No STEM Degree, Do You Stand A Chance?

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One of the most persistent myths in tech is that a STEM degree is your golden ticket to success. I even believed it for a while. I thought that if I had a degree in Computer Science or Math, it would be easier. While formal education has its merits, it's not the only way to break into the industry. I know this firsthand: I don’t know how, but we got to discussing my interview, and I asked him, “Why did you hire me?”.

He told me I was up against candidates with advanced technical degrees. Yet, they chose me—not because of my résumé, but because I nailed the interview and showcased potential.

And it was as simple as that.

I was better than the candidates with those STEM degrees.

In tech, what matters most isn’t what you studied but how well you can learn, adapt, and solve problems. Interviews often focus on practical skills, communication, and your ability to think critically. I won out because I showed I could grow into the role.

Tech is one of the few fields where potential often outweighs pedigree. Whether you’re self-taught, from a boot camp, or from a non-STEM background, you can thrive if you put in the work to learn and demonstrate value.

Practical Knowledge > Academic Theory: Employers need someone who can do the job, not just discuss it.

Diverse Perspectives Matter: A background outside STEM often means fresh ideas and unique approaches. And this is also one of the reasons I was hired. I pushed the fact that I had a degree in Journalism and could tackle other roles besides the technical aspects of the job. I could wear multiple hats where others couldn’t. Don’t be ashamed of your degree, use it to your advantage!

Resources Are Everywhere: With free online courses, open-source projects, and communities, you can build expertise on your own terms. My go-to was Youtube and building projects. Whatever works for you, is the path you should take!

Don’t let the fact that you might not have the right degree stop you from pursuing tech. Focus on honing your skills, contributing to real-world projects, and being genuinely curious. Tech values what you can do today and what you can learn tomorrow, not where you’ve been.

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