What is the difference between self-taught and degree programmers nowadays

You have several options if you want to join the software engineering field. Do you study or apply for an internship? Follow the route of a self-taught programmer vs. degree? Follow a long-term strategy or aim for a quick win? 

In this article, we’ll explain the difference between self-taught and degree programmers and discuss your options in more detail. 

Self-taught vs. college programmer: how does it work?

Deciding whether to be a self-taught programmer or go to college for programming depends on what you like, what resources you have, and your career goals. Self-taught programmers learn on their own using online materials and practice. They often focus on specific things they’re interested in and learn by doing projects. College programmers follow a planned course of study where teachers teach them about computer science, math, and coding. They also have a bigger group of friends and teachers to help them. Both ways have their advantages: self-taught programmers are practical and can adapt, while college programmers learn a lot about computer science. Your choice depends on how you like to learn and what you want to do in your career.

Where can you learn to be a self-taught programmer vs. degree?

You can learn to be a self-taught programmer from various online resources, such as coding tutorials, Programming course websites, boot camps, YouTube tutorials, and books. These platforms offer a wealth of information for free or at a lower cost compared to a formal degree program. Additionally, you can practice your skills by working on personal coding projects or contributing to open-source projects. On the other hand, to pursue a degree in programming or computer science, you would typically enroll in a college or university offering relevant programs. These institutions provide structured courses, access to professors, and a well-rounded computer science education, along with networking opportunities and internships. The choice between self-taught and a degree program depends on your learning style, resources, and career goals.

Why self-taught programmers are better

Are self-taught programmers better at their jobs? Possibly! Here’s why we think it’s better to go the route of a self-taught programmer vs. educated programmer. 

Self-taught programmers often possess unique qualities that can make them exceptionally effective in the field of programming. Firstly, their ability to learn independently and adapt to new challenges helps them in practice. Self-taught programmers aren’t constrained by a formal curriculum, which allows them to explore a wide range of technologies, programming languages, and frameworks based on their personal interests and the demands of the tech industry. This adaptability is invaluable in a field where innovation and change are constant, as self-taught programmers are more likely to embrace new tools and technologies swiftly and efficiently.

Secondly, self-taught programmers excel in practical problem-solving. Their learning is often project-driven, meaning they gain hands-on experience by tackling real-world issues. This hands-on approach hones their ability to troubleshoot, debug, and find creative solutions to complex programming challenges. They build a portfolio of projects demonstrating their skills, which can be a powerful tool when seeking employment or freelance opportunities. Self-taught programmers combine a self-directed learning style with practical problem-solving abilities, making them agile and resourceful contributors to the world of software development.

You should also bear in mind that college is expensive. Self-taught learning often relies on free or lower-cost online resources, tutorials, and books. You can learn coding online in a matter of weeks, not years, whereas a college degree will take up to four years. This means you not only acquire a lot of debt, but you’ll need to wait four years before you can start earning that money back. 

Conclusion

Which route is better? Self-taught or education? The self-taught route is cheaper and enables you to start working immediately. You’ll also learn a lot of valuable skills and pick up emerging technologies that you won’t be able to learn at a traditional college, including the 

ability to learn continuously and study part-time.  

There are still plenty of advantages to pursuing a formal education, but when you are deciding whether to become a self-taught programmer vs. degree educated programmer, you have to weigh up the pros and cons.