Can I get a programming job with an Associate's?
 

Hey coding forum peeps,

I'm currently finishing up a Master's Degree in Jazz music...and of course, there are no such things as jobs for jazz musicians. I'm contemplating becoming a computer programmer.

Would I be able to get a job as a programmer with an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Science? The difference between the AAS and the regular Associate's is that it doesn't include any gen. ed. courses.

Most places I have looked say that a BS in Computer Science is required to get a job programming, but I'm thinking since I already have two degrees, maybe just 2 years of computer science and an internship will be enough...? What do you think?

Thanks!

Haha, funny. You know what, I’m a professional Jazz musician, too, and I’m a web developer at the same time. I’m a freelancer but so far a degree often didn’t matter to get jobs, what matters is what skills you have (it’s just the same as musician). Of course, some companies wanna see a degree or something (but many don’t) but if you can convince them that you can still do quality work then the degree doesn’t matter. The hard thing is to build a portfolio to prove prior experience etc. It helps to have programmed something for yourself or others that is of use.

If you look at my signature, you'll see it mentions a book I wrote. Shortly after I wrote it, an Amazon.com recruiter approached me at the Open Source Convention where I was promoting the book. Sadly, he wasn't able to offer me a job because I didn't have a degree.

Based on the last eight years of professional experience, I'll tell you that you already have a leg up on where I was when I started, simply by having the degree. I agree with VIPStephan here - the degree helps a little, but the experience really matters.

I would suggest finding an open source project that interests you and getting your experience by helping them out. That's really how my career started. Also, don't be afraid to get your hands dirty in code.