How to apply for a programmer job without a Computer Science degree

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I've been working as a part time, now full time web developer for the past 5 years for a state university. I mainly work with the .NET framework, but I've written new code and extended code in C, Python, and Java. I even teach a workshop a few times a year on web design using html, css, the google maps api and javascript. I'm very interested in programming, and I have been reading books such as the pragmatic programmer and design patterns by GoF.

Currently my job is salaried with non compensated overtime and pays less then $23,000 a year. I've known for a long time my biggest obstacle salary wise is the fact that I do not have a 4 year college degree. I'm 8 classes away from completing my bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Mathematics, but I have a lot of trouble getting the time to leave work and take classes. I like my job, but this pay cannot possibly support my future family. :(

I'm thinking about applying for an entry level programming position in one of my local companies, but I'm afraid my resume will thrown out as soon as they see I do not have a degree.

What could I do to stand out from the rest of the crowd and possibly dodge the degree requirement?

Posted 28-Sep-10 10:34am

Member 3060833

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ARopo 29-Sep-10 8:10am

I suggest you do some demo web applications that you can send links to along with your cv. Make a web CV and include it as a link in your standard CV. Do some of the free brainbox tests and include the results on your web CV.

Also add a skill summary clearly visible on the first page of your CV, I did a nice graphicical chart showing all my key skills and the amount of experience I had in each.

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BillW33 · Answer 1 · 2010-10-07T08:54:00

Show off the experience that you have. Have some high quality example code that you can show off. Although it doesn't impress everyone, having a MS certification does impress some potential employers. Any programming related activates outside work also look good. Join a local user group, give talks at the local user group. Your teaching a workshop should also help you stand out from the crowd.