Member Avatar for fuston05

I am self taught in PHP, css, html, and currently learning javaScript. I am unable to go to school due to financial reasons. I am in the US. I was wondering if anyone knows if its possible to find an opportunity to get into the field professionally with no schooling, no degree. Maybe just pay for cert's or something? I am very very passionate about wanting to do this for a living. Any advise or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

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Good to see the drive here. : it’s absolutely possible to get started without a degree, but the work you can show will carry far more weight than a paper. Build a short, evidence-focused plan that proves you can ship—employers want results. ’s idea of approaching companies directly is useful when paired with something to demonstrate right away. raised certifications; they help in specific cases but are rarely a shortcut. is right that knowledge matters most.

Practical, do-this-now plan (three clear wins): produce three finished projects that each show a different strength. Example targets: 1) a polished responsive site that demonstrates layout, accessibility and cross‑browser polish; 2) a small dynamic app showing JavaScript plus server interaction (CRUD, validation, basic security); 3) a real-world client or volunteer site that shows you can take requirements and iterate. For every project include a live demo, the source repo, and a one‑page case study: problem → approach → key decisions → result. Keep commits clean, add a README with setup steps, and include screenshots or short screencasts you can demo in interviews.

Ways to get those projects: pick up short paid gigs or small contracts, volunteer for a nonprofit, fix issues in an open‑source repo, or offer a well‑bounded low-cost pilot to a local business (make the scope and time limit explicit). Network in local meetups and online dev communities; small agencies and startups often hire for skill and attitude over formal credentials. Practice common interview topics: browser fundamentals, responsive CSS, DOM/async JavaScript and explaining design tradeoffs.

A note on certificates: only pursue them if they teach concrete skills you need or if a target employer lists one as required. For most junior roles your time is better spent shipping a few excellent projects, polishing your GitHub/LinkedIn, and practicing quick demos you can show in five minutes. Persistence and a focused portfolio open doors.

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Member Avatar for AndreRet

I don't want to sound like the bearer of bad news, but I doubt it if any company will appoint you without the necessary credentials.

What you can do, is to phone as many it companies out there and apply as a learning student. Don't give up on the first few "NO's", someone will eventually say "YES!":)

Member Avatar for fuston05

appreciate your response. So I should ask them if they would be willing to take me on as an entry level trainee? Is that what your saying? And do you think the certs could help? and do you know of any other cert's I could get? the only ones I know of are the W3C ones and the zend PHP cert. I could also put together a portfolio.
Thank you very much for your advise.

Edited by fuston05 because: n/a
Member Avatar for KushMishra

Hello fuston05, AndreRet is correct and in my point of view, it would be better for you to opt for a certified course that is known as MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer) which is only for the Microsoft products like .Net.

With this certificate you can get the jobs more easily.Hope that helps.

Member Avatar for vedro-compota

do not worry. programmer - it is his knowledge, not a diploma))

Member Avatar for fuston05

thanks for the advise. Is it as easy to find guides and tutorials etc... for the ASP as it is for PHP? Because I would prob have to learn it on my own. Still can't get any financial aid for schooling.

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