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General Discussion

Posted by Joshua Ackerman
Joshua Ackerman
564 Points

Can you get a job as a software developer with an associate degree of applied science in computer programming?

I am currently enrolled in a Associate of applied Science program for computer programming. I have been looking into the job field for software developers and almost all of the jobs say they require a bachelors degree. So now I am starting to worry I won't be able to find a job after graduation. So my question is can you get a software developing job with just an associates degree?

1 Answer

zainsra7
zainsra7
3,237 Points
zainsra7
zainsra7
3,237 Points

Hi Joshua,

I have seen people getting a job without a degree. I recently graduated with Computer Science degree and currently working in a startup, they didn't even looked at my grades and degree. All they said was show us any project or something like that which could give them an idea if I am capable of doing the job. My main interest in this field is cloud computing and full stack development, and I created one cloud project on heroku which I showed them.

For me degree is important as I want to be a teacher (I love this profession), but in this field it's certainly not a requirement. I know that some companies do ask about degree but if you have command over one or two language or tech and have some projects to show off I bet no one would be able to point out at you having no bachelors degree.

Let me Summarize some points which will help you land jobs (not a guarantee, but it will help a lot):

  1. Make your programming base strong , pick a language (java,python,ruby etc) and make yourself comfortable in working in one of them.
  2. Practice with small assignments and projects , and there are ton of them. Have any idea in your mind ? Start implementing it. Portfolio website , small to medium level games, client/server chat applications, explore Artificial Intelligence and cloud computing or even data science etc.
  3. Whatever you build , upload it on github. Or learn to use git and it will be a lot easier for you to push your projects online.
  4. Make yourself known and linkedIn is one way to go, your profile should be up to date and whatever you achieve in this path just put it there.
  5. While you're doing above steps, always look out for a job opening that suits your skill and tech, and go apply there. Don't be afraid of rejection, it happens to a lot of us.

What I've learned till now is that whatever you do and whichever path you follow, if you don't enjoy what you learn. Don't waste time in it. Make it something fun like a video game or something and it will surely help you become a lot more creative and will also help you to progress in this field.

and Never give up ! There are people out there who are wasting their lives but you're at least learning and it's a really great thing. Be proud of learning and help others out in the way as well.

Wish you all the best for future ! Have fun Learning :)

  • Zain