Life Before Devika and How Some Of Our Developers Wound Up Here

There’s One and Only One Way to Become a Developer

When you’re fresh out of high school, it’s difficult to know what the next steps are to start a career as a software developer.

“Is there a specific degree I need to study?”

“If I go to university, what major should I pick? And what is a major?!”

We’re here to debunk some myths around starting a career as a software developer and we’ll start by saying that there’s no one way into an industry! Some of our developers have multiple university degrees, while others have none! As you’ll hear from the team, everyone’s experience is different but we’ve all ended up doing something we love.

Senior Software Developer Matthew Rowles

What did I study? Information and Communications Technology, which is essentially three years of Computer Science and one of Digital Product Management.

Was this a good degree? Yes, but it was my work experience that really propelled my skill set and landed me my first job.

Am I glad I did a degree? At the time a degree was the only pathway into big companies which was necessary due to the infancy of the tech industry in Australia. I don’t regret studying. However, if somewhere like Devika existed, where I could learn to deliver digital products in a safe space with amazingly talented people, I probably would have Noah’d it (but who knows in hindsight).

My suggestions? You have your whole life to work on your career. Have a break. You’ll be all the better having experienced independence, new cultures, and new people; all of which could influence you onto a path you may have never known you were destined for. My suggestion, work all summer and buy a one-way ticket to Europe as soon as flight paths open.

Junior Software Developer Noah Heague

What did I study? I didn’t go to university.

Was this a good degree? N/A

Am I glad I did that degree? N/A

My Suggestions? There’s always someone out there who knows a little more, so ask them for help to get started. I’m fully self-taught and learned what I know by working on projects with friends in my free time. Depending on your learning style, this approach can either be grueling or be a great way to learn new things. My suggestion, stay open-minded, and work hard on things you enjoy.

Software Developer Thomas Nixon

What did I study? A Bachelor of Computer Science Majoring in Enterprise System Development

Was this a good degree? Yes. It was good to go through the motions and there were some standout lecturers that made it memorable.

Am I glad I did that degree? Yes. It helped me to network with others who were interested in the same things, it opened the door to a number of opportunities and forced me to do things I wouldn’t have otherwise. Studying will help you to learn the core concepts and also come in handy if you want to work overseas.

My Suggestions? My suggestion, work and do a degree at the same time. Work will teach you the things university can’t.

Senior Software Engineer Mark Thompson

What did I study? A Bachelor of Computer Science Majoring in Mobile App Development.

Was this a good degree? There were a handful of subjects I really enjoyed but I needed to learn a lot more outside of uni to “stay relevant”.

Am I glad I did that degree? Yes and no. I landed my first full-time IT job at a local startup straight out of uni. I had been doing a fair amount of freelance mobile and web dev work whilst studying which undoubtedly helped me to learn more.

My Suggestions? Try to learn something new each and every day and never stop learning! My suggestion, start volunteering/working in the industry as soon as possible.

Junior Software Developer Nikola Mahmutagic

What did I study? A Bachelor of Computer Science Major in Cyber Security.

Am I glad I did a degree? My degree taught me the fundamentals, however, I found that the practical experience has been invaluable.

Am I glad I did this degree? Studying was important for my personal growth and networking, but the practical experience has given me the confidence and ability to run with ideas and keep up-to-date with the latest methods and software in an ever-developing industry.

My suggestions? You can do a lot with pure motivation. If you’re passionate and ready for the slow grind, you’ll get to where you want to be.

Senior Software Developer John Quintal

What did I study? Advanced Diploma of Electrical Engineering, Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Mathematics, and an Associate Diploma in Computer Applications.

Was this a good degree? Yes. I loved the Computer Science course but the real-world experience has been crucial for growth and development. The Associate Diploma in Computer Applications was well worth it…in 1987 when there was no Internet!

Am I glad I did these degrees? Absolutely!

My Suggestions? If you are going to go to university, take a break first. Have a gap year, do some programming by all means, but don’t limit learning to just that. My suggestion, get an unrelated job to learn more about how non-programmers think!

Managing Director Ken Kencevski

What did I study? A Bachelor of Information Technology Majoring in e-Business

Was this a good degree? It gave me new skills like programming, critical thinking, pattern, and methodologies which I have since applied and never looked back.

Am I glad I did a degree? Yes, and I am still in touch with most people I studied with.

My suggestions? Focus on finding your niche and sharpen your saw every day…Be nice to people, that often goes a long way.

Software Developer Conner Goldberg

What did I study? A Bachelor of Computer Science Majoring in Software Engineering

Was this a good degree? Studying allowed me to understand the theory behind best practice approaches but I couldn’t put a price on work experience.

Am I glad I did a degree? Yes. My degree helped me to get my foot in the door and land the job I have now!

My suggestions? Don’t get caught up trying to learn all the new fancy stuff. Stick to the basics and learn the foundations first, then specialize.

So…What Should I Take Away From This?

The degree that’s most common across our team is Computer Science, however, there are an array of pathways and courses you can take. University teaches you how to learn, collaborate in groups, and work to a deadline but it’s the experience that landed a lot of our employees their first job.

Our recommendation. Enjoy learning, keep an eye out for new opportunities and experiences, and don’t be afraid to give new things a go.

If you’d like more tips to getting started or work experience opportunities, flick us a message.

We’d also love to give a big shout out to Jake, a student who’s completed work experience with us and prompted us to write this blog.