Degree Free

In this episode of Degree Free, get ready to be inspired by Matt Walters, a Technology Solutions Engineer who shares his “unconventional” path to success. 

Join us as we go over his journey, starting from humble beginnings as a pool technician and HVAC technician, and ultimately becoming a 6-figure engineer. 

Throughout our conversation, Matt shares invaluable insights into his career trajectory and the invaluable lessons he learned along the way.

Key Discussion Points:

- Breaking Through Boundaries: Matt Walters defied societal norms and traditional educational pathways to forge his unique career in technology solutions engineering, no degree needed.
- The Evolution of a Career: Learn about the challenges and opportunities Matt encountered during his transition from working on trades, as a hands-on technician to a high-paying engineering role.
- Learning and Unlearning: Discover the secrets behind Matt's success, and how he describes how being a good engineer means unlearning how you were taught to learn in school.
- Career Growth Strategies: Matt provides valuable tips for anyone aspiring to advance their careers and break into the tech industry without a formal degree.
- Overcoming Obstacles: Hear about the obstacles Matt faced and how he turned them into stepping stones towards achieving his professional goals.

Listen to Matt’s story, a testament to the power of determination and perseverance.

Don't miss this engaging conversation with a remarkable individual who proves that anything is possible with the right mindset and the courage to forge your own path.

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: https://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

Thinking of changing your career path but don't know where to start? Check out our job change accelerator course: degreefree.co/jobchange

In this episode, join us as we sit down with AWS Software Engineer, Matthew Young, to delve into his inspiring journey of breaking into the tech industry without a traditional background in software engineering.

If you're someone aspiring to enter the world of tech but don't know where to start, this episode is a goldmine of actionable advice and motivation.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Matthew's Unconventional Path:

How he transitioned from a finance degree to forging a successful career in software engineering. Learn about his unique trajectory, which led him from scoring an internship to leveraging platforms like Upwork to establish his presence as a freelancer before landing a role at AWS.

• Non-Tech Companies as a Stepping Stone:

Understand why Matthew advocates for breaking into the tech industry by first working at "non-tech companies." He shares valuable insights into how these experiences can offer valuable skills and perspectives that prove invaluable in the tech world and how it can be your way to getting work at tech companies.

• Becoming a Software Engineer without a Degree or Experience:

Matthew's story is an encouraging testament to aspiring software engineers without formal degrees or prior experience. Tune in as he reveals the key strategies and resources that helped him overcome challenges and build a solid foundation in the tech realm.

• Contracting vs. Freelancing:

Get a detailed comparison of contracting and freelancing in the tech industry. Matthew shares his personal experiences and offers guidance on how to decide which path might be more suitable for your career goals.

• Embracing AI in a Changing World:

Matthew sheds light on the importance of embracing AI and its impact on the ever-changing world. As technology continues to progress, he emphasizes the value of staying adaptable and open to new advancements.

• Finding Your Niche in Tech:

Choosing a specific direction within the vast tech landscape can be overwhelming. Matthew provides practical tips on how to discover your passion and decide on a tech path that aligns with your interests and strengths.

Join us for this thought-provoking episode, filled with invaluable advice, and the wisdom of an accomplished software engineer who defied the odds to carve his own path in the tech industry.

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: https://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

Thinking of changing your career path but don't know where to start? Check out our job change accelerator course: degreefree.co/jobchange

In this episode, we sit down with Garrett Graves, a software engineer at Twitch who has built a thriving career without a college degree. Garrett shares his valuable insights, practical advice, and proven steps for aspiring back end developers who are eager to kickstart their careers but don't hold a traditional degree.

In this episode, we talk about:

- How to break into the software engineering industry, even without a college degree or work experience. Garret provides practical steps and resources to help individuals navigate their way through self-learning and gain the skills needed to succeed.
- How to stand out and get hired as a software engineer. He shares strategies to make a strong impression on potential employers and increase your chances of securing a job.
- Garrett's personal journey from dropping out of college to securing a position at Twitch, a leading technology company. He discusses the challenges he faced along the way and the lessons he learned, providing inspiration and motivation to those who may be considering alternative education paths.
- Invaluable career advice from Garrett for individuals just starting their careers or looking to break into the software engineering industry. He shares insights on building a strong professional network, seeking mentorship, and staying motivated in the face of challenges.

Tune in to this episode and gain valuable insights and guidance from Garrett Graves, as he shares his journey, tips, and advice to help aspiring software engineers carve their own path to success in the dynamic and ever-evolving world of technology.

Enjoy this value-packed 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: https://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

Thinking of changing your career path but don't know where to start? Check out our job change accelerator course: degreefree.co/jobchange

Today, we have a returning guest! Drake Porter is a Senior Product Manager at Meta. He’s a former League of Legends coach, competitive StarCraft 2 player and you can find his previous episode here.

In his previous episode, he talked about his journey from being unemployed due to COVID, to earning $385,000/yr at Meta without a college degree. Today, he comes back and talks about how to future-proof your career with the AI revolution.

In this episode, we talked about:

- The impact of AI across various industries and delve into its current uses while contemplating its future potential.
- The trends that are here to stay and examine the emerging possibilities, empowering you to make informed decisions about your career trajectory.
- What would Drake do differently if he could start all over now at 15 years old
- Practical tips and strategies for individuals who have experienced a layoff, helping them regain their footing and reignite their career journeys
- Worried about AI taking jobs? We address this concern and share proactive steps you can take to strategically position yourself in the era of automation. Furthermore, we explore effective ways to prepare for the impending AI wave, equipping you with actionable insights to seize opportunities and stay relevant.

Drake also talks about the biggest challenges he’s facing right now in his role and his strategies for tackling them. 

Enjoy this value-packed 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: https://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

Thinking of changing your career path but don't know where to start? Check out our job change accelerator course: degreefree.co/jobchange

In this episode, we delve into fascinating topics that are reshaping the modern workplace and challenging traditional career advice.

First, we explore the age-old question: Is "follow your passion" good advice? We analyze the merits and limitations of this popular mantra, considering its applicability in today's complex and rapidly changing world. We discuss alternative approaches to career fulfillment and offer practical insights for individuals seeking to navigate their professional paths effectively.

Next, we dive into the rise of skill-based hiring and downcredentialing. We examine how employers are shifting their focus from degrees and credentials to specific skill sets, furthering our degree free cause. We discuss multiple scenarios that are happening right now and how you can take advantage of it.

Lastly, we explore the surprising preference of GenZ to work in an office environment rather than embracing remote work. We unpack the reasons behind this generation's unique perspective and its implications for the future of work.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into the changing landscape of work, the importance of skills, and the nuances of pursuing personal passions in today's ever-evolving professional world.

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: https://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

Thinking of changing your career path but don't know where to start? Check out our job change accelerator course: degreefree.co/jobchange

In this episode of the "Biggest Job Lies" series, we delve into the deceptive claim frequently heard in the professional world: "We Only Want What's Best For You." 

Join us as we expose the hidden motives behind this seemingly supportive statement and uncover the potential pitfalls it conceals. 

Don't miss this thought-provoking episode that reveals the truth behind this lie and learn what you can do instead!

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: https://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

Thinking of changing your career path but don't know where to start? Check out our job change accelerator course: degreefree.co/jobchange

Thinking about going back to college? It's a big decision, no doubt. 

The idea of expanding your knowledge, exploring new career possibilities, or pursuing a passion can be incredibly exciting. 

But here's the thing – is it really worth it?

That’s why in this episode, we’ll be discussing a framework that can help you decide whether it’s worth it for you to go back to college. Whether you’re getting another bachelor’s degree or pursuing higher education, this framework will help you decide and weigh your options.

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: https://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

Thinking of changing your career path but don't know where to start? Check out our job change accelerator course: degreefree.co/jobchange

In this episode, we discuss how to use job references effectively. We’ll uncover the right approach to leverage this powerful tool for career success. Discover practical tips to make the most of your references, what you should and what you shouldn’t do to get the job you want.

Next, we delve into the concerning trend of declining college enrollment. Why are fewer people choosing college? We explore the factors behind this decline, including rising costs and alternative education paths. We also explore the effects of declining college enrollment to our economy. 

Join us for an insightful episode as we demystify job references and declining college enrollment!

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

Thinking of changing your career path but don't know where to start? Check out our job change accelerator course: degreefree.co/jobchange

Changing careers is tough and you’re always faced with difficult decisions!

In this episode, we delve into a comprehensive framework that will help you tackle difficult decisions with confidence and clarity. Making tough choices is overwhelming, but armed with our practical step-by-step approach, you'll be equipped to make the right decision when the time comes.

We also explore the personal journey of our host, Ryan, who made a bold decision to leave behind a career as a firefighter to pursue the creation of this very podcast. We’ll go over the decision making framework through his experience making the most difficult decision of his life: leaving firefighting. We’ll highlight the teachings so you can apply this framework to your tough decisions.

Tune in to learn how to make difficult decisions and learn how embracing change will lead to personal and professional growth. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing a difficult decision or seeking inspiration to pursue a new career!

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: https://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

Thinking of changing your career path but don't know where to start? Check out our job change accelerator course: degreefree.co/jobchange

In this episode, we're diving deep into thought-provoking topics that challenge conventional wisdom when it comes to education and job prospects. 

First, we delve into the fascinating evolution of job requirements and how college degrees transformed from a luxury to a near-necessity in the professional world. 

Then, we discuss why a college degree shouldn't be necessary for every job, especially at the entry-level. We'll delve into the benefits of skills-based hiring, the changing landscape of work, and the pitfalls of overly relying on credentials.

Finally, we dive into numerous articles about “high paying jobs for workers with (or without) college degrees”. We’ll see how accurate those are and learn which high-paying jobs actually require a college degree.

Tune in to this eye-opening episode of the Degree Free Podcast as we challenge the status quo and explore the changing dynamics of college and employment. 

Join us as we strive to empower individuals and encourage a more inclusive and nuanced perspective on Degree Free career development!

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: https://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

Thinking of changing your career path but don't know where to start? Check out our job change accelerator course: degreefree.co/jobchange