Degree Free

May 2022: Damian Goodenough was working in construction and working on a tractor listening to Hannah on Pomp’s podcast…

October 2023: Damian is a guest on the Degree Free podcast and is a Bitcoin dev!

Yup! Your life can change that fast! 

In this episode, Damian shares his story about becoming a developer in less than 18 months and talks about his perspective on the value of practical skills and experience over a college degree. 

There is something in this episode for everyone! So even if you don’t want to be a dev or work in crypto, tune into this episode and we promise you’ll get something out of it!

What You’ll Learn:

- Advice on learning new skills, networking, and overcoming imposter syndrome
- The value of practical skills and experience over a college degree in the hiring process
- Damian's journey from construction to becoming a Bitcoin developer
- The different areas and opportunities within Bitcoin development
- Providing proof-of-work and building a portfolio in the Bitcoin industry

Don’t miss this week’s episode!

To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co

Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network

Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/

Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course:  degreefree.co/pathways

Is going to college worth $500,000? Today, we talk about the high cost of college and the exponential increase in tuition over the last few decades. Unemployment and underemployment is on the rise for college graduates which is making everyone question whether or not college is a good option for them or their kids. 

We also talk about the future of work in an increasingly AI-driven world and how you can prepare your career for that inevitable future. 

What You’ll Learn:

- The changing landscape of higher education and the need for more flexible options.
- The importance of people skills in an increasingly automated world and the future of job security.
- The impact of AI on various industries, the need for upskilling, and opportunities for individuals and industries.
- The potential impact of AI on job automation and the importance of upskilling for individuals in low-skilled jobs.
- The significance of soft skills, communication, and likability in job interviews in an automated world.

Join us as we explore the changing landscape of higher education and the future of job security. Don't miss out on this week’s actionable tips!

To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co

Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network

Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/

Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course:  degreefree.co/pathways

This week we talk about the common misconception that certifications are necessary or recognized for work. Instead, focus on improving your resume and applying for jobs instead. We emphasize the importance of looking at job listings to determine if certifications are actually required, rather than assuming they’re needed. 

We also caution against getting multiple certifications without actually applying for jobs, as this is a form of procrastination. Acquiring relevant skills and practical experience, as well as demonstrating competence in your field is way more important than most certifications.  Drawing from our own experiences, we provide strategic advice for advancing careers.

We also cover:

- The importance of certifications in technical interviews and job applications, emphasizing the value of reputable organizations and showcasing technical knowledge.
- The caution against obtaining irrelevant or unknown certifications, as they hold no value for potential employers. Technical experience is more important than collecting certifications.
- The challenges and motivations involved in making career changes, emphasizing the need for a strong why and avoiding analysis paralysis.
- The experiences with different diet and exercise trends, highlighting the importance of choosing a path and learning from others' experiences.
- The misconception that certain technical fields require a college degree, refuting this claim and encourages listeners to pursue their interests without feeling limited by educational requirements.

Don't miss this episode of the Degree Free Podcast, where we challenge the traditional beliefs around certifications and educational requirements. Join us on this journey of discovering the true value of skills and practical experience in the job market.

If you're looking to advance your career or explore new opportunities, this episode is a must-listen!

To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co

Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network

Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/

Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course:  degreefree.co/pathways

In this episode, we discuss five ways to gain work experience without a college degree. Learn valuable tips on how to highlight unique experiences during interviews and how to take advantage of opportunities for skill-building and advancement within a company.

- Discover the benefits of apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs in high-demand fields like tech.
- Explore the option of creating your own apprenticeship by approaching someone with desired skills and offering to work for them.
- Uncover job opportunities that offer on-the-job training or paid experience, such as firefighting and tech apprenticeships
- Consider enrolling in a course or boot camp that includes hands-on experience relevant to your desired job.
- Learn the potential advantages and risks of contract work for gaining diverse experience quickly.

Gain valuable insights on how to enter a specific field without a college degree by taking advantage of these lesser-known methods. 

To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co

Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network

Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/

Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course:  degreefree.co/pathways

In this episode of the Degree Free Podcast, we explore how parents can help their children prepare for a future without a college degree. We discuss the importance of vocational creativity and provide practical advice and resources for parents and job seekers.

- Discover the limitations of traditional education systems and the need for parents to take an active role in teaching vocational creativity.
- Learn how parents can guide their children in exploring different job options, even without exposure to screens or media.
- Understand the value of vocational creativity in helping children explore different job possibilities and preparing them for the future.
- Explore simple exercises like dissecting products or services to identify the various jobs involved in creating them.
- Recognize the benefits of starting early and consistently exposing children to different careers to broaden their options and avoid feeling trapped in their choices.

Join us for this enlightening conversation on the Degree Free Podcast as we delve into the importance of vocational creativity and how parents can empower their children to thrive without a college degree. 

Don't miss out on the practical advice and resources we provide for both parents and job seekers. 

Tune in and unlock a world of possibilities for your child's future!

To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co

Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network

Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/

Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course: degreefree.co/pathways

In this second part of our interview with our co-host, Hannah Maruyama, continues sharing her journey from a Junior Salesforce Developer to becoming a successful business analyst, and then landing her current job as Head of Operations for an AI startup. 

Discover how she embraced new opportunities, obtained valuable certifications, and advanced her career to earn a six-figure salary. Hannah also discusses transitioning into product roles and the importance of continuously learning technical skills. 

What You’ll Learn:

- Hannah’s progression from a call center job to becoming a business analyst, and now as Head of Operations of an AI Startup
- Breaking six figures in just six months through continuous learning and listening to team advice.
- Gaining certifications, negotiating a six-figure salary, and securing roles as a business analyst and Salesforce admin.
- The importance of reading about others' experiences, learning new skills, and incorporating AI into existing skill sets.
- The correlation between technical skills, career potential, and market demand
- The importance of knowing Excel and leveraging AI tools for job efficiency
- The power of focusing on one skill at a time and taking action to achieve career goals

Dive into this episode of the Degree Free Podcast where Hannah Maruyama shares her journey. Whether you're considering a career in business analysis, looking to enhance your technical skills, or questioning the value of a degree, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice. 

Don't wait to pursue your dreams, tune in and take the first step towards your successful future!

Tune in to the Degree Free Podcast for more inspiring stories and valuable insights!

To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co

Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network

Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/

Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course:  degreefree.co/pathways

We’re switching things up this week!

Hannah Maruyama, the co-host of the podcast is our guest in this first part of a 2 part series. Hannah shares her journey of upskilling and landing a $70,000 job 45 days after unexpectedly being laid off. 

Learn how she quickly adapted and took proactive steps to secure a new job with a higher salary. Discover valuable insights on upskilling, job searching, and the importance of feeling in control of your circumstances.

What You’ll Learn:

- Hannah's background, financial literacy, and the speed at which she upskilled and found a new job
- Taking immediate action and not feeling like a victim after losing a job
- Using free resources like Trailhead and Reddit to learn Salesforce administration
- Obtaining Salesforce admin certification after 31 days of studying
- Securing a remote job without a college degree and negotiating a $70,000 salary
- The power of taking immediate action after job loss and exploring different industries
- Hannah's personal journey of upskilling and obtaining a certification to enhance her career prospects
- The importance of research, negotiation, and using valuable resources for job search success
- Insights into the negotiation phase of job interviews and practicing negotiation skills
- Hannah's decision to leave college and pursue alternative career paths

Don't miss next week’s episode where we continue Hannah's journey to becoming a business analyst, and now Head of Operations of an AI Startup. 

Tune in to the Degree Free Podcast for more inspiring stories and valuable insights!

To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co

Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network

Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/

Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course:  degreefree.co/pathways

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Degree Free Podcast, where Sean Dubois shares his personal journey of finding tech success without a degree. He discusses how working at Amazon opened doors for him and made job interviews easier. Sean encourages listeners to prioritize personal growth and happiness over societal expectations. 

Key Discussion Points:

- Sean and Ryan talk about programming and open-source projects, emphasizing the importance of solving problems you're passionate about and saying yes to opportunities.
- They discuss the benefits of open source projects, such as having control over your destiny and contributing to projects you care about. They also mention the challenges and rewards of creating your own projects.
- The importance of self-discovery and self-actualization in motivating oneself to work hard and succeed is discussed. They highlight the inner motivation to persevere through failures as being more important than specific programming languages or projects.
- Sean talks about finding a niche in the WebRTC space and the concept of doing things in public to create opportunities and connections. They also challenge the significance of job titles in the software industry.
- The conversation tackles the relationship between money and happiness, acknowledging that while money doesn't guarantee happiness, it can provide financial stability and freedom. Personal anecdotes about the impact of financial stability are shared.
- The episode ends with Sean explaining why he helps others, emphasizing paying it forward and the mutual benefit of helping motivated individuals. Ryan reflects on his own experiences and expresses a desire to do more.
- Sean advises that solving personal problems, finding self-confidence, and enjoying what you do can lead to career success and fulfillment.

Don't miss this enlightening episode of the Degree Free Podcast, where Sean Dubois and Ryan Maruyama share their experiences and insights on success, personal growth, and finding happiness. Tune in and be inspired!

To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co

Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network

Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/

Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course:  degreefree.co/pathways

In this week’s episode, Gene Torres, a Senior Presales Engineer, shares his personal journey and valuable insights into the world of presales engineering. We dive into the importance of continuously seeking new opportunities and not settling in your career.

Key Discussion Points:

• Overcoming Stereotypes: Gene discusses his initial hesitation about pursuing a career in sales due to negative stereotypes. However, he ultimately found his passion in presales engineering, where he could make a difference by solving problems and evangelizing solutions for customers.
• The Role of a Presales Engineer: Gene explains the vital role of presales engineers in building relationships with customers and showcasing how technical solutions align with their specific requirements. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the customer's industry and aligning the solution to improve outcomes for their business.
• Challenges and Rewards: Gene shares the rewarding experience of overcoming challenges in his role and the value of knowledge sharing. He highlights the diverse career possibilities and the need for continuous growth and learning in the ever-changing job market.
• The Data Protection Industry: Gene provides insights into the data protection industry and how his company, Zerto, specializes in providing disaster recovery software. He highlights the importance of helping companies avoid data loss and disruptions to their business, which can impact revenue and consumer perception.
• Building Relationships and Trust: Gene emphasizes the crucial role of building relationships with customers and becoming a trusted advisor. He explains the technical aspects of Zerto's software and how it protects virtual systems in the virtualization environment.
• Exploring Opportunities: Gene discusses the importance of exploring opportunities related to one's interests and skills, highlighting the lack of a formal blueprint for becoming a presales engineer. He encourages listeners to set goals and seek new challenges in their career journeys.

Tune in to this week’s episode and gain valuable insights from Gene Torres, as he shares his personal experiences and advice for aspiring presales engineers in the dynamic and ever-evolving tech industry.

Enjoy the episode!

To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co

Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network

Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/

Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course:  degreefree.co/pathways

Join us for an insightful episode as we unravel the journey of Colton Sakamoto, co-founder and former CEO of Infection Points, and currently the Chief Party Officer at Office Party. In this jam-packed conversation, Colton takes us through his remarkable path to success, from humble beginnings to building thriving ventures.

Colton Sakamoto is the Chief Party Officer at The Office Party. Prior to The Office Party, he co-founded Inflection Points, an employment-focused company that helped 1,500+ job seekers start new careers.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How Colton started his entrepreneurial adventure from the comfort of his childhood bedroom, overcoming challenges and eventually selling his company, Inflection Points.
• Valuable insights into the world of content creation and its synergies with entrepreneurship, as Colton shares his experiences transitioning from a content creator to co-founding Office Party.
• The impact of Colton's decision to pursue an MBA on his career trajectory, with candid reflections if it really added value to his professional growth and decision-making.
• Strategies and secrets behind building a loyal following and nurturing a thriving community for aspiring entrepreneurs and content creators.
• A glimpse into Colton's visionary ideas for the future of Office Party, including innovative approaches to monetization and platform expansion.

We dive deep into the nuances of entrepreneurship, content creation, and starting a business from scratch.

Whether you're an experienced business owner or contemplating starting a side hustle, there's something valuable for everyone in this episode.

Don't miss the chance to learn from Colton Sakamoto’s journey and insights to elevate your own path to success.

Enjoy the episode!

To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co

Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network

Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/

Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course:  degreefree.co/pathways