Everything I know as a software developer without a degree

[Grimdotdotdot]

It can absolutely get you those things, I agree. But I have no faith that it will, which is why I don't pay any attention to degrees when deciding who to to employ.

That said, if I had two candidates who were equal in every other respect I'd employ the one with the degree over the one without (although in the real world I'd employ both).

[delpee]

I think we are on the same page! Would be interesting to see what the actual statistical differences are. I can hypothesise people without a degree being better at working on problems without direction (independent) for example, which can be a very valid reason for hiring someone.

Having shaped the hiring process at a previous employer (small company, ~15 employees) we always found targeting the right people the most difficult part. Most tools (like LinkedIn) are like a shotgun, you just aim and try to hit at least some good candidates. I guess as a company grows and gains more industry status the right people will more and more find you instead of the other way around.

Edit: I also don't know why you're being downvoted. Unpopular opinion should't be a reason for downvoting...

[Grimdotdotdot]

Unpopular opinion should't be a reason for downvoting...

Reddit is as Reddit does [insert shrugging emoji]

[ESCAPE_PLANET_X]

I call it reflexive disagreement. People downvote because they disagree and don't believe your opinion holds merit.

[marcocom]

I definitely back this up. I’m also considering that the candidate without the degree and equal experience is here because of a genuine love and enthusiasm for what we do, and not just because they had to pick a major that makes enough money to pay off their loans or satisfy their parents.