Can You Become A Software Engineer Without a Degree?

It doesn’t mean that if you didn't enrol in university and receive a degree in Software Engineering, you won't be able to join the Software Engineering industry. University degrees aren’t the only way. If you’re looking for a faster or more flexible route, Malaysia also offers alternative pathways that focus on practical skills and real-world experience.

1. Bootcamp Pathway (Fast-Track Route)

If you want to jump into tech quickly, coding bootcamps are a great starting point. Short, focused and practical, programmes like NEXT Academy and Sigma School train students in essential tech skills like web development, data science and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Unlike traditional classroom settings, bootcamps emphasise hands-on learning. You’ll spend your time coding, testing and building real projects that strengthen your portfolio. Many even offer job placement support and career coaching after completion.

Even professionals with degrees often turn to boot camps to upskill or stay up to date with new frameworks and tools. Technology evolves fast, and continuous learning is key to staying relevant in the field.

2. Self-Taught Pathway (Independent Route)

If you prefer to learn at your own pace or want a budget-friendly approach, going self-taught might be your path. With platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Microsoft Learn, you can master programming languages, explore AI or cybersecurity, and even earn certifications from major tech players like Google Cloud, AWS, and Microsoft Azure.

This route rewards consistency and curiosity. You can start small—build an app, design a website, upload your work on GitHub, and grow from there. The more you build, the more visible your skills become.

For Raymond Nathan, a Senior Software Engineer, his degree was only one part of his dedication; he also spent his days freelancing, taking on side projects, and experimenting with cloud platforms. “I didn’t rely on certifications,” he shared. “I focused on proving my skills through real projects.”

Raymond spent much of his time working on Azure and DevOps, learning how to manage cloud systems and automate software deployment. Those practical hours gave him the confidence to walk into interviews and demonstrate his skills in real time. 

He also kept a public GitHub filled with side projects—something he considers a key reason he advanced so quickly. “A portfolio is the most powerful tool that we (people in the industry) can have,” he said.

Building the Right Mix of Skills

No matter which path you take, skills are one of the most important things in this industry. And not just the technical kind. You need to think critically, solve problems creatively and work well with others to bring ideas to life.

Start by learning the technical basics. Master core programming languages like Python, JavaScript, Java, or C#. Learn how to manage and organise data through SQL or MongoDB, and use Git to collaborate on projects. These tools will be part of your daily routine as a developer.

But remember, technology evolves faster than ever. As Raymond explains, “Tech stacks change every few years, but the principles of good software design do not.” The real strength lies in your ability to adapt. Raymond learned early in his studies that the most valuable lessons weren’t about memorising code but about developing strong problem-solving and collaboration skills.

“Understanding algorithms and data structures trained me to think efficiently,” he said. “Once you can solve complex problems logically, you can do it anywhere — in any language, with any system.”

Raymond also credits teamwork as a game-changer. Through group projects, he learned how to manage shared code, give feedback and explain technical ideas to non-technical teammates — something every company looks for. “Software engineering is a team sport,” he added.

He also highlighted how Malaysia’s education system helped him transition smoothly into the workforce. “The industrial internship focus prepared me for real production work. That readiness is what opens doors — whether locally, where employers value practical ability or abroad, where proven skills matter most.”

Echoing this, Muhammad Amiruddin Bin Azizan, a software engineer at Telekom Malaysia Research & Development, shared that having a wide range of skills makes you more adaptable. “It can easily land you new jobs, and you gain a lot more experience in general,” he said.

The bottom line? Being a great software engineer isn’t just about writing clean code. It’s about thinking critically, communicating clearly, and continuously adapting to change — because in tech, learning never stops.

And remember, the best engineers never stop learning. Start small, build consistently, and let your work speak louder than your credentials.

If you want to explore more, visit Afterschool.my and start your journey today!