Embarking on a career in software development without a formal Computer Science degree is increasingly common and achievable. This presentation outlines actionable strategies for self-taught programmers, including leveraging online resources, building a robust portfolio through real-world projects, engaging in open-source contributions, and networking within tech communities. Attendees will gain insights into alternative education paths like coding bootcamps and certifications, as well as tips for showcasing skills to potential employers.

1. Breaking into Software
Development: No CS
Degree Required
Ready to launch your tech career without a traditional computer science
degree? The path to becoming a software developer is more accessible
than ever.
Success in this field comes from skills, passion, and strategic learning—
not just formal education.
by Ozías Rondón

2. The Changing Landscape of Tech Hiring
75%
No CS Degree
Tech jobs that don't require a
computer science degree
22%
Annual Growth
Faster than average job growth for
developers
$107K
Median Salary
For software developers in the US

3. Myths About Software
Development Careers
The CS Degree Myth
You don't need a traditional
computer science background.
Many successful developers are
self-taught or come from
bootcamps.
The Math Genius Myth
You don't need to be a math
prodigy. Logical thinking and
problem-solving skills are more
important than advanced
mathematics.
The Years of Study Myth
Learning to code doesn't require years of formal education. Many
developers become job-ready in months with focused learning.

4. Self-Learning Strategies
Find Your Resources
Choose from online courses, coding bootcamps, and free learning
platforms that fit your learning style.
Create Learning Plan
Develop a structured curriculum. Focus on fundamentals first, then
specialized skills.
Build Projects
Apply knowledge through personal projects. Start simple and
gradually increase complexity.
Stay Consistent
Commit to daily practice. Even 30 minutes of coding daily
builds momentum.

5. Key Programming
Languages to Learn
Python
Beginner-friendly with simple syntax. Versatile for web
development, data science, and automation.
JavaScript
Essential for web development. Powers interactive websites and
modern web applications.
SQL
Critical for working with databases. Required for most data-
related roles.

6. Building Your Portfolio
Create Projects
Build real-world applications that
solve actual problems
Share on GitHub
Maintain clean repositories with
professional documentation
Launch Live
Deploy projects online where
employers can see and use them
Iterate & Improve
Continuously refine based on
feedback and new skills

7. Networking in the Tech
Community
Build Online Presence
Create a professional LinkedIn profile. Share your learning
journey.
Join Communities
Participate in coding forums. Attend virtual and local meetups.
Engage & Contribute
Ask questions. Share knowledge. Offer help to others.
Build Relationships
Connect with mentors. Develop authentic professional
relationships.

8. Alternative Education Paths
Coding Bootcamps
Intensive 3-6 month programs
focused on job-ready skills. Higher
cost but structured curriculum and
career support.
• Immersive learning environment
• Industry-aligned curriculum
• Career services included
Online Programs
Flexible learning options from
certificates to full degrees. Learn at
your own pace while maintaining
other commitments.
• Self-paced options
• Lower cost alternatives
• Wide range of specializations
Self-Directed Learning
Curate your own education from free
and low-cost resources. Maximum
flexibility but requires strong self-
discipline.
• Free tutorials and courses
• Open-source learning paths
• Community-driven resources

9. Developing Soft Skills
Communication
Explain technical concepts clearly.
Document your code thoroughly.
Engage effectively in team discussions.
Problem-Solving
Break down complex issues. Apply
logical thinking. Develop debugging
expertise.
Collaboration
Work effectively in teams. Give and
receive feedback constructively. Share
knowledge generously.
Continuous Learning
Embrace new technologies. Adapt to
changing requirements. Stay curious
and open-minded.

10. Internship and Entry-Level
Opportunities
Apprenticeship Programs
Companies like IBM, Google, and Microsoft offer apprenticeships for non-
traditional candidates. These programs combine learning with real work
experience.
Open Source Contributions
Contributing to open-source projects demonstrates skills and builds connections.
Many developers land jobs through community involvement.
Freelance Projects
Start with small gigs on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Build portfolio and
references while earning income.
Startups & Small Companies
Smaller organizations often value skills over credentials. They provide opportunities
to wear multiple hats and learn rapidly.

11. Building Technical Skills
Free Resources Paid Resources Practice Platforms
freeCodeCamp Udemy LeetCode
The Odin Project Pluralsight HackerRank
MDN Web Docs Coursera CodeWars

12. Understanding the Job Market

13. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Recognize the feeling
Understand that doubt is normal for everyone in tech
Track your progress
Keep a learning journal to see how far you've come
Find community
Connect with others facing similar challenges
Celebrate wins
Acknowledge each achievement, no matter how small

14. Specialization Paths
Core Programming
Fundamentals every developer needs
Development Fields
Web, mobile, desktop, embedded systems
Specialized Domains
AI/ML, cybersecurity, cloud, gaming, IoT

15. Tools of the Trade
Code Editors & IDEs
VS Code, IntelliJ, Sublime Text. These
enhance productivity with features like
syntax highlighting and code
completion.
Version Control
Git, GitHub, GitLab. These track
changes and facilitate collaboration
with other developers.
Command Line Tools
Terminal, Bash, PowerShell. Essential
for efficient workflow and executing
powerful commands.

16. Featured Success Story
Career Crossroads
Sarah worked as a high school teacher for 8 years. She felt limited by
income potential and job flexibility.
Learning Journey
Started with free online resources. Completed a part-time bootcamp
while still teaching. Built five portfolio projects.
First Opportunity
Secured an internship at a local startup. Teaching skills helped her excel
at documentation and explaining concepts.
Career Growth
Now a senior developer at a tech company. Earns 3x her teaching salary.
Mentors other career-changers.

17. Exclusive Opportunity: Trade
Commander Software
Seamless Trading
Integration
Trade Commander connects
MetaTrader to Interactive Brokers.
It copies orders automatically
between platforms with perfect
synchronization.
Perfect for Developers
Showcase your skills by customizing
this tool. Add it to your portfolio as
evidence of financial technology
expertise.
Efficiency for Traders
Eliminate manual order copying. Save time and reduce errors with automated
trading across multiple platforms.

18. Call to Action: Trade Commander Software
Key Benefits
• Automatic order copying between platforms
• Custom filters and mapping options
• Real-time synchronization
• Easy setup and configuration
Special offer for attendees: Use this link for exclusive
pricing
https://trade-commander.com/en/produkt/metatrader-inter
activebrokers-order-copier/#aff=oziasrondon2

19. Next Steps for Aspiring
Developers
Create a Learning Plan
Develop a 30-60-90 day roadmap. Set specific, achievable goals. Schedule
consistent study time.
Build Your First Project
Start small but practical. Create something useful to you. Document your
process thoroughly.
Join Developer Communities
Find meetups in your area. Join online forums. Participate in discussions and
ask questions.
Track Your Progress
Review accomplishments weekly. Adjust your plan as needed. Celebrate small
victories.

20. Your New Career Starts Now
Learn the Fundamentals
Start with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Focus on understanding core
concepts.
Build Real Projects
Apply your knowledge to create portfolio-worthy applications. Learn by
doing.
Connect with Others
Build your professional network. Find mentors who can guide your
journey.
Launch Your Career
Apply for opportunities that match your skills. Be persistent and
confident.