You don’t need a CompSci, math, technology, or in fact, any degree to succeed as a developer.
This profession is roomy enough to accommodate many education levels and backgrounds.
Let’s back that up with some stats.
The StackOverflow 2016 Developer Survey received responses from 50,000 developers. They found that 56% of respondents did not have a degree in CompSci or a related field.
Don’t most job postings specify degree requirements?
Even if a developer doesn’t have a degree in math, science, or other tech field, what about job postings? Don’t most employers ask for a degree of some kind?
Again, StackOverflow tackled this question. They searched through 4,499 job listings on their site and found that 61% didn’t mention a degree requirement at all. The other 39% listed a degree either as a prerequisite or as a preference.
So if a CompSci degree isn’t required, then what is?
It comes down to one thing: skills. You won’t get a job as a developer if you can’t show you possess coding skills. How do you prove to an employer that you possess coding and software development skills?
What do employers consider when hiring?
There are four areas that employers consider when scoping out new hires. Depending on the specific job, they seek accomplishments in one or more areas.
- Education: This can come in the form of a tech-related BA or Associates degree, another type of BA or Associates degree, or compressed education received in boot camps or other non-degreed training courses.
- Experience: Employers consider how long you’ve been working in a particular field, subject area, or task type.
- Portfolio: Can you show work completed for a current or previous employer? Can you point to projects you’ve completed on your own outside of employment? Do you have a showcase website that demonstrates your skills as a coder?
- Certification: There are a number of tech certifications that employers recognize. Obtaining one of these certifications is a stamp of approval that you have coding and software development skills.
How can I learn the developer skills that employers want?
There’s a skills gap in the tech profession. Employers need developers but have a hard time finding enough people trained to in those skills. That’s why boot camps and other training organizations like Zip Code Wilmington exist.
The curriculum of our boot camp was designed with direct input from our corporate partners in an effort to bridge that skills gap. Using that input, we ensure our students are trained in the very skills employers seek in their entry-level developers.
This focus has delivered results for our boot camp attendees. Consider these numbers:
- 88% of our enrolled students graduate
- 93% of our graduates accept paid roles within 3 months of graduation
- Average annual earnings of placed graduates before Zip Code Wilmington: $30,173. After Zip Code Wilmington: $63,071.
People from all walks of life and backgrounds have successfully completed a Zip Code Wilmington boot camp. Here are just a few of their stories.
Chris was once a social worker, and now with development skills under his belt he refers to himself as a writer and creator. Watch his story.
Katie was a pharmacist and a student at University of Wilmington. She was attracted by the fact that she could learn coding in 3 months. Watch Katie describe her experience.
Tyrell transitioned from warehouse worker to software developer for a Fortune 500 company. Listen to Tyrell’s story.
What about you? Is it time to write your own Zip Code Wilmington story? Learn more about our Boot Camp and apply today.
