How does someone without a CS degree get an interview in a sluggish economy?
- by Anon
I've been programming off and on since 4th grade (for about 20 years). Technology is one of my passions but after working in the field for a couple years out of High School, I spent nine months and $15,000 getting an accredited certificate in music performance instead of CS.
I've been doing lots of self study but I think a CS degree is overkill for most line of business applications. Even so, HR departments can't be expected to know that...
How does one get their foot in the proverbial door without a degree, especially in a smaller "fly-over country" market?
...or...
Where can I get the cheapest/easiest degree that will pass muster (including testing out of as much as possible)?
Don't get me wrong, I'm down with learning new things but I don't necessarily need the expense or coaching to motivate me.
EDIT
Consolidating good answers:
Networking/User Groups
Portfolio/Open Source Contributions
Look for hybrid jobs (How I got my start :) )
Seek un-elitist companies/hiring managers. (Play the numbers game)
Start my own business. (This is a bit challenging for a family man but a very good answer. My reason for searching is to reduce my commute thereby allowing more time to cultivate income on the side)
Avail myself of political subsidies to constituents in the teachers' unions ;) .
