Degree Free

By Degree FreeBusiness Education Careers

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Typical duration
42 min
per episode

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Degree Free episodes

September 27, 2023 How to Help Your Child Be Degree Free Right Now: Vocational Creativity (DF#116)
In this episode of the Degree Free Podcast, we explore how parents can help their children prepare for a future without a college degree. We discuss the importance of vocational creativity and provide practical advice and resources for parents and job seekers.
- Discover the limitations of traditional education systems and the need for parents to take an active role in teaching vocational creativity.
- Learn how parents can guide their children in exploring different job options, even without exposure to screens or media.
- Understand the value of vocational creativity in helping children explore different job possibilities and preparing them for the future.
- Explore simple exercises like dissecting products or services to identify the various jobs involved in creating them.
- Recognize the benefits of starting early and consistently exposing children to different careers to broaden their options and avoid feeling trapped in their choices.
Join us for this enlightening conversation on the Degree Free Podcast as we delve into the importance of vocational creativity and how parents can empower their children to thrive without a college degree.
Don't miss out on the practical advice and resources we provide for both parents and job seekers.
Tune in and unlock a world of possibilities for your child's future!

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
31 min
September 20, 2023 How to Break Six Figures in Six Months with Hannah Maruyama (DF#115)
In this second part of our interview with our co-host, Hannah Maruyama, continues sharing her journey from a Junior Salesforce Developer to becoming a successful business analyst, and then landing her current job as Head of Operations for an AI startup.
Discover how she embraced new opportunities, obtained valuable certifications, and advanced her career to earn a six-figure salary. Hannah also discusses transitioning into product roles and the importance of continuously learning technical skills.
What You’ll Learn:
- Hannah’s progression from a call center job to becoming a business analyst, and now as Head of Operations of an AI Startup
- Breaking six figures in just six months through continuous learning and listening to team advice.
- Gaining certifications, negotiating a six-figure salary, and securing roles as a business analyst and Salesforce admin.
- The importance of reading about others' experiences, learning new skills, and incorporating AI into existing skill sets.
- The correlation between technical skills, career potential, and market demand
- The importance of knowing Excel and leveraging AI tools for job efficiency
- The power of focusing on one skill at a time and taking action to achieve career goals
Dive into this episode of the Degree Free Podcast where Hannah Maruyama shares her journey. Whether you're considering a career in business analysis, looking to enhance your technical skills, or questioning the value of a degree, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice.
Don't wait to pursue your dreams, tune in and take the first step towards your successful future!
Tune in to the Degree Free Podcast for more inspiring stories and valuable insights!
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
51 min
September 13, 2023 From Unemployment to $185,000/Year with Hannah Maruyama (DF#114)
We’re switching things up this week!
Hannah Maruyama, the co-host of the podcast is our guest in this first part of a 2 part series. Hannah shares her journey of upskilling and landing a $70,000 job 45 days after unexpectedly being laid off.
Learn how she quickly adapted and took proactive steps to secure a new job with a higher salary. Discover valuable insights on upskilling, job searching, and the importance of feeling in control of your circumstances.
What You’ll Learn:
- Hannah's background, financial literacy, and the speed at which she upskilled and found a new job
- Taking immediate action and not feeling like a victim after losing a job
- Using free resources like Trailhead and Reddit to learn Salesforce administration
- Obtaining Salesforce admin certification after 31 days of studying
- Securing a remote job without a college degree and negotiating a $70,000 salary
- The power of taking immediate action after job loss and exploring different industries
- Hannah's personal journey of upskilling and obtaining a certification to enhance her career prospects
- The importance of research, negotiation, and using valuable resources for job search success
- Insights into the negotiation phase of job interviews and practicing negotiation skills
- Hannah's decision to leave college and pursue alternative career paths
Don't miss next week’s episode where we continue Hannah's journey to becoming a business analyst, and now Head of Operations of an AI Startup.
Tune in to the Degree Free Podcast for more inspiring stories and valuable insights!
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
52 min
September 06, 2023 Creating Success in Tech: Sean’s Journey from Small Tech Roles to Amazon with Sean Dubois (DF#113)
Join us for an inspiring episode of the Degree Free Podcast, where Sean Dubois shares his personal journey of finding tech success without a degree. He discusses how working at Amazon opened doors for him and made job interviews easier. Sean encourages listeners to prioritize personal growth and happiness over societal expectations.
Key Discussion Points:
- Sean and Ryan talk about programming and open-source projects, emphasizing the importance of solving problems you're passionate about and saying yes to opportunities.
- They discuss the benefits of open source projects, such as having control over your destiny and contributing to projects you care about. They also mention the challenges and rewards of creating your own projects.
- The importance of self-discovery and self-actualization in motivating oneself to work hard and succeed is discussed. They highlight the inner motivation to persevere through failures as being more important than specific programming languages or projects.
- Sean talks about finding a niche in the WebRTC space and the concept of doing things in public to create opportunities and connections. They also challenge the significance of job titles in the software industry.
- The conversation tackles the relationship between money and happiness, acknowledging that while money doesn't guarantee happiness, it can provide financial stability and freedom. Personal anecdotes about the impact of financial stability are shared.
- The episode ends with Sean explaining why he helps others, emphasizing paying it forward and the mutual benefit of helping motivated individuals. Ryan reflects on his own experiences and expresses a desire to do more.
- Sean advises that solving personal problems, finding self-confidence, and enjoying what you do can lead to career success and fulfillment.
Don't miss this enlightening episode of the Degree Free Podcast, where Sean Dubois and Ryan Maruyama share their experiences and insights on success, personal growth, and finding happiness. Tune in and be inspired!
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
1 hr 6 min
August 30, 2023Finding Wealth in Relationships: A Customer-Centric Approach to Presales Engineering with Gene Torres (DF#112)
In this week’s episode, Gene Torres, a Senior Presales Engineer, shares his personal journey and valuable insights into the world of presales engineering. We dive into the importance of continuously seeking new opportunities and not settling in your career.
Key Discussion Points:
Overcoming Stereotypes: Gene discusses his initial hesitation about pursuing a career in sales due to negative stereotypes. However, he ultimately found his passion in presales engineering, where he could make a difference by solving problems and evangelizing solutions for customers.
The Role of a Presales Engineer: Gene explains the vital role of presales engineers in building relationships with customers and showcasing how technical solutions align with their specific requirements. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the customer's industry and aligning the solution to improve outcomes for their business.
Challenges and Rewards: Gene shares the rewarding experience of overcoming challenges in his role and the value of knowledge sharing. He highlights the diverse career possibilities and the need for continuous growth and learning in the ever-changing job market.
The Data Protection Industry: Gene provides insights into the data protection industry and how his company, Zerto, specializes in providing disaster recovery software. He highlights the importance of helping companies avoid data loss and disruptions to their business, which can impact revenue and consumer perception.
Building Relationships and Trust: Gene emphasizes the crucial role of building relationships with customers and becoming a trusted advisor. He explains the technical aspects of Zerto's software and how it protects virtual systems in the virtualization environment.
Exploring Opportunities: Gene discusses the importance of exploring opportunities related to one's interests and skills, highlighting the lack of a formal blueprint for becoming a presales engineer. He encourages listeners to set goals and seek new challenges in their career journeys.
Tune in to this week’s episode and gain valuable insights from Gene Torres, as he shares his personal experiences and advice for aspiring presales engineers in the dynamic and ever-evolving tech industry.
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: 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
1 hr 6 min
August 23, 2023How to Become a Content Machine and Building a Business from Scratch with Colton Sakamoto (DF#111)
Join us for an insightful episode as we unravel the journey of Colton Sakamoto, co-founder and former CEO of Infection Points, and currently the Chief Party Officer at Office Party. In this jam-packed conversation, Colton takes us through his remarkable path to success, from humble beginnings to building thriving ventures.
Colton Sakamoto is the Chief Party Officer at The Office Party. Prior to The Office Party, he co-founded Inflection Points, an employment-focused company that helped 1,500+ job seekers start new careers.
In this episode, you'll discover:
How Colton started his entrepreneurial adventure from the comfort of his childhood bedroom, overcoming challenges and eventually selling his company, Inflection Points.
Valuable insights into the world of content creation and its synergies with entrepreneurship, as Colton shares his experiences transitioning from a content creator to co-founding Office Party.
The impact of Colton's decision to pursue an MBA on his career trajectory, with candid reflections if it really added value to his professional growth and decision-making.
Strategies and secrets behind building a loyal following and nurturing a thriving community for aspiring entrepreneurs and content creators.
A glimpse into Colton's visionary ideas for the future of Office Party, including innovative approaches to monetization and platform expansion.
We dive deep into the nuances of entrepreneurship, content creation, and starting a business from scratch.
Whether you're an experienced business owner or contemplating starting a side hustle, there's something valuable for everyone in this episode.
Don't miss the chance to learn from Colton Sakamoto’s journey and insights to elevate your own path to success.
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: 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
1 hr 13 min
August 16, 2023 Learning Beyond the Classroom: From Pool Tech to Tech Solutions Engineer with Matt Walters (DF#110)
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
59 min
August 09, 2023Breaking into Code: How to Launch Your Software Engineering Career with No Experience with Matthew Young, AWS Software Engineer (DF#109)
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
1 hr 1 min
August 02, 2023 Becoming a Software Engineer Without a Degree with Garrett Graves, a Twitch Engineer (DF#108)
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
1 hr 14 min
July 26, 2023 Future-Proof Your Career: Positioning Yourself for Success in the AI Era with Drake Porter (DF#107)
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
1 hr 12 min

About Degree Free

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to Degree Free! It’s our job to share fundamentals we’ve discovered and the mistakes we’ve made while self educating, getting work, building businesses, and making money.

We’ll tell…