Careers within software development are very hot right now, and South Florida employers are scrambling to find talent. If you don’t have a degree in programming but you’ve got the skills, you don’t have to be shut out of this booming market. Here are some tips to find a great job as a programmer, even if you don’t have the degree to match.
Participate in the programming community
The technology community is very friendly. There are meetup groups, coding competitions, clubs, professional organizations, online forums, and open source communities in which you can participate. In your spare time, you should be active in this community in order to stay up on trends and make new connections. The projects you work on in your spare time within the community can be a great way to build your resume and deflect attention away from the fact that you don’t have a computer science degree.
Enthusiasm and passion matter
When it comes to hiring, employers know that skills can be learned on the job. If you are passionate and enthusiastic about programming and development during your interview, it will go a long way. Savvy hiring managers know that you can fake your skills, but you can’t fake your passion.
You can demonstrate your enthusiasm by showcasing past projects you are extremely proud of. Don’t be afraid to “toot your own horn” in the interview. Remember, you’re competing with other talented people, many with degrees. Let your passion shine through, and you’ll always make a great impression.
Showcase your ability to learn
If you don’t have a degree in programming and development, you probably taught yourself. This is an achievement you should be very proud of, as learning new skills takes discipline. Highlight the path you took towards building your programming skills and discuss your love of learning. Again, remember that development is a rapidly evolving field and employers are looking for people who take the initiative to learn new things.
Network, network, network
If you want to get an inside line on great programming jobs, you’ve got to build your network so that people think of you when an opening arises. Getting active in the development community is a great first step, but you must nurture your connections over time and build real relationships with people in the field.
Networking isn’t for everyone, and an effective way to speed up the process is to work with a professional technology recruiter. These experts can match you with positions that align with your skills and career goals, and they can help you overcome any potential objections about your lack of programming degree.
If you are ready to jump start your development and programming job search in South Florida, contact the expert recruiters at CERS in South Florida today.
