​The tech world is more accessible than ever. It’s also the most exciting it’s ever been, but since it’s on a constant journey of unparalleled progression, that’s probably expected.

Home to an abundance of opportunity, wonderful talent, high salaries and a host of semi-incomprehensible terminology (from the outside, at least) tech is teeming with developers who ditched the ‘traditional’ route.

You don’t need a degree to enjoy a career in software development – a fulfilling career could await you. Here’s why.

Degrees Aren’t for Everyone, and Employers Know It

The best employers know that there’s more to life than a degree, and they’ll look well beyond a sheet full of tick boxes to prove it.

Many of the world’s most prestigious businesses hire software developers without formal degrees, such as Facebook, Apple, Virgin Media, IBM, LinkedIn, and Tesla, and the same goes for the smaller names too.

Nowadays, many tech companies are placing their focus on upskilling, training, and mentoring, and it’s partly thanks to the current tech talent shortage.

There’s a Huge Demand for Talent

The industry is calling out for talent, but it’s tough to find, especially for those recruiters who still require an endless array set of skills and experiences for their entry-level jobs – it’s not out of the ordinary to find a listing asking for a decade of experience with a software that’s only been around for a few years.

Many employers are recognising the disconnect, essentially swapping the arbitrary red tape for realistic entry requirements. Demand for talent tends to be good news for the job seeker, so now could be the ideal time to start thinking about making a change.

Greater Access to Learning Opportunities

A host of highly successful, non-traditional software developers have carved out their careers with the help of online learning resources. Whether it’s dedicated courses or YouTube tutorials, there are tools out there to help you get started. Open-source development platforms are out there for you to delve into at the touch of a button.

Hands-on experience is critical in your efforts to score a dream job, so it’s worth familiarising yourself with what’s out there, and then specialising in one (or preferably more) of the many coding languages companies utilise.

The Rise of Community Groups

The globally connected world is a melting pot for online communities to come together and form meaningful relationships. For the hopeful software developer, this represents an opportunity to find fulfilling work.

A quick search on LinkedIn will yield plenty of free-to-join community groups angled towards professional development in the tech space, it’s just a matter of finding out which one resonates with your own background and values.

Here at Trust in SODA, we partner with a large community network to place a diverse range of talented individuals in roles that let them thrive. We’ve placed hundreds of software developers over the years, from the executive level, all the way through to junior positions. If you want to find out more, get in touch with the team today, we’re here to help.