Ask HN: Is there hope for a beginner without a degree in web dev today? (EU)

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=32475407

by BazookaMusic • 4 years ago

3 3 4 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

Duplicate due to HN failing the submission.

See here: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=32475422

sylvainkalache2• 4 years ago

I've ran a coding school for over 6 years so I know a lot about getting junior talent into the workforce.

Most companies don't care about what degree you have or don't have, what they care about is: 1) Do you have experience? 2) Do you have the skills?

For a profile like your partner, the hard part will be 1). Companies won't even want to offer her an interview because she has no experience, and it's not something she can get unless a company is willing to hire her. So how do you get out of this?

The solution I've seen work the best to solve this issue: her/your network. Y'all need to ask a friend/acquaintance at a company that is hiring to bypass that "do you have 2+ years exp" filter to interview her. And since it seem she has the 2) figured out, she might get the job.

BazookaMusic• 4 years ago

Suppose we lack the friends, would you suggest something like meetups or an alternative medium to get a network?

Do you solve this as a coding school by cooperating with specific companies and recommending candidates?

sylvainkalache2• 4 years ago

Indeed meetups and conferences are great to create connections. People in the tech industry are generally super friendly and eager to help. There are also a lot of initiative to help underrepresented demographics to enter the industry. Your partner fits the box.

At a school level, we would do this by having a network of mentors; industry-professional who are interested in coaching the next generation of software engineers. A lot of them would recommend students for interviews and internships. We would also have relations with companies and send resumés to them. Some companies were so eager to hire our students that they would interview any of those who wanted to apply.

Ask HN: Is there hope for a beginner without a degree in web dev today? (EU)

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