Welcome to the Treehouse Community
Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.
Looking to learn something new?
Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.
Start your free trial
Joe Dayvie
11,956 PointsEducation v. Experience for Job Opportunities?
After doing much research, I have seen an overwhelming amount of information but wanted to get the input of individuals here =).
Is it possible to start working in this industry with just experience or is a degree mandatory? Very interested to see thoughts on this topic from a variety of people.
Thank you.
3 Answers
Taimoor Kibria
Python Web Development Techdegree Student 4,061 PointsI don't think that you need a degree, i'm currently a student and i'm also running my own sites on the side although i'm studying business administration but i always had a keen interest in programming and designing.
Ricky Catron
13,023 PointsThe basic rule is education without knowledge is useless but knowledge without education can be overlooked. A degree will give you a huge boost but only if you have the skills and a portfolio to match. As an employer I would rather have an employee who had done the same kind of thing before. If they could show me look I know what I am doing, I have done it before, and I am motivated to work hard and produce a good product I would consider them for the job degree or not but if a kid fresh out of college with a great degree but didn't know how to write a line of code I would toss them out the door.
Joe Dayvie
11,956 PointsTaimo: Thank you for your input =)
Ricky: That is exactly what I have been hearing about having a degree. I went to college and got a degree in the medical field; however, still have a passion for coding. I have heard from many employers via online that many students go to school, obtain a degree, and still do not have the knowledge - Like most schooling, you only use a small percentage of what you learn and most is experience and learning from on the job. I just did not know if employers would seriously consider those without the schooling but that had a well rounded portfolio & experience.
Ricky Catron
13,023 PointsIf you were worried about a degree you could always go back for your masters and get that in computer science. Lastly I would recommend that if you have medical experience do your computer work for a medical company. You will have a lot more respect and freedom then working for a tech company. A medical boss will see you as a computer wizz who is essential to the company. A tech boss will see you as a replaceable cog in the machine.
Joe Dayvie
11,956 PointsI thought about connecting the two as its always a good idea to bounce off what you already know - Again, I appreciate that advice!
Holger Liesegang
50,595 PointsWelcome to Treehouse, Joe!
IMHO Ricky is absolutely right ... if I need help with bigger projects I'm going to hire the one who can simply get the job done. In addition e.g. studying at Treehouse shows that one is willing to stay current in this field of expertise where knowledge (except the basics of information technology of course) tends to age really quickly. You can easily see (your badge) when and what piece of knowledge has been obtained.
BTW your degree in the medical field in combination with app development could be a really great thing!
Joe Dayvie
11,956 PointsThank you Holger =)
Treehouse certainly does offer a wide variety of assistance. In addition to being here, I will be reviewing other sources, research & books to further my knowledge and understanding since there is always something new to learn over many, many years. Especially, as you said, when certain things tend to age quickly.
RJ McLain
16,380 PointsI went to school and wound up with a business degree, got me jobs doing random accounting, administrative stuff, and data entry.... Learned front end development, and no one seemed to care what I had a degree in. People would only ask, "you know how to be a developer? We need you to work here ASAP" I know I would have gotten a bit more preference with a degree in something like Computer Science, but I still had no trouble getting a Front End Developer position, and an amazing position at that.
Joe Dayvie
11,956 PointsRichard: That is great to hear - I have come across many of those stories researching. While I am doing this simply because of my personal interest & passion, working towards possible employment in this field only gives me more determination. It seems like a Front End Developer position is a good possible place to start when I decide to go in that direction professionally.
RJ McLain
16,380 PointsI think it's a great field to get in to, I learned most of what I know about it from here actually, and it's been such a huge resource. I would still highly advise to practice as much as possible, because I hit a bit of a learning curve going in to certain projects because I hadn't practiced what I had learned as much as I probably should have, other than that good luck, and just go for it!
Joe Dayvie
11,956 PointsI appreciate it - Whenever I do have downtime, I find myself practicing, messing around with code, etc. Work 9-10 hours a day to then code for a few hours each day (and plenty more on weekends). Its not tough to practice since I genuinely enjoy it - Thank you =)