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Ask HN: Any advice for a hacker without a college degree?

1 pointsby jmau5over 13 years ago
The traditional education model has never worked for me, not in high school and not now in university, so I am strongly considering dropping out at the end of the semester. I'm wasting money and I'm not gaining anything, all of the programming that I know is self-taught.<p>What advice do you have for a hacker without a college degree?

4 comments

hluskaover 13 years ago
If I were you, I would:<p>- drop out (be prepared to get a non programming job) - start working on open source projects (follow aa_memon's advice and get a github account) - build/release two or three projects on your own - start trying to transition to a more fulfilling programming job<p>Most importantly, don't burn any bridges and keep your options open (ie - don't incur extreme amounts of debt). After a year or two away, you might decide to return to University!<p>Best of luck :)
natural_orderover 13 years ago
I agree with hluska. Get involved and start some projects. One of them might turn into a real job :)
booduhover 13 years ago
I hope you are good. Make yourself a few million ASAP! Proceed accordingly.
aa_memonover 13 years ago
get a github account make it impressive.<p>otherwise you're just that guy who calls himself a hacker and doesn't have an education either :)