No Degree? No Problem. Tech Hires Skill, Not Status.

How do I break into tech without a degree?

If you've ever asked yourself that, you're in good company. I used to scroll job boards late at night, feeling equal parts inspired and completely overwhelmed. The dream? Remote work. Better pay. Doing something that actually mattered.

The obstacle? A voice in my head whispering, “You are not ready for this. This is not your thing”

Spoiler alert: that voice was wrong.

The Truth About Tech: Degrees Are Optional. Skills Are Not.

Let’s be honest—tech has a branding problem. From the outside, it looks like you need a computer science degree from a top university just to apply.

Inside? The industry doesn’t care where you learned your skills—just that you have them.

Google, IBM, and Tesla have all dropped degree requirements for many roles. Bootcamps, certifications, and self-taught portfolios are not only accepted—they’re respected.

Why? Because tech moves too fast for four-year programs to keep up. Hiring managers want people who can solve problems today, not folks still paying off their student loans from 2013.

I’m Living Proof

I’m a self-taught data scientist working in biotech, and no, I don’t have a degree in computer science. In fact, my path was anything but direct.

I spent my first 2-3 years bouncing between courses, resources, and roadblocks. I took five different Python classes just trying to feel “ready.” I wasn’t. But I kept going.

And that’s the point.

I didn’t need a diploma—I needed direction. You do too. That’s why I’m writing this.

Why People Get Stuck Before They Even Start

Let’s hit pause and talk about the mental monsters:

• “I can’t get into tech without a degree.”
• “I don’t know how to code.”
• “AI is too complicated.”
• “What if I fall behind?”

These aren’t truths. They’re excuses in disguise.

Here’s reality:

• There are high-paying, no-code jobs in tech—project management, AI operations, cybersecurity, and automation.
• You can learn coding basics in weeks, not years.
• Even tech veterans feel like imposters sometimes.
• AI isn’t replacing people—it’s enhancing productivity. You just need to learn how to work with it.

You Don’t Need Permission—You Need a Plan

You don’t have to go broke attending a bootcamp or rack up debt on a new degree.

You need:

• A clear roadmap
• Focus on one skill at a time
• Hands-on projects to prove your ability

And guess what? I’ve already put all of that together in one place so you don’t spiral like I did.

Ready to take the first real step?

I created a free AI Roadmap Guide that breaks it all down—what to learn, how to build a portfolio, and where to find real opportunities.

Coming Up Next...

In the next post, I’ll show you exactly what steps to take if you’re starting from scratch. No fluff. Just action.

Because you’re not too late. You’re just getting started.