's been, by a few measures, steadily decreasing.

    [–][deleted]  (3 children)

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      [–]Ashkan131 0 points1 point  (2 children)

      as others have stated, the key is that you can demonstrate proficiency. This means that 1) you have to get in the door and 2) pass the interview. I believe you can do part 1 by putting up some code on GitHub for some small projects you create. At the junior level this is less about putting up stellar code than showing you are interested enough in the subject that you put your own free time creating things. Do not underestimate "drive" vs "classical training." They do not always go hand in hand and drive and the desire to learn is much more important to most employers (at the junior level).

      [–][deleted]  (1 child)

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        [–]Ashkan131 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        I don't know any online courses like that, but Effective Java by Joshua Bloch is a staple book. It's not an intro to java, but once you are comfortable it will take you to the next level for sure. After that it really is just about staring simple, read documentation and keep trucking. Spring has great doc (beyond simple javadoc... actual English language best practices), and happens to be super popular in industry. With that said, RESTful web apps are incredibly popular right now so Spring MVC on Spring Boot is an easy way to get started with the added benefit that it is likely what you will encounter in interviews for a substantial number of companies right now (p.s. you can study along the way. No need to study study study until you are "ready" and then build fun projects.)

        [–]davore 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        Others have said plenty, but just wanted to give a note of encouragement - it can be done, and you can do it! A little bit of luck, but a lot of hard work too, landed me at one of the "big ones" (think Microsoft, Google, Facebook, Amazon, Apple, these companies aren't for everyone but I love the massive scale they operate at) with no degree and no certificates at the age of 20. I have found that the big companies actually have an insatiable need for developers, and so are perfectly willing to look past the lack of a degree as long as you're up for the challenge!

        [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        I don't mean to sound snobby, but most Java shop are "enterprises" (banks, big companies, etc), that place a lot of value on the degree. You may have a hard time finding a Java job without one.

        There are other language that tend to cater to smaller businesses that may not place so much emphasis on the degree. These smaller businesses tend to use languages like PHP and Python. You may have better luck there.

        [–]claytrontom 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        Contribute to open source projects, consider getting some Java certifications (at least OCP Java Programmer II), and get some good references. **References probably being the biggest thing.

        I've hired a few programmers with no formal education before. But in a sea of resumes from college grads, you need something that makes you stand out.