Think you need a college diploma to land a job in tech? That may have been true… about a decade ago. Today, the rules have changed. Real skills—not framed certificates—are what open doors. And you don’t necessarily need four years (and a mountain of debt) to get them.
Why degrees aren’t the gatekeeper anymore
The biggest shift in hiring isn’t about your university pedigree. It’s about proof. Employers care less about where you studied and more about what you can actually do. More and more companies now value skills over diplomas, which means building real, demonstrable skills is the smartest way to break into tech without a degree.
Tech bootcamps as the direct route
If you’re looking for the fastest, most immersive path into a tech career, a tech bootcamp is it. Think months, not years. You’ll graduate with practical tech skills, hands-on projects, portfolio pieces, and the kind of confidence that comes from doing the work—not just reading about it.
And doing the work? It looks less like a highlight reel and more like a blooper reel. You’ll hit walls, question your life choices, swear you’re done—and then suddenly it clicks. That’s the magic. A lecture can’t replicate that moment where you wrestle with the problem and win. Overcoming the struggle is where the real learning happens.
Our full-time and part-time tech bootcamps set you up to launch into roles in software engineering, UX design, or data analytics. Want a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to immerse yourself in a bootcamp? Here it is: no filter.
Short courses as a flexible start
Not ready to commit to a tech bootcamp? We get that—and that’s where our short courses come in. They give you 40 hours of hands-on, in-demand skills you can start applying today. Plus projects for your portfolio to show you know what you’re doing.
Stack a couple short courses, and suddenly your resume looks a lot less “career changer” and a lot more “future tech hire.”
Show your skills with digital credentials
Even if you have a degree, being able to show you know your stuff matters. That’s where digital badges come in. Graduate from a GA course—get a digital badge. They’re portable, verifiable, and show employers that you’ve actually practiced and passed assessments. In other words: receipts. Because “proficient in Python” or “knows AI tools” on a resume without proof isn’t cutting it. Here’s how badges do the heavy lifting.
Already have a degree? Add the skills it’s missing
If you’ve got a degree in something else and want to pivot into tech, you don’t have to start from scratch. Pairing your degree with real-world, job-ready skills is often the fastest way to get noticed. This guide explains how to make that combo work.
It’s never too late to break into tech—even without a degree
Whether you’re fresh out of high school, looking to grow mid-career, or making a big switch, the tech door is open to you. The key is starting—because it’s never too late.
Degrees don’t guarantee jobs. Skills do. Tech bootcamps, short courses, and the digital credentials that come with them give you the proof employers actually want.
So stop asking if a four-year degree is always required. The real question is: which skills are you going to build first?