Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share The NoDegree Podcast
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
The NoDegree Podcast
By The NoDegree PodcastNews
The NoDegree Podcast episodes
- How I Wrote and Published a Book My Journey and Lessons Learned
Writing and publishing a book is not easy.
2 min - The Truth About College: You're Being Sold Something
Many people decide to go to college based on advice from friends and family. Here's why that can be a problem
3 min - From 1.1 GPA Highschooler to 6-Figure Software Developer–Marcus Young | EP206
Ever wonder what it's like to break into the tech world without a fancy college degree? Marcus shares his journey from barely graduating high school to becoming a self-taught developer. Forget the typical route — Marcus shares how he went from dreaming about mechanical engineering to hitting up a coding boot camp and scoring interviews with a killer resume. He dishes out real talk on what it takes to be job-ready versus just interview-ready and shares why knowing your tech stuff inside out is key. Plus, Marcus and Jonaed get into the nitty-gritty of DIY projects, leveling up your skills, and dodging the pitfalls of bouncing between jobs. So, if you're curious about cracking the code to a career in tech, tune in for some straight-up wisdom and hindsight advice from these two pros.
Key Points Discussed
- The job market in 2023 and 2024 is challenging, with limited job opportunities and companies not investing as much.
- Having a good resume is crucial in getting interviews and standing out in a competitive job market.
- Being job-ready and interview-ready are two different things, and it's important to have a foundational knowledge of the technologies you work with.
- Projects and self-learning outside of formal education can be valuable in gaining practical skills and deepening understanding. Building your own projects is a valuable way to learn and grow as a developer.
- Upskilling and expanding your knowledge in different technologies can make you more competent and resourceful.
- Job hopping can have its pros and cons, and it's important to weigh the stability and long-term prospects of each opportunity.
- The job interview process can be challenging, and it's important to be prepared and adaptable.
- Reflecting on past mistakes and learning from them is crucial for personal and professional growth.
- Taking care of your physical and mental health is essential for overall well-being and success.
Timestamps
(0:00) Introduction to the episode and today's guest, Marcus Young(1:30) Marcus Young's background and struggles with job applications(4:11) The reality of boot camp promises versus job market realities(7:24) Marcus' experience with Hack Reactor boot camp(9:41) The importance of self-learning beyond boot camp(12:22) Addressing the lack of a college degree during interviews(15:03) Sponsor: Get Your Dream Career Course(15:56) Learning and upskilling techniques(19:51) Importance of personal projects in tech(25:51) Financial implications of job transitionsSupport/Contact Marcus:
-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusyoung777/Books and resources mentioned in this podcast:
- Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca
Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND
Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn
- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB
- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG
- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW
Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.
Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com
38 min - From 1.1 GPA Highschooler to 6-Figure Software Developer–Marcus Young | EP207
Ever wonder what it's like to break into the tech world without a fancy college degree? Marcus shares his journey from barely graduating high school to becoming a self-taught developer. Forget the typical route —Marcus shares how he went from dreaming about mechanical engineering to hitting up a coding bootcamp and scoring interviews with a killer resume. He dishes out real talk on what it takes to be job-ready versus just interview-ready and shares why knowing your tech stuff inside out is key. Plus, Marcus and Jonaed get into the nitty-gritty of DIY projects, leveling up your skills, and dodging the pitfalls of bouncing between jobs. So, if you're curious about cracking the code to a career in tech, tune in for some straight-up wisdom and hindsight advice from these two pros.
Timestamps:
- (0:00) Introduction to the episode and today's guest, Marcus Young
- (1:30) Marcus Young's background and struggles with job applications
- (4:11) The reality of boot camp promises versus job market realities
- (7:24) Marcus' experience with Hack Reactor boot camp
- (9:41) The importance of self-learning beyond boot camp
- (12:22) Addressing the lack of a college degree during interviews
- (15:03) Sponsor: Get Your Dream Career Course
- (15:56) Learning and upskilling techniques
- (19:51) Importance of personal projects in tech
- (25:51) Financial implications of job transitions
- (36:56) Closing remarks and gratitude
- (37:19) Sponsor: Support NoDegree on Patreon
Key points discussed:
- The job market in 2023 and 2024 is challenging, with limited job opportunities and companies not investing as much.
- Having a good resume is crucial in getting interviews and standing out in a competitive job market.
- Being job-ready and interview-ready are two different things, and it's important to have a foundational knowledge of the technologies you work with.
- Projects and self-learning outside of formal education can be valuable in gaining practical skills and deepening understanding. Building your own projects is a valuable way to learn and grow as a developer.
- Upskilling and expanding your knowledge in different technologies can make you more competent and resourceful.
- Job hopping can have its pros and cons, and it's important to weigh the stability and long-term prospects of each opportunity.
- The job interview process can be challenging, and it's important to be prepared and adaptable.
- Reflecting on past mistakes and learning from them is crucial for personal and professional growth.
- Taking care of your physical and mental health is essential for overall well-being and success.
Support/Contact Marcus:
-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusyoung777/
Books and resources mentioned in this podcast:
- Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca
Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND
Connect with us on social media!
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn
- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB
- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG
- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW
- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V
Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.
Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.
39 min - How this Latina College Drop Out Worked at Adobe, Disney and Google—Alejandra Ayala | E206 (E68 Republished)
Her parents weren’t worried about her education. But it’s not because they didn’t care. Alejandra Ayala is Mexican and says her immigrant parents’ main concern was to ensure they were providing a roof over their kids’ head.
Listen in as Alejandra tells Jonaed why she finally gave up on college and how an unlikely skill helped her to land jobs at places like Adobe, Disney and Google.
Get in touch and/or support Alejandra here:
- LinkedIn
Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND
Connect with us on social media!
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn
- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB
- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG
- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW
- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V
Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.
Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.
1 hr 6 min - How a Dyslexic Introvert Became a Microsoft Cloud Architect–Reginald Davis | E211
Reginald Davis opens up on his early struggles with dyslexia and being an introvert. He explains his experience as a kid with dyslexia in school and the support he got from his mom and teachers. He shares some practical tips he used to boost his communication skills, such as recording himself speaking and practicing better communication. Reginald points out how AI tools like Microsoft Copilot have helped to ease the stress of writing for him. He also emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding.
From janitor to IT pro at Microsoft, his journey shows the power of taking risks and believing in oneself.
Key Points Discussed
- Dyslexia can present challenges in writing and communication, but with practice and support, individuals can improve their skills.
- Having a supportive network, including teachers, parents, and mentors, is crucial for overcoming challenges and achieving success.
- Believing in oneself and taking risks can lead to long-term career growth and opportunities.
- It's important to focus on one's strengths and find ways to excel in areas where one has natural abilities.
- Navigating the workplace as an introvert can be challenging, but preparation and self-reflection can help in overcoming these challenges. AI tools like Microsoft Copilot can greatly assist individuals in improving their writing and communication skills, allowing them to overcome challenges and build their personal brand.
- Empathy and understanding are crucial in supporting individuals with different struggles, and private conversations can be more effective in offering help and support.
- Surrounding oneself with good people and focusing on personal growth are essential for overcoming challenges and achieving success.
- Podcasts like DEM Tech Folks provide a platform for inclusive and authentic conversations about diverse experiences in the tech industry.
Timestamps
00:00 Reginald Davis' Journey: Overcoming Dyslexia and Introversion
03:20 Strategies for Improving Communication Skills06:14 Understanding and Working with Learning Disabilities07:08 Recognizing Strengths for Success10:34 The Power of Problem-Solving Abilities22:42 Breaking into Microsoft: Experience and Support23:29 Taking Risks and Betting on Yourself25:24 The Power of AI Tools26:15 Authenticity, Diversity, and Inclusivity in the Tech Industry29:03 Empathy and Understanding: Supporting Others33:26 Building a Personal Brand and Inspiring OthersSupport/Contact Reginald:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-j-davis-mcsa-mct-itil-970ba77/
- DEM Tech Folks: https://linktr.ee/developeverymind
Books and resources mentioned in this podcast:
- Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca
Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND
Connect with us on social media!
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn
- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB
- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG
- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW
Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.
Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com
47 min - Get Paid More: Become a Salary Negotiation Pro with These Guidelines – Brandon Bramley | E207
Salary negotiation can seem intimidating to some. Lead Negotiator, Brandon Bramley,@thesalarynegotiator addresses common concerns that arise during this critical recruitment stage. Brandon and Jonaed dispel typical myths about job offer negotiation, discuss the importance of leverage, and provide insights on when and how to negotiate. They stress the importance of research, preparation, and professionalism during such discussions. They also highlight the potential for substantial increases in total compensation and the need to showcase value and advocate for oneself.
Key Points Discussed
- Employers are often willing to negotiate job offers, so it's important to advocate for yourself and not be afraid to ask for more.
- Leverage in negotiations comes from the fact that companies have invested time and resources in the hiring process and want to secure their chosen candidate.
- Having another offer can provide internal leverage and confidence, but it's not always necessary for successful negotiation.
- Negotiating salary is a professional conversation, not a confrontational bartering technique. It should be approached with research, data, and a reasonable request.
- Job titles and degree requirements should not limit negotiation potential. It's important to focus on the value and skills you bring to the table.
- Successful negotiation can lead to significant increases in total compensation and career advancement.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Salary Negotiation and Guest Introduction03:16 Debunking Common Myths About Job Offer Negotiations05:08 Understanding Leverage and Power Dynamics in Negotiations07:29 Strategies for Negotiating Job Offers with Confidence09:25 The Importance of Demonstrating Value in Negotiations15:29 Negotiating Salary Without a Degree: Breaking the MythSupport/Contact Brandon:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonbramley
- Website: https://www.thesalarynegotiator.com/
Books and resources mentioned in this podcast:
- Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca
Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND
Connect with us on social media!
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn
- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB
- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG
- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW
Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.
Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.
32 min - Had encounters with the law? A look at Fair-Chance Hiring & Opportunities | EP 213
Jonaed interviews Khalilah KO Olokunola, a senior advisor for TalentNova and founder of Reengineering HR, about skills-first hiring and navigating the workforce for justice-impacted individuals. They discuss the challenges faced by justice-impacted individuals in finding employment, the importance of community support, the impact of Ban-the-Box policies, and the skills and certifications that justice-impacted individuals possess. They also explore the process of building confidence, the rights of justice-impacted individuals in the hiring process, and the future of fair-chance hiring. Khalilah shares insights into TalentNova, a platform that provides career tools and resources for justice-impacted individuals.
Key Points Discussed
- Justice-impacted individuals face unique challenges in finding employment, and community support is crucial in navigating the workforce.
- Ban-the-Box policies have been instrumental in giving justice-impacted individuals a fair chance at employment by removing questions about criminal records from job applications.
- Justice-impacted individuals possess valuable skills such as resilience, loyalty, teamwork, and leadership, which can be translated into the workplace.
- Listing jobs and certifications obtained while serving time can help fill employment gaps and showcase relevant experience and skills.
- Building confidence during the job search process is essential, and it can be achieved through community support, self-reflection, and positive language.
- Seeking out community-based organizations that provide resume assistance, interview coaching, and other resources can greatly benefit justice-impacted individuals.
- Knowing and exercising one's rights in the hiring process, such as when to disclose criminal history, can help level the playing field for justice-impacted individuals.
- The future of fair-chance hiring involves collaboration between employers, community organizations, and technology platforms to create opportunities and remove barriers for justice-impacted individuals.
- TalentNova is a platform that offers career tools, including resume and cover letter builders, interview courses, and coaching, to support justice-impacted individuals in their job search and career advancement.
Timestamps
Support/Contact Khalilah:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalilahequips
- Website: https://reengineeringhr.com/
Books and resources mentioned in this podcast:
- Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca
- TalentNova: https://talentnova.com/
- Dress for Success: https://dressforsuccess.org/
Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND
Connect with us on social media!
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn
Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB
Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG
Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW
Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.
Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com
37 min - Newspaper Boy to World-Famous Soccer Agent: How You Can Do It Too–John Viola | E205
He got his start as an entrepreneur at the age of eight. He had a newspaper route. Today, John Viola is a successful soccer agent. This week he discusses the challenges faced and mistakes made along the way and emphasizes the importance of passion and hard work in achieving success. John also highlights the impact of AI in the soccer industry and the opportunities it presents. He shares inspiring stories of players he has represented and the satisfaction he derives from helping them achieve their dreams. John aims to pass on his knowledge and mentor aspiring soccer agents through his academy.
Key Points Discussed
- Passion and hard work are keys to success in any career.
- Mistakes are opportunities for growth and learning.
- The soccer industry is constantly evolving, and embracing new technologies like AI can lead to new opportunities.
- Helping others achieve their dreams can be incredibly rewarding.
- A college degree is not a prerequisite for success in the soccer agent industry.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction: From Selling Newspapers to Becoming a Top Soccer Agent 01:28 The Role of a Soccer Agent: Negotiating Contracts, Scouting Players, and Networking 04:10 Transitioning Careers: From Electrician to Financial Services to Soccer Agent 06:31 Becoming a FIFA Agent and Building a Successful Career 11:22 The Evolution of the Football Industry: Changes and the Impact of Technology 14:19 Overcoming Challenges: Perseverance and Learning from Mistakes 23:45 Inspiring Stories: Helping Players Achieve Their Dreams 26:12 Navigating Difficult Times: Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated 27:36 Teaching and Mentoring: Passing on Knowledge to Aspiring Soccer Agents 29:04 Opportunities for Aspiring Soccer Agents: Fast-Tracking Careers and Building Success 32:28 An Inspirational Story: From McDonald's Delivery Guy to Successful Soccer Agent 35:22 Final Thoughts: Pursuing Passion and Finding Fulfillment in the Soccer Agent Industry
Support/Contact John:
-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-viola-8a642641/
-Website: https://www.451fc.com/
Books and resources mentioned in this podcast:
- Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca
Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND
Connect with us on social media!
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn
- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB
- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG
- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW
- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V
Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.
Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.
37 min - Newspaper Boy to World-Famous Soccer Agent: How You Can Do It Too–John Viola | EP205
He got his start as an entrepreneur at the age of eight. He sold newspapers. Today, John Viola is a successful soccer agent. This week he discusses the challenges faced and mistakes made along the way and emphasizes the importance of passion and hard work in achieving success. John also highlights the impact of AI in the soccer industry and the opportunities it presents. He shares inspiring stories of players he has represented and the satisfaction he derives from helping them achieve their dreams. John aims to pass on his knowledge and mentor aspiring soccer agents through his academy.
Key Points Discussed
- Passion and hard work are keys to success in any career.
- Mistakes are opportunities for growth and learning.
- The soccer industry is constantly evolving, and embracing new technologies like AI can lead to new opportunities.
- Helping others achieve their dreams can be incredibly rewarding.
- A college degree is not a prerequisite for success in the soccer agent industry.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction: From Selling Newspapers to Becoming a Top Soccer Agent01:28 The Role of a Soccer Agent: Negotiating Contracts, Scouting Players, and Networking04:10 Transitioning Careers: From Electrician to Financial Services to Soccer Agent06:31 Becoming a FIFA Agent and Building a Successful Career11:22 The Evolution of the Football Industry: Changes and the Impact of Technology14:19 Overcoming Challenges: Perseverance and Learning from Mistakes23:45 Inspiring Stories: Helping Players Achieve Their Dreams26:12 Navigating Difficult Times: Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated27:36 Teaching and Mentoring: Passing on Knowledge to Aspiring Soccer Agents29:04 Opportunities for Aspiring Soccer Agents: Fast-Tracking Careers and Building Success32:28 An Inspirational Story: From McDonald's Delivery Guy to Successful Soccer Agent35:22 Final Thoughts: Pursuing Passion and Finding Fulfillment in the Soccer Agent IndustrySupport/Contact John:
-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-viola-8a642641/-Website: https://www.451fc.com/Books and resources mentioned in this podcast:
- Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca
Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND
Connect with us on social media!
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn
- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB
- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG
- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW
Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.
Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.s
36 min
About The NoDegree Podcast
From the publisher's feed
The NoDegree Podcast – No Degree Success Stories for Job Searching, Careers, and Entrepreneurship No Degree? No Problem! The NoDegree Podcast helps those without degrees figure out the opportunities…
that are available to them. Get career advice and learn how to navigate and succeed without a degree. NoDegree interviews successful people without college degrees to figure out what made them successful. Learn how they got into their respective fields and listen to the advice they have so you can follow in their path. www.nodegree.fm www.nodegree.com 200+ LinkedIn reviews linkedin.com/in/jonaed twitter.com/NoDegreeDotCom facebook.com/nodegreeinc instagram.com/nodegreepodcast patreon.com/nodegree Press: [email protected]