I’m trying to figure out if obtaining a degree in Software Engineering is necessary to succeed in this field or if there are other viable paths to becoming a software engineer. Can someone share insights or personal experiences about pursuing this career without a formal degree?
A degree isn’t technically essential to becoming a software engineer, but let’s be real—companies often still lean towards candidates who have one. It’s like the golden ticket to get your foot in the door, especially if you’re eyeing FAANG or a big tech company. That being said, bootcamps and self-study programs have totally disrupted the game. Tons of folks are getting hired just based on their GitHub portfolio and projects. The key is: Can you do the job?
If you’re disciplined, you can learn practically everything online for free or (relatively) cheap. The internet’s overflowing with tutorials, detailed guides, and platforms like freeCodeCamp, Codecademy, or Udemy. But here’s the thing—while a degree might not teach you every practical skill, it does teach you computer science fundamentals that bootcamps can skip over (algorithms, data structures, etc.). Don’t even start me on trying to debug tree traversal algorithms without some background.
Another factor? Networking. Universities often have career fairs, alumni connections, and dedicated recruiting pipelines. A self-taught path? You’ll have to hustle waaaaay harder to network and find opportunities, but it’s def not impossible. One last note: imposter syndrome hits diff when you’re self-taught—so if you go that route, just be prepared to constantly prove you’re as competent as someone with a degree.
TL;DR: A degree makes life easier, but it’s not mandatory. Grind your skills, build a killer portfolio, and get comfy Googling EVERYTHING, because let’s be honest, 95% of software engineering is Stack Overflow.
Honestly, it’s kinda a mixed bag. @waldgeist isn’t wrong about degrees being helpful, but let me hit you with this: the industry doesn’t really have a one-size-fits-all approach. I’ve worked with people who came in through computer science degrees, bootcamps, and just straight-up teaching themselves in their basements. Did their path affect their job performance? Not really. But their entry points into the field? That’s a different story.
If you’re going for traditional companies or, like @waldgeist mentioned, a FAANG-type position, they’ll definitely gravitate towards degree holders. It’s not even about what you know sometimes but about their perception of credibility and trust in a formal education system. That being said, startups and smaller companies care way more about what you can actually deliver. Show them you can write clean code, solve problems, and deploy meaningful projects? You’re golden.
However, let’s talk about something no one emphasizes enough—time and sacrifice. Self-taught takes a LOT of discipline. Forget the typical “I’ll learn after work” plan unless you’ve got rock-solid motivation. Plus, you could end up piecing together fragmented knowledge from 15 different YouTube tutorials. Degrees streamline this process, give structure, and fill in gaps like theory, which, let’s face it, you probably won’t bother learning otherwise.
But here’s where I kinda disagree with @waldgeist: not everyone needs that deep dive into computer science fundamentals (yeah, I said it). Do you really care about implementing your own sorting algorithm? If you’re aiming for application-level jobs, frameworks, or even front-end dev, you might never touch stuff like that. Specializing can save you both time and stress if your goals are clear upfront.
So is it essential? No, but let’s be real—it can save you a lot of headaches if you can afford and commit to a degree. Otherwise, sharpen those online resources, create cool projects, and network like your career depends on it. Spoiler: it does.
Alright, here’s the thing. Degrees in Software Engineering definitely help, but let’s not glorify them like they’re the Holy Grail. Sure, they provide structure, solid theory (algorithms, data structures), and make networking easier since recruiters are often lurking around campuses. However, they aren’t the only path, especially in today’s dynamic tech field.
Pros of a Degree:
- Structured Learning: Degrees offer a comprehensive roadmap. No fumbling through random tutorials.
- Networking Opportunities: Career fairs and alumni connections make job hunting feel less soul-crushing.
- Credibility: Like it or not, traditional companies (banks, FAANG-tier places) love a degree.
- Computer Science Fundamentals: A degree dives into theory that’s helpful for complex problem-solving.
Cons of a Degree:
- Time-Consuming: Four+ years is a big chunk of your life — and let’s not forget the opportunity cost.
- Expensive: Student debt is a beast. Bootcamps or self-study? Way cheaper.
- Not Always Practical: Universities sometimes teach outdated languages or skip modern frameworks that companies use today.
Bootcamps & Self-Study offer faster, more affordable, and often highly practical alternatives. Yes, they can feel like drinking from a fire hose, but they prioritize job-ready skills (like JavaScript, React, Node). The catch? You’ll have to fend for yourself when it comes to networking and filling in those computer science gaps. For those topics, use freeCodeCamp, CS50, or cracking the code with YouTube playlists from pros.
Now, here’s something @cacadordeestrelas hinted at that I partially disagree with: imposter syndrome and credibility as a self-taught dev. Honestly, once you’re in the field and consistently delivering, no one cares about your path. Deadlines don’t check for degrees. Plus, smaller companies/startups are all about skill—show them a killer GitHub portfolio and you’ll gain their trust fast.
As @waldgeist mentioned, FAANG and big tech will lean toward degree holders, but let’s talk specialization. If your dream is to work on AI, machine learning, or systems programming? You’ll probably want that CS foundation. But for web or app dev? Bootcamps + real-world coding projects might serve you better. Fun fact: you’re more likely to work with React.js components than writing your own sorting algorithms anyway.
TL;DR
Essential? No. Helpful? Absolutely. But remember, the “right path” is more about what works for you. Traditional degree, bootcamp hustle, or self-study grind – every successful dev started somewhere. Burn that imposter syndrome. Start coding and keep building. Companies hire problem-solvers, not paper showcase holders.
Now go build something awesome—your career deserves it.