#302 - Why a CS Degree Might NOT Be the Best Way to Become a Developer

Should you get a computer science degree, enroll in a coding bootcamp, or teach yourself how to code?

You’re probably not going to love the answer… but it depends.

In this episode, I shares my unfiltered, experience-backed take after working with hundreds of aspiring developers and hiring developers myself.

Let's breaks down what actually matters when trying to land your first software job — and where each path (college, bootcamp, or self-taught) helps or hurts.

• Why a college degree might help… but often not for the reason you think

• When bootcamps give you an edge — and where they fall short

• The uncomfortable truth about the “self-taught developer” myth

• How hiring really works at startups vs big tech companies

• Why fundamentals and computer science matter more later in your career

• How AI is changing the skills new developers need to stay employable

• The role of structure, accountability, and mentorship in actually getting hired

If you’re trying to break into software development and feeling overwhelmed by all the options, this episode will help you choose a path based on your time, money, learning style, and career goals — not hype.

If you are considering a coding bootcamp program, I encourage you to consider Parsity. Apply Here.