Most of the students think in order to become a software engineer we need to have an engineering degree in computer science or in IT. However, this is not true at all. We have many examples of successful software engineers working in the field without having any formal degree in computer science or IT.
You can become the best software engineer and even you could get your dream job in IT and software engineering without having any degree. But you must have one thing, that is passion, the passion for coding, the passion for learning, and the determination to be a good coder.
In this post, we are going to explore how to become a software engineer without a computer science degree.
Learn the Basics of Programming
Learning how to code is the first step to becoming a software engineer. Start with any programming language that is beginner friendly like Python, JavaScript, or Ruby. You can learn any programming language online or you can take formal training from any institute in your area.
It doesn’t matter where you are learning from but the knowledge is the thing which matters most. It’s 2025 and the internet has become a very powerful thing. On the web, there are so many platforms from where you can easily learn programming for free or using paid resources:
- Codecademy
- Udemy
- FreeCodeCamp
- Khan Academy
- Coursera
- YouTube (There are many channels on YouTube from where you can learn coding)
Start with focusing on the fundamentals of programming like variables, loops, functions, etc. If you don’t know about coding at all and you want structured resources then you can join boot camps for your coding courses, with real-life projects and mentorship.
Work on Easy Projects
Once you complete the basics then start building a small and easy project for the practice. By building small and easy projects you will learn how coding works in real-world applications.
You can build such projects that are great for beginners:
- Simple Calculator
- Personal Website
- To-do List App
- Weather app by integrating API
- Content Management System
Having a portfolio is very essential for applying for a job and if you create such projects you can showcase them in your portfolio which will help you in getting your first job as a software developer.
Also, Using GitHub is a great idea to showcase the progress of your skills to your potential employers.
Learn Data Structure and Algorithm Design
Data Structure and algorithm design are very important for software engineers. To get a job in a good company you need to have the knowledge of DS and Algo with your coding skill. However, small and mid-software development firms may not use DS and Algo in their project so they skip it when they interview candidates for hiring in their firm.
If you are interested you can learn it from the following learning platforms:
- LeetCode
- GeeksForGeeks
- HackerRank
- YouTube Tutorials
- DS and Algo Books
Learn Version Control (Git)
Git is used by software engineers and developers to track the changes in their code. You can contribute to open-source projects, collaborate with other coders in their projects, and enhance your skills by understanding their code and work.
You can start it:
- By learning the basic Git Commands like commit, push, pull, merge, etc.
- By creating a GitHub account and uploading your code (Projects)
- By Contributing to small or even big open-source projects.
Why version control is Important?
Because it allows multiple developers to work on the same project without any conflict. Version control is very essential when you need to work in a team for the same project.
Take Online Courses or Certifications
As we already have mentioned there are so many online platforms from where you can join courses or get certification in programming. Here are some popular platforms:
- Microsoft Learn
- Coursera
- Udacity
- edX
- Pluralsight
If you need a structured course with practical assignments and certificates then these platforms are really useful for you.
But keep in mind that certifications are not always necessary to have but knowledge is. Also, we would like to add that Certifications add some value to your resume or CV. So, having certification may help you somehow.
Build a Strong Portfolio
You must create a portfolio to showcase the projects you have built. It helps you get to get selected for the job and it helps employers to find the best candidates for them.
Include the following things in your portfolio:
- Well-designed personal website
- GitHub repo with your complete projects
Also, if you create a technical blog and share your knowledge and explain coding concepts it will be beneficial. If you do so then include it in your portfolio.
Why portfolio is necessary?
In order to evaluate your skills, employers look at your portfolios. So, you should make sure you create a well-organized portfolio that displays your best work.
You can any of the following platforms for creating your portfolio-
- WordPress
- Wix
- GitHub Pages
Apply for the Jobs and Internship
Once you have learned to code, can build projects, and also have created your portfolio then start applying for the jobs. There are many companies that offer internships or jobs for junior software developers to self-taught programmers.
While Applying for the jobs keep doing the following things:
- Keep learning new things.
- Keep solving the programming problems. You can use AI for your help if you need it.
- Be ready to get related jobs like tech support or front-end development as you can switch later.
Note: It may take time to crack your first interview and secure your first job, you should not be discouraged if it is taking time. Keep applying and also keep improving your skills.
Keep Learning and Improving
We all know how fast technology transitioning, so keeping yourself up to date is very important. Keep improving yourself by:
- By reading tech blogs
- Watching tutorial videos on YouTube
- Learning more skills like machine learning, cloud computing, etc.
Conclusion
You can become a software engineer without holding a degree in computer science or information technology but you need to be passionate about coding and learning new things. Some so many self-taught programmers have got high-paying jobs in software development. If you are someone who wants to be a software developer without having a degree then you must focus on coding and building projects.
You must always remember that persistence is key to success. If you keep working hard for your goal one day no one can stop you from achieving it. We wish you good luck on your coding journey.
If you have any doubts or any suggestions please let us know through a comment. We will be happy to help you.