From software application and web developers to database administrators, the job opportunities in the tech space are endless for people who love to tinker with code and create entirely new systems from scratch. But what do you do if you’re a self-taught tinkerer and don’t have that coveted college degree? Then, the question becomes: Can you get a coding job without a degree?

Before I give you the answer, let’s first state the obvious: Sometimes, more available jobs also means more competition.

It’s no secret there are loads of eager, ambitious and – let’s face it – well-educated people looking to nab a job in tech right now. Just ask any tech manager how many stacks of resumes he or she receives for an average position.

However, just because you don’t have an official, university-issued degree on your resume doesn’t mean your application has to wind up in the trash bin.

Can you get a coding job without a degree? Yes! Here’s how…

Yep, it’s true. A college degree actually is NOT a requirement for a coding job.

And even better? It’s well worth it to go after these jobs with or without a degree – like six figures a year worth it. According to Comparably.com, you not only don’t need a degree to move up into a top-tier tech role, you can also make over $100k a year when you do – all without racking up any traditional student debt. In fact, according to Engine Yard, the average full-stack developer makes $110,500 a year. Not bad, right?

Your lack of a degree is only a problem if you decide it is. Sure, you might have to work a little bit harder than your degree-toting peers to garner some attention, but there are quite a few ways to level the playing field.

But now that we know it’s possible, the question becomes: How exactly can you get a coding job without a degree?

Before I go into details, let’s start with the most obvious. You have to have coding skills. A core requirement for all high-paying coding jobs is to simply get better at coding. If you don’t already have some solid coding knowledge under your belt, you’ll need to start there and either get them or level up your current ones.

(While getting hired in tech without an official university degree is very possible, you do still need to know what you’re doing!)

However, super-sharp skills alone aren’t enough.

Just because you know JavaScript, Ruby on Rails and Python doesn’t make you an automatic shoo-in.

To score your dream gig, you also need to upgrade the way you’re presenting yourself – online and off. This will ensure you don’t learn a new skill just for the fun of it but do it in a way that lands you a better job as a result.

Ready to learn how?

In this post, we’re going to take an honest look at 4 other upgrades you can make – beyond sharpening your skills – to help you stand out among your (many) peers & land a dream coding gig without a degree.

4 upgrades to help you stand out from your competition

Here’s a sneak peek:

• Growth hacking your resume for success
• Optimizing your online presence
• Getting uber-prepared for interviews
• Building your professional network

Ready? Now, let’s go deeper.

Upgrade 1 = Growth hacking your resume for success

From our diets to our wardrobes, we “hack” everything, so it’s probably no shocker you can hack your resume, too. Here’s how it works. Just like search engines use SEO keywords to rank content, companies use applicant tracking systems to rank resumes. If yours contains the right keywords, you’re in like Flynn!

To make sure your resume passes the test, you just have to work backward.

Here’s how. Find the job you want and pick out keywords and terms associated with the job duties (you can usually find these inside the job description itself). Then, assuming you’re actually qualified and competent in those duties, simply insert these words strategically into your resume. Describing the education and experience you do have with the keywords in the job description you’re going after will keep your resume in the game, regardless of your education status.

Upgrade 2 = Optimizing your online presence

Resumes still rule, but social media is almost as important. I mean, who doesn’t Google someone new before meeting them, right? The truth is companies do the same thing with job applications, so it’s important to keep your social profiles on point, updated and professional.

What specifically can you do to make sure your social media catches the eye of the job recruiter in a good way?

Well, your profiles should reflect not just who you are, but what you know.

It’s not always easy to strike that balance, but one trick of the trade is to use your social media not only to highlight safe-for-work portions of your personal life, but also to use them to position yourself as a thought leader. How so? Simply share unique and relevant insights about the industry or what you’re learning about it. The point here is to show you’ve got some smarts and knowledge about your industry, even if said knowledge didn’t come from a traditional degree.

Upgrade 3 = Getting uber-prepared for interviews

Interviews can cause heart palpitations and sweaty palms for almost anyone. But the good news is a little pre-interview prep can go a long way in easing any jitters about getting the job, especially the fear that you’re underqualified thanks to lacking a degree.

Before your big day, do some thorough research on the company you’re applying for, the specific role and its responsibilities, and of course, make sure to prepare answers to questions about your own abilities and skills.

Don’t feel weird writing out your answers or practicing them in front of the mirror before you’re face-to-face with the head of the company or department. A little practice beforehand = a lot less stress overall. You’ll come off poised, confident and professional … and the recruiter just might happily overlook that whole empty education section.

Upgrade 4 = Building your professional network

You know the saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know”? Well, I know it’s 2019, but that old adage still rings true. While a padded resume says a lot, it’s even better to know the right people, in the right positions, at the right companies.

You might think someone with a traditional education would have a leg-up in that arena, but thanks to our trusty old pal the Internet, it’s never too late to start building solid connections in the tech space.

Platforms like LinkedIn have made it wildly simple to get connected to new people quickly and establish rapport with players in your industry. (But don’t be spammy. Make sure you provide genuine value to your connections, and don’t just ask for favors without a little give and take.)

Next steps

So, can you get a coding job without a degree? I think by now you know that the answer is yes, and there are countless efforts you can make to get a coding job, all without dropping a cool hundred thousand on a CS degree.

But, if you truly want to stand out and land your dream job without a college degree, our partner The Software Guild has just released two brand-new digital coding badge programs that make it easier than ever! Software Guild’s simple, pay-as-you-go online programs are designed to both teach you how to code and help you get a job in the industry.

Choose either the Java or .Net/C# track(s) to develop killer software development skills and receive expert, hands-on guidance in any other areas you need to upgrade, including social media, resume development and interview training. Plus, you’ll get access to The Software Guild’s own impressive employer network, loaded with 450-plus big-name companies like UPS, Target and Humana, where you’ll be able to find available roles and advance your career after graduation.

It’s the most flexible and affordable way to become a full-stack developer on your terms – hands down. The badge program is broken up into levels that allow you to learn a little a time. They take between eight and 12 weeks to complete, and new cohorts start every month! Plus, you earn discounts as you advance through their program. If you complete all four, you can save up to $1,000!

Start from Zero to Software Developer!

If you’re ready to go from zero to software developer as fast or as slow as you want to go and get a coding job without a degree, learn more here.

P.S. I hope that you found this post to be both informative and motivating! It was an honor for me to partner again with The Software Guild to bring this message to you. Thank you!