In 2025, tech careers are more accessible than ever, and this is especially true for women who are self-taught or transitioning into tech. As companies increasingly prioritise skills over formal education, opportunities for those without a degree are opening up across the tech industry. If you’re a woman interested in making the leap into tech, this article will guide you on how to land a tech job without a degree, focusing on the best strategies and resources for self-taught learners and those switching careers.
Why a degree is no longer a barrier for tech jobs in 2025
The tech industry has long been associated with the need for formal education. However, the job market is evolving, and more companies are focusing on practical skills, real-world experience, and passion rather than traditional degrees. In fact, several major tech companies, including Google, Apple, and IBM, have already done away with degree requirements for many of their roles.
With this shift, women who are self-taught or looking to transition into tech now have the opportunity to compete for the same jobs as those with traditional degrees. Whether you’re a developer, a UX/UI designer, or a data analyst, the industry is hungry for talent, and it doesn’t always matter how you got there as long as you can demonstrate your capabilities.
Step 1: Building the right skills for tech careers without a degree
When you don’t have a degree, building the right skills becomes paramount. The tech industry is vast, and the skills required for success will vary depending on your career interests. However, some foundational skills are in demand across various roles.
Learn to code: the core skill for many tech jobs
For many tech roles, coding is essential. If you’re interested in becoming a software developer, web developer, or even pursuing a role in data science, coding is the foundational skill that will open doors. While learning to code can seem daunting, there are many accessible and free resources that can help you get started.
- FreeCodeCamp: This platform offers free, self-paced coding challenges and projects, focusing on HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and more.
- Codecademy: Codecademy offers interactive coding courses where you can learn languages like Python, JavaScript, and Ruby through hands-on practice.
- W3Schools: Perfect for beginners, W3Schools offers tutorials on web development technologies and programming languages, with interactive exercises and examples.
Specialised skills for self-taught women in tech
If you want to dive into a specific area of tech, there are niche skills that you can develop to make yourself stand out. These include:
- UX/UI Design: If you’re interested in design, consider learning tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD. These are highly valued by companies looking for user experience designers.
- Cloud Computing: With businesses shifting to cloud infrastructure, certifications in AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure can give you an edge in roles related to cloud architecture and management.
- Data Science and Analytics: Self-taught data scientists can use platforms like Kaggle and DataCamp to develop expertise in Python, R, and machine learning.
Certificates and online courses to boost your credibility
While a degree may not be necessary, certificates can validate your skills and make your CV more attractive to potential employers. Many online platforms offer certificate programmes that are highly regarded in the tech industry:
- AWS Certifications: The AWS Certified Solutions Architect and AWS Certified Developer certificates are among the most recognised in the tech industry.
- Google IT Support Professional Certificate: A comprehensive certificate from Google that can help you land an entry-level IT support role.
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals: For women looking to move into cloud computing, this certificate is a great starting point.
Step 2: Build a strong portfolio to showcase your skills
One of the most critical elements to land a tech job without a degree is a well-constructed portfolio. This portfolio serves as a showcase of your skills and abilities, and it’s often the first thing hiring managers will look at when reviewing your application.
Creating a portfolio for entry-level tech jobs
Your portfolio should include a variety of projects that demonstrate your skills and show potential employers that you’re capable of real-world problem solving. Consider the following types of projects to include:
- Personal projects: Build websites, apps, or tools that reflect your interests and technical abilities. For example, if you’re a web developer, build a personal website or a small e-commerce site.
- Open source contributions: Contributing to open-source projects on GitHub is a great way to demonstrate collaboration and practical coding experience.
- Case studies: If you’re a designer, create detailed case studies showcasing your design process. Explain the challenges you faced, how you solved them, and what tools you used.
Tips for building a compelling portfolio
- Make it accessible: Host your portfolio on platforms like GitHub (for developers) or Behance (for designers) to make it easy for hiring managers to see your work.
- Show diversity: If you can, show a variety of projects that highlight different aspects of your skill set. This makes your portfolio more appealing to a wider range of tech employers.
- Explain your work: Don’t just showcase finished products – include explanations of your thought process, challenges faced, and solutions implemented.
Step 3: Gaining experience in tech without a degree
One of the biggest hurdles for women transitioning into tech is gaining hands-on experience. Here’s how to build practical experience that will set you apart in a competitive job market.
Internships and freelance gigs
Even if you don’t have a degree, there are still plenty of opportunities to gain hands-on experience. Many tech startups and smaller companies are open to hiring entry-level candidates, including those without formal degrees, especially if they can demonstrate their skills and potential.
- Internships: Many tech companies offer internship programmes that are designed to provide real-world experience to those just starting in the industry.
- Freelancing: Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer provide opportunities for women to work on freelance projects and build a diverse portfolio of real-world work.
Volunteering in tech communities
Volunteering your time to help with tech-related initiatives or non-profit organisations can also help you build valuable experience. In addition to gaining technical experience, volunteering helps you expand your professional network and learn from seasoned professionals.
Step 4: Network and connect with others in the tech industry
Networking is crucial for anyone trying to break into the tech industry, especially if you don’t have a traditional degree. Networking can open up job opportunities, provide mentorship, and help you stay updated on industry trends.
Building a professional online presence
- LinkedIn: A well-optimised LinkedIn profile can be an effective way to attract potential employers. Make sure your profile highlights your skills, certificates, and any relevant experience. Engage with industry content to grow your network and visibility.
- GitHub: If you’re a developer, GitHub is the place to showcase your code. Employers often look at GitHub to evaluate your coding style and collaboration skills.
Attend tech meetups and conferences
- Meetups: Platforms like Meetup.com and Eventbrite host countless local tech events, both virtual and in-person, where you can meet other women in tech and potential employers.
- Conferences and webinars: Many conferences offer sessions for entry-level professionals or those transitioning into tech. Participating in these events can provide exposure and open doors to opportunities.
Step 5: Apply for entry-level jobs and stay persistent
The final step to land a tech job without a degree is applying for jobs. While the process may take time, perseverance is key. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:
Tailor your CV to highlight relevant skills
Make sure your CV is customised to reflect your experience and skills for each job. Emphasise any hands-on projects, certificates, and relevant skills that make you a good fit for the position.
Practice for technical interviews
Technical interviews can be intimidating, but they are a common part of the hiring process for tech roles. Practice solving coding problems on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or Codewars. Familiarise yourself with typical interview questions for your desired role and prepare to talk about your projects in detail.
Don’t get discouraged
Breaking into tech without a degree may take time, but persistence is crucial. Keep learning, keep building, and keep applying. With each rejection, there’s an opportunity to learn and improve.
Conclusion
Landing a tech job without a degree in 2025 is more than possible – it’s a growing trend across the industry. With the right skills, a strong portfolio, and a determination to succeed, self-taught women and career switchers can thrive in the tech world.
By continuously developing your skills, building a portfolio, networking with industry professionals, and applying for entry-level roles, you can pave the way for a fulfilling and successful career in tech – without needing a degree to get started.
