Why Self-Taught Programmers are Underrated among Top Comps?

Why Self-taught Programmers are always considered noobs of the programming field?

Taking programming courses will help you develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and complex analytical skills. Skills such as these are especially useful for specialists working with complex algorithms and big data to create instructions and understand design patterns. When it comes to a programming job, there is always a requirement for those who have a specialized degree in computer science/computer programming or a certificate in any of the top programming languages. Python, Java, Golang, C++, and more are the top programming languages that are in demand today. Given the lack of qualified faculty, aspirants are teaching themselves the language to make a killing out of the abundance of job opportunities in the market for the programmer. But what about self-taught programmers? Why they are always considered noobs of the programming field? A Stack Overflow report mentions that around 60.1% of developers employed have taken an online course in programming and around 86.8 % have learned a language, framework, or tooling without any sort of formal coursework.

The lack of requirements for a degree doesn't necessarily mean you don't need one to get hired. Tech companies like Google's relaxed education requirements only get you in the door for an interview. Getting through the interview process will require some serious chops in the specific area of the job you're after. Google has you covered there, too, though. There are many reasons why Self-taught Programmers are Underrated at top companies but not having a professional degree is the main one.

Why do people think you need a degree?

One of the key benefits of studying computer science is the global opportunities that your degree can offer. Computer science graduates are in high demand all over the world. Whether you plan to launch your career in your home country and then travel or look for international roles straight after graduation, you will find plenty of job opportunities. Additionally, many computer science roles can be carried out remotely, meaning that you could work with colleagues and companies all around the world while still living in the country of your choice.

A computer science degree will equip you with a wide variety of skills, many of which are transferable to other lines of work and study. Studying computer science will help you to develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and complex analytical skills. Skills such as these are especially useful for specialists working with complex algorithms and big data to create instructions and understand design patterns. However, they are interchangeable and transferable to many professions, both inside and outside of IT.

Having a Degree is not worthless though

Pursuing a degree or an online course is just one necessary condition, not a sufficient one. No, it doesn't mean, you need to just drop out of your course and start learning everything on your own. You might end up as the first choice, unlike self-taught people who are chosen after a comparatively tougher process, which again depends on the company's hiring culture and requirements. There is not good enough information on this question to answer definitively.

In conclusion, yes, companies do hire self-taught programmers. But they hire self-taught programmers who can prove their talents, and who possess the soft skills necessary to work in a modern corporate environment. All the coding ability in the world is unlikely to get you a job if you're a bully. And, if you don't have any proof of your ability, you're not even going to get an interview.