I.T Support/Entry Level Software Developer

[Brumboy]

Hey,

I am due to be back in England around November/December. In the mean time whilst abroad I have been studying Java. I have decided that I would like to eventually become a software developer.

I do not have a degree and have no experience in the I.T industry. I have read that I.T support would be the best first step for me to take towards being a software developer.

I have also had a look on various job sites and there aren't many entry level software developer positions and most of those state they would like a C.S degree. So I guess that would be out of the question for now.

Anyway basically I would like to know how easy it is to get an I.T support job? do I need any specific I.T qualifications? The salary ranges between 18k-25k around Birmingham.

I'm hoping this plan would be possible:

1. Get an I.T Support job
2. Continue self studying Java & other languages (aswell as create my own apps/projects, contribute to open source projects, GitHub etc)
3. Try to switch into a development role within the company (if possible) after 1-2 years
4. If there is no development role then apply for entry level software developer jobs at other I.T companies or startups
5. If that is difficult then take an I.T Support job at a company that has developers and switch to that after a while

So how does that sound? is this realistic? I haven't come across any other ways to become a software developer without a C.S degree.

But a lot of articles/forums/people state that almost 50% of software developers do not have degrees and are self taught which is good to know.

Cheers guys!

 

[d_brennen]

I'd suggest looking toward application support rather than "IT support". There's crossover of course, but IT support can vary from high level infrastructure to replacing dicky mice. At least in app support you'll get more involved in code, especially if supporting bespoke applications.

How easy this will be for a noob, I don't know. Sorry

 

[john_s]

Speaking as a developer / team leader (without a degree)...

If you can, hold out for a junior developer job and avoid settling for an IT support job. The right job for you will turn up. Yes, a lot will advertise that they are looking for someone with a CS degree. Ignore that and apply anyway.

If you have a good knowledge of programming and a passion for it, a potential employer will see that. That's more important than a CS degree in my opinion.

Most of the guys here with degrees seem to agree that they learned more in their first 6 months working than they did in 3 years at uni. In my experience, academic development is significantly different from commercial development.

Right now might not be a great time to be looking for an entry level job, as a load of entry level jobs may have just been filled by new graduates fresh from uni. That might change as the year goes on.

Perhaps consider using some Open University study to formalise some of your knowledge. If finance is an issue and as you don't already have a degree, you might well qualify for a student loan for it (though I guess that may depend how long you've been out of the country).

 

[AHarvey]

Get involved in opensource, read everything you can on development, learn the jargon, check jobsites out for areas you are interested in and then see what else those adverts ask for.

Java alone isn't enough, you need to at least have an understanding of things like version control.

Write programs yourself, get them reviewed by peers, get them used, get feedback, redo them. Build up a portfolio.

 

[Semple]

I'd also echo the not looking for a generic IT support role. You'll likely find this is of no use to you, and if anything will just take away the time you'd rather spend enhancing your development skills.

As d_brennen mentions, you'd be better looking for something specific within IT support - although it's rarely referred to as "support". I work within a supporting role for enterprise storage platforms, but my official role title is "Systems Engineer". We have the structure in place if i wish to aim more down a development route, but currently that's of no interest to me.

 

[Closing]

OP it sounds entirely possibly, you've basically taken the exact route I've just gone down and 1 - 3 years to land that developer role is feasible with hard work.

Realistically though you're not going to land a dev job straight off the bat with no experience or degree. You need 1/2nd line exp first if you've no degree or a decent software portfolio, there's a heck of a lot of competition.

Try to land a support role that mentions they could use programming/scripting knowledge and dig yourself a niche when you're in.

 

[Brumboy]

I'd suggest looking toward application support rather than "IT support". There's crossover of course, but IT support can vary from high level infrastructure to replacing dicky mice. At least in app support you'll get more involved in code, especially if supporting bespoke applications.

How easy this will be for a noob, I don't know. Sorry

That's a good idea, I never thought of that.

I will have to look into what requirement they have for those jobs.

Speaking as a developer / team leader (without a degree)...

If you can, hold out for a junior developer job and avoid settling for an IT support job. The right job for you will turn up. Yes, a lot will advertise that they are looking for someone with a CS degree. Ignore that and apply anyway.

If you have a good knowledge of programming and a passion for it, a potential employer will see that. That's more important than a CS degree in my opinion.

Most of the guys here with degrees seem to agree that they learned more in their first 6 months working than they did in 3 years at uni. In my experience, academic development is significantly different from commercial development.

Right now might not be a great time to be looking for an entry level job, as a load of entry level jobs may have just been filled by new graduates fresh from uni. That might change as the year goes on.

Perhaps consider using some Open University study to formalise some of your knowledge. If finance is an issue and as you don't already have a degree, you might well qualify for a student loan for it (though I guess that may depend how long you've been out of the country).

Awesome! That's very motivating!

Well I'm in a fortunate position as that I can hold out financially for a job. So I can be patient and wait until one pops up.

So basically in the mean time I should just keep studying Java and learning about development. Then eventually create applications and create a portfolio of work to showcase my abilities? which would serve as a CV in it's own right and hopefully that can impress employers. I definitely have the passion.

Is that right? Do you have any other tips for me mate?

I never thought of that, when I'm back in England the timing will be good for looking for a junior developer job I think then.

 

[Brumboy]

Get involved in opensource, read everything you can on development, learn the jargon, check jobsites out for areas you are interested in and then see what else those adverts ask for.

Java alone isn't enough, you need to at least have an understanding of things like version control.

Write programs yourself, get them reviewed by peers, get them used, get feedback, redo them. Build up a portfolio.

Noted. I will add those things to my list!

Any specific videos/websites to learn about version control?

I'd also echo the not looking for a generic IT support role. You'll likely find this is of no use to you, and if anything will just take away the time you'd rather spend enhancing your development skills.

As d_brennen mentions, you'd be better looking for something specific within IT support - although it's rarely referred to as "support". I work within a supporting role for enterprise storage platforms, but my official role title is "Systems Engineer". We have the structure in place if i wish to aim more down a development route, but currently that's of no interest to me.

It makes sense. So keywords would be systems engineer when looking for jobs?

That sounds perfect, a structure that has development roles in place if wanted. That is what I want.

Any companies like that in the West Midlands that you know of?

OP it sounds entirely possibly, you've basically taken the exact route I've just gone down and 1 - 3 years to land that developer role is feasible with hard work.

Realistically though you're not going to land a dev job straight off the bat with no experience or degree. You need 1/2nd line exp first if you've no degree or a decent software portfolio, there's a heck of a lot of competition.

Try to land a support role that mentions they could use programming/scripting knowledge and dig yourself a niche when you're in.

What stage of the route are you at? are you working in support?

Yeah just like the other guys in this thread have stated, a support role like that sounds more useful than a generic support role.

Goodluck on your journey!