Landing a job with no degree or experience?

This seems to be an all too common predicament among people in the industry, but I feel like you're on the right track. I recommend you play through the Deep Dive: Careers Foundation as soon as possible, as it addresses a lot of your concerns and issues within the first few stages.

Although I'm not a web designer or developer, I work in the eCommerce industry. View yourself as a product on eBay or Amazon and your portfolio as the product image. No matter how vivid the descriptions or volume of attributes, it's hard to get someone to look your way without an image. One of the benefits of web design and development is; while building your portfolio, you'll refine and prove not only your knowledge, but your ability to apply it. Strengthening your description and attributes and ultimately making you a better product (a more sound investment).

You dropped out of school, at least you made it further than I did. The other day I came to the realization, I'm one of two people in my office without a BA/BS, mostly in Computer Science, and/or working towards my MBA. Although I got into the industry in a round about way, I got in none the less. So don't highlight the negative of the situation and focus on the positive. Also look at it this way, if you're ever in the position where you need to explain your situation, they're already giving you the time of day. Which means they assume and/or see something of value.

Keep pushing. Keep producing. If it's something you're passionate about, you can make it happen. You may not have a fairy tale beginning, but get your foot in the door and work your way up from there.

Rachel,

I agree that you are smart and competent. But it sounds to me like, in your head, there are million obstacles on your way to succeed. And to be honest, I think you take them a little too seriously. I know people who grew up in a tiny rural area in Thailand, with NOTHING for real... not even good internet access. (That's where I came from). And today many of them travel the world, making a difference. I saw a person who sold his first startup at 20 years old : by his definition you are already too old. I know tons of people who drop out of college, and go on to be CEOs. I'm sure you can name a few. In fact these people changed our way of thinking about college completely. These days, there are places like Treehouse that turn lawyer, waitress, and people from all walks of life to web programmers and deliver them to the hungry IT job market. That's a sign that people don't really care about college degrees, as long as you can demonstrate your ability in some way. In fact if you follow career foundation class here on treehouse, you will find that the paths to getting a job at Treehouse come in different shapes and forms.

When I say this, people are like ... "But those are a just a few examples! For the majority of people, they won't succeed if they have my problems." This is about attitude. What separates phenomenal people from average people is attitude. Phenomenal people don't spend time dwelling on their weakness, giving a damn to naysayers, paying attention to the lost opportunities. They simply take actions on what they love. And if one action doesn't bring any fruitful outcome, they take another action. Rinse and repeat until they move from point A to B to C. And you are completely capable of doing the same thing. You have access to a computer, and you can sign up for Treehouse. You already have everything you need to succeed.

I hope you don't take this the wrong way. I don't know you, so I'm definitely not gaining any pleasure by judging you. I only know you from a few paragraphs you wrote. And this message is written entirely based on this tiny window of you that I see. I'm not even sure whether what I wrote is applicable to you. I only hope you read this, think about this, see how you can let go of some of the beliefs and assumptions that pull you back. See if you can allow yourself to be free of those worries, so you can take actions and show off how much you can contribute. I know the future might look dim right now, but trust me, just take actions -- as much as you can -- and things will fall into places. Hugs and good luck!

Jah

Wouldn't worry about degree or school. Yes it's nearly impossible to go for an interview at this stage without one but people are more interested in can you learn quickly and can you do what you learn. I know people with degrees and they have no idea what it is they've actually learnt.

Give it a few months on here. Find people who need websites and do it for free. Complete 100% free! I know it's tough because you need to earn money but, it's the best way. It gives you experience dealing with a client and puts a website into the real world. You'll learn more that way then coming up with your own ideas as your ideas will be, whether or not you know it, tailored to what you already know. You need someone to go I want this, something you've never done before and have to learn fast how to do it.

If you can do that, then you're ready to get out there and start making money. If you've one or two sites done, then people will see what you can do.

I wouldn't start with your portfolio. What are you going to put on it and everyone has a portfolio. They're very basic sites. Slider here, contact form there. Nothing that's really hard to do. Definitely required, but once you have something to put on it.

Hi Rachel

I found myself in a very similar position and just thought I would pass on some advice kinda helped me get on track. Getting your foot through the door can be tough but hope this bit of advice helps

1. Learn. Treehouse is a great resource with lots of great videos, but make sure you take some time out to read around your chosen field. For example look at other websites see how they are coded up by applying what you have learned from here.

2. Tinker around with code. Best bits of advice I was given, build a simple website or look and try and work out how the code was put together. Sounds time consuming it isn't it will broaden your understanding and build your confidence in your chosen field.

3. Portfolio. This is often the toughest part but to be honest it's about been proactive. Annoying word but true! There are plenty of small businesses out there who want to boost their online presence. Why dig them out? Knock on a few doors and offer your services. You may be building a website for a coffee shop and my not earn mega bucks or you could just get a free cup of coffee. Either way build a website for them and do some work it will allow you to put it down on your resume. If not come up with some design ideas for improvements on existing web applications and mobile apps it will give something to present and talk about at an interview. Or build a website for a fictional business, practice is everything!!

4. Get connected. Get on LinkedIn and Twitter and push yourself and show the world what you can do.

5. Don't quit. The going is tough believe me I have been there. Everything can seem pointless when you can hit with a job rejection. Use this as motivation to push yourself harder, its about your attitude and action and that is what will push you through. If you hit a wall log on to elite daily website they have some great articles if you need a pick me up.

6. Unplug. Do something away from the computer screen it will help you recharge (pun not intended) and come back with more drive ad a better perspective

Any how hope that helps, just keep on going....

I found a great way to learn was to go to [codepen.io](www.codepen.io) and browse the featured items. I will fork them and play with the code and modify it a bit. I learn a great deal by doing this.

If you link to your codepen.io profile like on your portfolio etc it helps show that you are actively learning and passionate. This will help out when getting a job without experience.

A change in perspective: You didn't drop out of college, you paused obtaining your degree for now until you can better finance it. "Dropping out" is a bad word phrase, better used to describe those who didn't finish high school, or akin to being fired for stealing--at an extreme, serving prison time.

It sounds to me like you might have many subconscious, conflicting goals that you might not be even aware of. These all need to be aligned so you can aim for a goal, work towards it, then achieve it.

Have you read any motivational type books lately? Something similar to Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins. That's just one book though, many others would work. Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth by T. Harv Eker might even be better. If funds are tight hit up the library for these (I ripped mp3s of the audiobook for Secrets of the Millionaire Mind from a public library).

I agree, I am 38 years old, an auto mechanic by trade. I have no formal education or experience in this industry. The one thing that I do have is the mindset that I will be a successful developer. In my opinion, with the right mindset, you can accomplish any goal you set. It takes a lot of dedication to learn new skills on your own, this is a good point and a lot of employers will find value in your dedication.

Sounds like you have so much going for you Rachel. I really do agree with most of the posts here.

I am finishing up school for web development and I have previous degree as well. But to be honest a piece of paper does not mean anything. You need to spend the time learning and practicing your craft.
Even at my school, most of my instructors are self made programmers and web professionals. To me, it seems the trend seems to be looking at individuals work and skill more and more these days rather than a piece of paper :)

All I can stress again is don't give up and keep learning. It is all about the hustle to make it.