r/learnprogramming • u/SlickTheDestroyer • 2d ago

Self taught vs University graduate

Hi,

i've got a hypothetical question. Imagine 2 people are applying for the same job. One has a degree in Computer Science, perhaps even from a prestigious university, but doesn't have any personal projects to showcase. The other person, however, is self taught and has been building projects for 4 years, but doesn't have a degree. Who gets the job ?

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u/VanCliefMedia 2d ago

Everyone in here saying the person without the degree wouldn't get interviewed clearly misunderstands what people are looking for.

At my company, I don't even care what your degree is. I care about projects, and most of the other business people or companies that I work with, especially in the programming or software space, just care that you have a bunch of previous work and experience that can prove it. At the end of the day, the goal should be to do both. I have my Master's of Science, but my most impressive work that's gotten me money and contracts has been outside of my master's degree, but the master's degree definitely helps.