How To Get Into Tech Without a Degree!

It sounds wild, but it’s true — you don’t need a degree to land a job in tech. In fact, tech is one of the few high-paying industries where your skills and portfolio matter more than a diploma.

In this post, we’ll break down the main ways to get into tech without going to college, how to pick the right career path, and what the interview process actually looks like.

Why Tech Doesn’t Care About Your Degree

Tech evolves fast – A 4-year degree often teaches outdated material. Most companies value real-time learning and adaptability.
Knowledge ≠ ability – You can have a CS degree and still not know how to build real-world applications. Employers care more about what you can do than what you’ve memorized.
Learning is faster (and cheaper) online – Everything you need to know can be learned through updated, structured online courses without racking up student debt.

Main Paths Into Tech (Without a Degree)

There are several legit ways to get started in tech. Each has pros and cons, and what works best really depends on your learning style, budget, and goals.

1. Self-Taught

Learning from free resources like YouTube, documentation, and open-source projects is one of the most common starting points. It’s completely free and gives you full control over what you learn and when. A lot of successful devs got their start this way. That said, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what to learn, in what order, and how to know when you’re ready. Many people also fall into “tutorial hell” — endlessly watching tutorials but never building real projects or applying for jobs. It’s a solid place to begin, but many people eventually move to a more structured path once they hit a wall.

2. Online Courses & Platforms

This is one of the most popular and effective paths today. You get the flexibility of learning online, along with expert-led instruction and a clear roadmap to follow.

For example, at Zero To Mastery you get:

Access to all courses for $49/month or $299/year
Support from instructors and a community of 500,000+ students
Focused learning based on what real employers want
Projects to build your portfolio
Certificates you can showcase on LinkedIn or your resume

Explore ZTM Courses

3. Bootcamps

Bootcamps are immersive programs designed to take you from beginner to job-ready in a few months. They usually follow a set schedule and include live instruction, career support, and sometimes direct hiring connections. They can work well for people who want more accountability or need a deadline to stay motivated. However, they’re expensive — often ranging from $5,000 to $10,000+, and some take a percentage of your salary once you get hired. Bootcamps can be effective, but you’re often learning the same material you could get elsewhere for a fraction of the price.

4. Apprenticeships/Internships

These are paid opportunities where you learn on the job, often with the goal of landing a full-time role. They’re growing in popularity and offer valuable hands-on experience. For people who learn best by doing, this can be a great entry point. The downside is that roles can be limited and competitive, and you may start with lower pay or slower advancement. In many cases, learning the skills first and applying directly to junior roles can be a faster and higher-paying route. Still, if you find one, it can be a solid way to break into the industry.

How To Choose a Tech Career Path

You don’t have to be a math wizard or a hardcore coder. Tech offers a wide range of roles based on your interests and strengths:

Web Development – Great if you like problem solving and building things (Frontend, Backend, Full-Stack)
UI/UX Design – Ideal if you're creative and love making digital experiences easier to use (UI/UX)
DevOps / Cloud Engineering – Perfect for detail-oriented people who like streamlining systems (DevOps, Cloud)
Data & AI Roles – If you enjoy numbers, patterns, and analytics (Data Analysis, Data Science, Machine Learning)
Cybersecurity – For those who enjoy puzzles, investigation, and protecting systems (Cybersecurity)
Mobile & Game Dev – Great for people interested in apps or interactive experiences (Mobile Dev, Game Dev)