The tech industry is one of the few fields where a college degree is not strictly required. Many of the most successful developers and tech founders never completed a computer science degree. What matters most is what you can build and how well you can solve problems.
That said, a degree does have advantages. It can help you get your first job when you have no professional experience. It can be required for work visas in some countries. It provides a structured curriculum that covers theory and fundamentals that self-taught developers sometimes miss. And some specialized fields (like machine learning or cybersecurity) benefit from formal education.
The reality is that after your first job, almost no one cares about your degree. Your experience, your portfolio, and your ability to deliver results become the only things that matter. If you are self-taught, focus on building a strong portfolio of real projects, contributing to open source, and networking with other developers.
