How to Get Into IT Without a Computer Science Degree
October 13th, 2022 — RevatureIn 2021 alone, U.S. employers posted 3.6 million information technology job openings, according to Cyberstates. With such high demand in the industry, many companies have had to adjust their hiring practices to fill those positions. In many cases, that means hiring individuals without a technology-related degree.
If you’re looking to get into IT without a computer science degree, the path to a rewarding career might be more accessible than you think. And with Cyberstates predicting that the number of tech jobs will double over the next decade, there’s never been a better time to make your move into a rewarding, well-paying career.
What Are the Tech Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the computer and information technology field will add about 667,600 new jobs by 2030. While a related associate or bachelor’s degree is often required, many of those jobs will be filled by workers without a computer science or related degree, as long as they have the right training.
Check out some of the tech jobs that don’t necessarily require a degree and their median salaries as reported by the BLS.
Web Developer
Web developers write the code that contributes to the visual style and user experience of websites, apps, and other digital assets. This role can allow individuals to apply their creative intuition and problem-solving skills to drive positive outcomes.
2021 Median Annual Salary for an Experienced Web Developer: $77,000
Computer Programmer
Often described as the backbone of the tech industry, computer programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts to ensure that computer software and applications function correctly. The computer programmer role is a great fit for individuals who excel at troubleshooting and solving complex problems.
2021 Median Annual Salary for an Experienced Computer Programmer: $93,000
Systems Analyst
Systems analysts play a dynamic role in an organization’s operations by studying the current computer systems and designing inventive ways to improve efficiencies. The systems analyst position typically suits individuals who are forward thinking, are innovative, and take pleasure in uncovering new solutions.
2021 Median Annual Salary for an Experienced Systems Analyst: $99,270
Computer Support Specialist
Computer support specialists maintain computer networks and provide technical assistance to computer users in both internal and external contexts. Computer support specialists are often patient, are detail oriented, and enjoy leveraging established processes to find workable solutions to immediate challenges.
2021 Median Annual Salary for an Experienced Computer Support Specialist: $57,910
How to Pursue a Tech Career Path Without a Tech College Degree
Tech workers are in high demand, and there’s never been a better time to pivot your career path into this growing field. But to earn a traditional four-year computer science degree can be costly — both financially and in terms of the time commitment required.
Luckily, you can get qualified for a variety of well-paying tech jobs without restarting your educational journey. Today’s employers are especially interested in hiring individuals with the soft skills that contribute to success, including:
- Communication and collaboration
- Time management and organization
- Empathy and ethical thinking
- Critical thinking
- Proactive mindset
- Problem-solving and resourcefulness
If your current skills tick any of those boxes, you’ve already got the building blocks for career success. Here are some options that can help you get the credentials to accelerate your tech career:
Technology Bootcamps
Technology bootcamps have emerged on the tech training scene as intensive, short-term programs that prepare individuals for a specific career in the IT industry. Bootcamps vary widely in terms of their time to completion, cost, and mode of learning.
The most common barrier for aspiring technology professionals looking to leverage a bootcamp experience toward a tech career is cost. According to NerdWallet, the average cost for an in-person bootcamp is $13,854, and the average cost for an online bootcamp is $12,898. While bootcamps can offer the potential for a good return on investment, they do entail an element of risk, as job placement upon completion of the program is typically not guaranteed.
Revature
At Revature, we’ve reimagined your path to getting into IT without a computer science degree. We pay you to get trained with the in-demand skills you need for a tech career. Then, following a 10- to 14-week remote training period, you are matched with a role working for one of our leading corporate partners in locations across the U.S.
Put simply: We pay you to get the skills you’ll need for a career in tech, then we place you in a job. As part of a two-year agreement, you’ll work on-site for a company from our ever-evolving list of partners that includes Salesforce, Bank of America, and Peloton.
Once you’ve completed your contract, you can continue your tech career with years of experience and numerous client projects on your resume — though you might want to stick around. Eighty-eight percent of our associates are still with their placement company after four years.
How to Get Into IT With No Experience
If you have an associate or bachelor’s degree in any field, we want to hire you at Revature. Our mission is to provide long-overdue opportunities for aspiring technology professionals to get the career they deserve — no matter their background or experience level.
You have a craving to grow, to learn, to evolve. You need a career that provides certainty and excitement — a path that leads to fulfillment and security.
But first you need an environment that empowers you to capitalize on your determination. A community that cares about your success as much as you do. That’s exactly what we provide at Revature. Let us help you jumpstart your technology career.
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Recommended Readings
- Is Relocating for a Job Worth It?
- What Coding Language Should I Learn First?
- Democratizing Technology: What It Means and Why It’s Important
Sources:
- Cyberstates by CompTIA, Welcome to State of the Tech Workforce
- NerdWallet, How Much Is Coding Bootcamp?
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer and Information Technology Occupations
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer Programmers
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer Support Specialists
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer Systems Analysts
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Web Developers and Digital Designers