How to learn coding without a degree?

Hey there, I’m always happy when someone new decides to join the software engineering field. If you’re used to browsing reddit it might seem that there are a lot of developers, but to be honest, we’re still lacking compared to other fields. So I’m super glad you decided to learn how to code. Not sure why you don’t want to do that with a university, but it’s your choice and I respect it.

Let’s tackle your concern head-on: Yes, you can learn to code from scratch, and yes, people from non-technical backgrounds do land jobs in tech, degree or no degree. The key is to start simple and build from there. Think of coding like learning a new language. You wouldn’t start by reading Shakespeare; you’d start with the basics.

So let’s start with the first steps. Everything you will ever need is available on the internet. Your whole software engineering degree is available in multiple different formats online. Starting with YouTube, it’s a goldmine for aspiring coders. There’s literally thousands of channels that offer comprehensive tutorials on a wide range of programming languages and development concepts. It doesn’t really matter with which one you start — as long as you add the word basic or “for dummies” to the search you will get enough information to last you the first months.

🏄 Also to be fully clear — while the information is indeed available for free, you'll still have to spend countless hours reading and understanding and then implementing the advice. it will be painful, like in any profession.

When it comes to learning something new, especially something as vast as coding, having a structured schedule can make a world of difference. I would suggest to dedicating specific hours of your day for theory, for fundamentals learning and practicing coding. This doesn’t mean you need to overwhelm yourself; even an hour a day can lead to significant progress over time. The key is consistency. Consider using tools like Google Calendar to block out learning sessions, and treat these blocks as non-negotiable appointments with yourself.

It helps a lot when you already have an idea in mind that you want to build that will be your “goal” while learning. It can be anything — starting from a video game to a website or to a programmable robot, doesn’t really matter, as long as you’re passionate about it. This passion will help you overcome those days when you don’t feel like coding at all.

This “side project” allows you to apply what you’ve learned in a practical, hands-on way. The idea is to start small and gradually increase the complexity of your projects as you become more comfortable with coding. Not only do these projects reinforce your learning, but they also build a portfolio that you can showcase to potential employers or clients. And I can guarantee you, recruiters will ask for samples of your code or projects that you’ve built, and you better have a good story of a challenge that you solved recently. Write them down while you’re learning.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of community. Join online forums, coding masterminds, or local meetups (when possible). These communities can provide invaluable support, feedback on your projects, and even opportunities for collaboration. They also can keep you accountable while learning. There’s usually already a path that everyone took so you have your whole path in clear sight ahead of you. Platforms like GitHub are also great for contributing to open-source projects, which can further enhance your skills and visibility in the tech community.

Once you start getting the hang of it you will feel that everyone has it all figure out and you’re the only one who doesn’t understand it. Relax, it’s just the impostor syndrome kicking in. But here’s the thing: everyone starts somewhere, and every expert was once a beginner. The key is to keep pushing through, practicing, and not being afraid to tackle problems head-on.

If you’re real serious about making this transition, consider looking for part-time tech internships or freelance projects or unpaid internships where they will invest heavily into you for some pay later on. In general I’m against any unpaid work, but if you’re willing, this might be the shortest but hardest path. Real-world experience is invaluable, and it’s a great way to build your resume and network. You will suffer, but for a shorter time than learning it all online yourself.

So, to wrap this up: Your journey from sales to coding is feasible. It will require dedication, patience, and a lot of hard work, but the rewards—both personal and professional—are immense. Each line of code you write, each bug that you solve, each video that you watch is a step closer to your new career. So just keep on grinding.

Best of luck to you,
Vadim