Is there a way to become a programmer without going to college?

Question

I have learned a great deal of Java programming on my own after quite some time now. I figured that if I keep this up for 6 months or so I would be competent enough to work as a programmer just like the IT degree holders.

Is there a way I can get certified as a programmer and find a job as one?

Answer 1

You may have a better aptitude for programming than a college graduate. BUT the first step in getting a job is an interview. The company advertises, they get lots of resumes, they weed through for 4 or 5 people to interview.

So the ad said something like 4 year degree, 2 years experience preferred. Usually it will ask for more than just JAVA, like knowledge of databases or HTML or something. The college kids all studied VB and C++ and JAVA and HTML with a smattering of business accounting, management, marketing.

Your resume says self-studied JAVA for 1 year with no experience.

If YOU were hiring, would YOU choose your resume?



Point is, you need something to get you in front of the interviewer to try to sell yourself. With no degree, certifications are a MUST just to have a shot.



good luck

Answer 2

I asked the computer techies in many of the companies I've worked in as a secretary how they got their jobs, because I was once interested in getting into that field too. I never once heard someone say that they went to school for it. Maybe a class here and there, but they just tend to be people who like to "mess around" with computers. However, that was years ago, and while work in the computer fields is still more about ability and experience than holding a certification or degree, paper proof of your ability has become a way of gaining an edge on the competition.



Still, not all programmers have certifications, and you are an example of why. In 2004, about 20% of programmers had a high school education only.



You could try calling the number on one of the ads in your local newspaper and see if anybody will give a beginner a break. It could be that a smaller company will be glad to try you out because they won't have to shell out so much for you as for a more experienced programmer. Or, find some large company with an entire programming department, and you could pick up what you still need to tighten up on during orientation training; plus, and as they know, you'd continually pick up more knowledge from working with and around the other programmers.



If you decide to go for certification first, you could try either a local college or university's adult education classes, or a completely online certificate program, like Baker Online, which offers just the one you're talking about,

AS In Computer Programming: JAVA Option.



Check it out by going to the first link listed in Sources below,

then choose Baker Online in purple in about the middle of the page,

and finally AS In Computer Programming: JAVA Option, from the drop-down in item 3. Program of Interest.

Answer 3

definitely. I am majoring in computer science (and am a tutor for my university) and you can definitely become a professional programmer without any courses. It'll take a lot of reading, but it's totally possible. For C++, i would recommend "Absolute C++" by Walter Savitch. It's what my University uses to teach our CS students C++. Keep in mind though, C++ is just the doorway. We teach this language to our incoming freshman because if you know C++, any other language can be picked up in no time. Other languages I would recommend: C#, Java, PHP, and SQL. C# and Java will be a since to pick up after C++ (C# basically IS C++ only without the annoying errors and restrictions, but DO NOT skip to that language first, you'll be missing out on a LOT of valuable information). PHP and SQL go hand-in-hand. I'm taking a Database class and we're using a book called "Fundamentals of Database Systems" by Elmasri/Navathe. It's really good and thorough. If you can get through these two books, you'll be well on your way.

Answer 4

Yes you can educate your self and be programmer but to get a job as programmer is very hard, the first question they ask you in the interview is how many years of experience do you have, and they prefer some one with degree.

Answer 5

Sorry but just knowing Java don't mean squat.



To be a competent IT programmer, you need to know about network programming, database programming and SQL, servers, Web programming, Web services, security, Java, C#, VB, C, C++, .NET, COM, etc... just to name a few. IT programming jobs involve both development of new projects but also sustaining and maintenance of existing projects, many of which may have been developed years ago, on some obscure and obsolete programming language and IDE.



That's what these IT "degree holders" did to get their degree. What did you think they did in college, just sit around and drink beer.... oh wait a minute....:)

Answer 6

Well, I've been in the business for 20 years, without going to college.



But when I started, all one needed was the ability to write a little COBOL. Everything else, such as personality defects & poor social skills were overlooked.



Certification has helped me - by backing up limited experience (SOA & MQ).



You might get into the business via companies like SetFocus who do Java and/or .NET bootcamps followed by servitude on one of their projects for a set period. WHen I came to the USA from England, I had to stay with my recruiting company, when they got me my visa & then green card. The trick with this arrangement is to be VERY clear when you are free, and to be very clear what limitations exist, if they cut you .



BUT my best advice is - try building something to showcase your skills - put it out on the web & link to it from the softcopy of your resume.

Answer 7

Well going to college sure will help you with programming, but you could also try general classes or reading books and working on little jobs for people, build a reputation that will then grow into something bigger.



Good luck!

Answer 8

some colleges may allow you to test out of some classes. You can always go into business for yourself - unfortunately most large corporations value the little piece of paper. Smaller companies might give you a chance. Also try out talent scouts/hiring agencies. A simple search on monster.com will give you some ideas - I think Aquent is a pretty big one.

Answer 9

there is a certification test that you can take. Depending on where you live you might be able to find a center that has open tests it usually cost a few hundred dollars to take. Alot of the vocational schools that you see advertise on TV late at night or during the Maury show require you to enroll in their crap school and complete their lame courses to take the test at their campus.

Answer 10

just be an addict in computer tech... learn new things... and also priorities the things you dont know about computer... self study will do... my advice... start with ms office to turbo C++

Answer 11

yes. if you pledge your future to paganism and headbutt a great lake for 5 minutes in winter, your career as a programmer is assured

Answer 12

The military.

Answer 13

i think you need to know a lil more than just java.

Answer 14

Uhh...take a cert test? If you know your stuff, that's what counts.