How I became a Software Engineer with no experience or degree | my experience + tips

She did a 4 month coding bootcamp and thats how she got a job. You're welcome.

"Dismissed from college, becomes software engineer." This pretty much tells us everything we need to know about the American education system.

As a software engineering manager, I appreciate this video for sharing the story of how someone was able to break into the field without a traditional education or experience. It's great to see that there are alternative paths to becoming a software engineer, and that it's possible to succeed through self-study, determination, and hard work. The tips offered in the video are also valuable for anyone looking to enter the field and could be helpful in getting a foot in the door. It's important to remember that while a degree or experience can be beneficial, they are not the only determinants of success in this field.

I have a similar background! Dropped out of college, was a barista, and am now enrolled in a bootcamp! Very motivating to see you journey!

Having to worry about finance in itself can be overwhelming but learning to code well requires complete focus over extended periods of time. Words don't do justice to the stress and hustle to explain how you got to where you are, I applaud you. 👏👏👏

Literally the the first software engineer I truly feel isn't feeding me nonsense about how easy it is to just change careers 🙌 Mad respect for you !🔥

I think you may have just low key changed my life! I'm in my last year of university and for some reason I thought I would always be stuck on the career path I chose for myself when I was just 16, but you just showed and reminded me that this doesn't necessarily have to be the case! Thank you so much and you were so brave!

I have watched a LOT of these types of posts. Frankly, I had very low expectations when I started watching yours. I WAS SO WRONG! You blew me away, not just your story, but also how you told it, your energy, your poise, everything. You are obviously a very self-aware person, comfortable in your own skin, something that most people (of any age) lack. So very glad I found your post!

I recently had a set back. After watching this video, I feel stupid for getting upset over one small failure. Thank you for sharing your experience. Your resilience is inspiring.

I always have the utmost respect for people who dare to try new things and dare to change their career path. It's never an easy choice, much less the courage and effort to learn any IT skills. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Computer Science but I'd never, in my entire lifetime, have the balls to change career paths as you did. Hats off to you! Also, while everyone is on their journey to learn something new, it is very common to devalue your worth and knowledge on the said subject. I always carried that imposter syndrome to every Computer Science class I attended. But everyone is different, everyone has different skill sets and knowledge. There is most probably someone in your class that are just as clueless, and maybe your finance background might work to your advantage in the future over other IT students without that finance background (e.g. fintech industry). To everyone that's learning a new skill: Don't be discouraged, dare to ask questions, and try to enjoy what you're learning (: Keep pushing on everyone!

Your video is so useful for everyone! Completing my degree in CS now, but many times college does not teach you how to actually build yourself before entering the job world and narrow down what you're good at. Taking your advice and doing everything I can to learn and apply outside of my classes now.

This is one of the most genuine and honest videos I have ever seen. The way Valerie described her extraordinary career journey really made it relatable. I am a process engineer and currently started learning how to code in python because it’s so interesting to me. The fact Valerie became a software engineer with her sheer determination and she challenged herself. That’s remarkable. Thank you for sharing. Subscribed :)

Timestamps! 00:27 My journey & background 12:15 What you need in order to become a software engineer 13:53 Resources I found most helpful

When you told your story it felt like you were describing me. I'm going through exactly the same thing as you, being rejected from internships, boring lectures, actually no practice, totally lost and getting a bad GPA in my civil engineering school. I just started my process towards software engineering being self-taught (I don't have the money to invest in courses) and your testimony was comforting, thank you! ❣

My god, what a beautiful story. It seems like you only see people with fancy accolades getting to this point, which really intimidates me and so many more getting into the industry, but you literally threw yourself at your dream by moving to San Fran and starting anew after leaving college. Thank you for giving me so much hope and motivation <3

Thank you for sharing your journey! I really appreciate your honesty and insight about how you felt at times and why you chose the steps you took.

Halfway through this video and I have to say, you have really amazing perseverance. I gained a lot of respect for you and your story. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. Currently taking a MOOC course on Javascript. Fingers crossed!

I also have a finance background and in the progress of changing my career to tech. I truly know how you feel. I'm self-taught and trying to apply for a another college degree. I constantly discourage and have imposter syndrome. Your story is truly inspiring. I really respect you and your hard works all paid off. Thank you so so much. <3

This story is so inspirational, I am joining a bootcamp soon and I can't wait to begin this journey. Thank you for this video.

This was very helpful! Thank you for being so honest about what you went through!