Communications of the ACM
Tech Programmers Don't Need College Diplomas
With the growing popularity of launching new technology start-ups, it's becoming increasingly possible for job candidates to launch an impressive career and become a successful developer, all without a college degree. While acknowledging that there are a few high-level computer-science concepts that require a college education to master, many young students feel that their education won't be particularly applicable in the real world. With recruiters at most large companies continue to look for diplomas when hiring a programmer, they are becoming more open to the idea that programming requires creative thinkers and problem solvers, people unlikely to thrive in the confines of a college classroom. As a result, the developer job market is becoming a disjointed place, with different employers requiring different experiences for the exact same work.
As programmers and developers become the backbone of the business world and the tech industry embarks on a hiring binge, almost every business needs help with its digital presence. Add that to a ravenous market for mobile app development and a booming startup scene and it's clear that there just aren't enough programmers to go around. The United States' jobless rate may be hovering around 10%, but the number of available tech jobs stands at more than 84,000. The demand starts at the top, with the big Silicon Valley companies locked in an escalating battle for the world's top talent. Developers are building careers on platforms and technology that didn't exist a few years ago. Having a 9-to-5 job is no longer a requirement. While it's not easy, savvy developers are increasingly enticed by solo paths: building their own iPhone apps, starting freelance businesses, or founding startups that cater to new segments of the web.
From GOOD Magazine
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