How I Became A Software Developer Without A Degree || South African Software Developer

[@devdotlog]

Do understand that for 3rd year all programming modules required that we do the work in groups. So as much as I say “I” ... 3rd year was a group effort. 😁

[@devdotlog]

@@nara4549 toward the end of 3rd year I started applying ... at that time I didn’t really know what I was doing so I applied to everything I could find, which was not the best approach. I guess I was lucky and got an opportunity for a coding bootcamp which had other opportunities... I am going to make a short video about that as well

[@tshepisomalesa6430]

Amazing Content, I am currently in my 3rd year of Diploma in software development at Varsity College. I honestly needed to see this video, Please post more videos.

[@artful_dodger1928]

Just registered for a diploma in systems development at Boston online college. I'm 28 and Nervous and excited. Really scared that I woke up too late. Thank you for your story!

[@bulelomaverick2679]

Same age here. I am also going to register soon maybe with Boston

[@jop7479]

I'm 22 just registered. How are things going for you guys any insights appreciated

[@lerato598]

I found myself relating to your story alot I failed my matrix in 2013,2014 went to upgrade but my marks where not really that impressive. I then enrolled at a college for electrical engineering graduated in 2017 after that as I wanted a diploma instead of a vocational certification I decided to go to a university of technology When I got here I got the opportunity of actually deciding what I would like to major in in terms of electrical engineering and for some reason I got drawn to Electrical engineering in computer systems. I'm doing my third year this year. I have already done c language and c++ for my engineering programming classes, yes I passed the modules but I feel like I'm still struggling in terms of the application in the languages I learnt, for my engineering programming 3 module which I am doing this semester we are currently working on python, I am actually enjoying it more and finding it easier than the others Really enjoyed the video so much

[@devdotlog]

... that is truly amazing, I did not think that I would actually reach someone that has gone through a similar experience in that sense. Congratulations on all that you have achieved so far, it is without a doubt leading toward something greater. Yes Python without a doubt easier to learn than any of the C languages. If I could, I would advise that you really dig into Python, follow through Django and Flask and also teach yourself Data Science if possible for you. You are only just beginning to open up a door with a bright future ahead! Awesome stuff 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@lerato598]

Thank you so much for the well wishes and the advice, really appreciate it. I will definitely look into that

[@tumieneverson]

@@devdotlog Data Science can be self-taught? That’s more amazing. So if I get away with learning R and Python, do you personally believe that it could be an added advantage when applying for jobs?

[@devdotlog]

@@tumieneverson on a personal note I honestly feel like most things in the IT space can be self taught, it only requires an individual with a serious determination and focus, most of all consistency, the web is your best friend, projects that you build with that knowledge will say a lot more about you. But again it comes with a lot of research and learning, without structure it can get a lot more challenging.

[@tumieneverson]

Lastly, can I jump straight into learning app development without prior knowledge of web development? Please assist 🥺

[@devdotlog]

Yes you can. Eventually there will be concepts that apply to both app and web that you will still learn and utilise.

[@halalisanixulu5669]

Bro, i may have a business proposal for you, can we chat

[@devdotlog]

Hi, my email is at the 'about' section.

[@obakengloeto6366]

I am very proud to see you bro I also studied IT at CUT i got a Diploma on software, currently am an Intern at Altron for cyber security so yeah bro keep posting its such an inspiration 👊🏿

[@devdotlog]

That is awesome to read! I wish you all the best in your journey, stay up to date and never stop learning

[@TastyTrove-TT]

Im 17 years old and in school, I want to be a software development. I really need advice and a guide.

[@gelsoncelestino3906]

Brother DevDotLog, Thank you for sharing your story, really inspiring! it's because one of your videos I watched last year gave me the belief to pursue a career in Programming. Today(2022) I got accepted for a software development BootCamp, which I am really excited to start. all because of you brother! Really enjoy your content!!!

[@devdotlog]

That is awesome! Congratulations👏🏾

[@NkosanaMakhubele]

I passed matric with Higher certificate. Can i apply for a diploma in software development😢?

[@yandisantlahla9190]

Listen...I wish I took CAT ngoba☠️☠️☠️☠️ those coding modules are biting me

[@devdotlog]

🤣🤣🤣 I know the feeling, makes one feel they picked the wrong course, stay in there and push harder, you got this

[@enzo_softwareboi18]

What an awesome video! Thanks for sharing your story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Really was inspiring. Happy for you my dude! 🥳

[@devdotlog]

Thanks Enzo, I’m glad you connected. Much appreciated

[@ilogicCeeJr]

"Just playing king of fighter's"😂😂 yea, I relate

[@devdotlog]

Lol ... still a beast at it too😏

[@ntokozoskhosana6322]

Your story is inspiring! Great content

[@devdotlog]

Thank you, I’m glad it inspired you

[@mxrtal-svpreme9086]

I'm a first year at CUT I'm going for IT in software development

[@devdotlog]

You made a great choice! That much I can say. Just do more than what the course covers. By doing that you give yourself an edge over everyone else in terms of finding employment.

[@mxrtal-svpreme9086]

Will do

[@nelsonmohamie6438]

@@devdotlog Great advice...I also went CUT (just finished February due to Covid) and I'm currently at an internship, on 1st June I'll start working as Junior Developer...so to add on your statement, @Mxrtal when it comes to programming go beyond the scope, start teaching yourself how to code, practice practice practice, do your assignment alone(don't rely on others) as specially group assignments...key thing is learn how to learn ... that's what I did to be where I am today

[@devdotlog]

@@nelsonmohamie6438 that is awesome man, also congratulations on your internship.

[@phogolekeamotseng26]

@@devdotlog what other contents should I look into besides the one provided in the course...am also a first year at TUT ,COMPUTER ENGINEERING

[@MrLebohangk]

Great content, please share how you managed to grasp the core programming concepts by teaching yourself.. I am on a journey to teach my self python and I am struggling to grasp and apply intermediate to advanced concepts

[@devdotlog]

To be honest Lebohang, the only thing I did was put in more time for reading and practice. When they say “repetition is the father of learning”, that’s all I did, for any concept that I didn’t understand I would basically read through that chapter and try and understand word for word and do the practical work. If for some reason you don’t have a book on Python, there is free tutorials on KZbin that cover it in good detail.

[@MrLebohangk]

@@devdotlog just completed my IT degree that’s more based on information management.. I want to learn programming for personal projects

[@devdotlog]

@@MrLebohangk if that’s the case then I’m more interested why you chose Python...

[@MrLebohangk]

Well a lot of people say it’s easy to learn .. and it’s mostly used now . For data science and whole lot other things

[@sonofghan3666]

Really inspiring! I find myself in a similar situation (doing ncv) and wonder, did u apply whilst in college i.e with your L3 results? and how did you get bursary for varsity?

[@devdotlog]

I applied with my L4, I applied for NSFAS and during my first year based on my academic results toward the end of the year it was converted to NRF bursary and it was the same for second year. I can’t really remember but I think you have to have an average of 80% overall each year for it to apply.

[@Kgotso_Koete]

Great video. Also, King Fighters 2000 was quite a game!

[@devdotlog]

Than you, much appreciated

[@mpendulosibiya8136]

Great content man 👏, more videos 😃

[@omphilemohlala5989]

Hello the i see you went to central university of technology and i would love to know what is the minimum aps beside 27 because my aps is 25 and am being told that i will not qualify can you please help cuz am all the way in Johannesburg an i need help .

[@monkisethojane2218]

Damn bra wish I had this information back in high school I was suicidal thinking I was gonna fail matric.. wish I know there are options men..

[@langelihled]

This video is very inspiring. I just wrote my matric maths exams again and I'm looking to apply for ict next year. Thank you for the encouragement. ♥️

[@KohzmikYT]

I'm going to do my 3rd year next year lol in Computer Networking at CUT

[@devdotlog]

Awesome man, I miss the learning side of things when it comes to networking, I enjoyed it a lot as well.

[@lwandontlemeza4311]

When the voice changed. Iconic. LOL :D

[@NCCoolers2]

You are just like me

[@rayshudu1308]

I got my Diploma in Information Technology currently looking for internship so I feel as if I relate to you

[@devdotlog]

Congrats man… remember to stay relevant, things move around quick.

[@mzeesali9907]

Awesome video.

[@mzeesali9907]

Awesome video

[@sivebentele8712]

Do you know off any funding for IT but that does not really look at maths?

[@devdotlog]

Honestly I don’t think I have come across any. I am assuming you already know NRF, maybe look into. In all honesty, if you are interested in being a developer, if you really put in the time and work required to be knowledgeable and skilled, you could most likely get employed without having attained a diploma or degree. But that requires some serious dedication and commitment.

[@m......7984]

The way I relate 😹

[@devdotlog]

… lol.. hopefully it’s all too much in a good way

[@mzeesali9907]

Awesome video

[@devdotlog]

Thanks Mr Sali

[@neetorstar450]

Is the income as good as someone who did software engineering degree

[@devdotlog]

I think that will fall down to quite a number of things, that piece of paper alone doesn’t say much about what your level of current industry knowledge, skill and experience, someone without a degree or diploma in anything could just as easily earn more just based on skill and knowledge. So don’t think about it too much on terms of degree in this or that alone, a title and certificate of what you studied will not be enough on its own.

[@neetorstar450]

@@devdotlog thanks really helpful. I already have 3 years of experience in Web development so was thinking should I go for a degree or a diploma and a diploma seems affordable

[@devdotlog]

@@neetorstar450 If you have 3 years experience as a web developer and you are going for a diploma I personally feel like that would be a waste of time and money. If I were in your shoes the preference for me would be international certifications over national ones. They are just as valued and could cost you less.

[@alphadiallo6215]

@@devdotlog Hello, by international certifications do you mean ASW, Azure etc? If so could you give some good ones to get? Im studying fully self taught (Odin project) and don't plan on going to an institution. However I plan on getting a AWS solution architect cert, do you think this is enough to get employed in a good job based on your experience?

[@mxrtal-svpreme9086]

We need more videos bro

[@devdotlog]

I try and upload every week. Even though I have my own list of things that I would like to cover, it helps to hear what you guys would like to gain from me, so share the video, the more people let me know what they would like to gain the better I can share something that might relate

[@tumieneverson]

And which student-budget-friendly laptop did you use to learn programming? Because my PC is very terrible. So, which devices do you recommend? Thanks 😊

[@devdotlog]

Hi. I started off with a second hand laptop back in college, it was slow and not very useful but helpful, during that time I sold that laptop and used some of that money together with some of the NSFAS money to buy a PC, over time through varsity I continued upgrading that pc with some of the NSFAS money. There’s not much helpful upgrades you can do to a laptop, a laptop is only more meaningful if you are someone that needs a computer everywhere you go, so I would advise you figure out a way to rather upgrade that pc as it’s much better in terms of switching out old parts for new ones and a better investment long term. If you really feel you need a laptop, I can only say never go below Intel i3, never below 8gig ram.

[@Brantley_ZA]

Great video man... @devdotlog how can I get in contact with you?

[@devdotlog]

Thanks Brantley, you can connect with me on LinkedIn, check the link in the description