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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

In this episode, we delve into fascinating topics that are reshaping the modern workplace and challenging traditional career advice.

First, we explore the age-old question: Is "follow your passion" good advice? We analyze the merits and limitations of this popular mantra, considering its applicability in today's complex and rapidly changing world. We discuss alternative approaches to career fulfillment and offer practical insights for individuals seeking to navigate their professional paths effectively.

Next, we dive into the rise of skill-based hiring and downcredentialing. We examine how employers are shifting their focus from degrees and credentials to specific skill sets, furthering our degree free cause. We discuss multiple scenarios that are happening right now and how you can take advantage of it.

Lastly, we explore the surprising preference of GenZ to work in an office environment rather than embracing remote work. We unpack the reasons behind this generation's unique perspective and its implications for the future of work.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into the changing landscape of work, the importance of skills, and the nuances of pursuing personal passions in today's ever-evolving professional world.

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

In this episode of the "Biggest Job Lies" series, we delve into the deceptive claim frequently heard in the professional world: "We Only Want What's Best For You." 

Join us as we expose the hidden motives behind this seemingly supportive statement and uncover the potential pitfalls it conceals. 

Don't miss this thought-provoking episode that reveals the truth behind this lie and learn what you can do instead!

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

Thinking about going back to college? It's a big decision, no doubt. 

The idea of expanding your knowledge, exploring new career possibilities, or pursuing a passion can be incredibly exciting. 

But here's the thing – is it really worth it?

That’s why in this episode, we’ll be discussing a framework that can help you decide whether it’s worth it for you to go back to college. Whether you’re getting another bachelor’s degree or pursuing higher education, this framework will help you decide and weigh your options.

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

In this episode, we discuss how to use job references effectively. We’ll uncover the right approach to leverage this powerful tool for career success. Discover practical tips to make the most of your references, what you should and what you shouldn’t do to get the job you want.

Next, we delve into the concerning trend of declining college enrollment. Why are fewer people choosing college? We explore the factors behind this decline, including rising costs and alternative education paths. We also explore the effects of declining college enrollment to our economy. 

Join us for an insightful episode as we demystify job references and declining college enrollment!

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

Thinking of changing your career path but don't know where to start? Check out our job change accelerator course: degreefree.co/jobchange