Is it possible to become a computer scientist without a degree e.g self taught?

Question

if yes, how?

and can i get a job with Google or Yahoo without a degree?

thanks

Answer 1

Yes, it's possible and I completely agree with the first answer to this question.

If you are really, really good in Computer Science, better than anybody else in this world, by all means, they will hire you.

Answer 2

Computer science seems to be one of those fields in which you can excel without getting a college degree.  My son has done amazing well at Apple.

You may want to specialize.  Are you mainly interested in creating software applications, developing websites, animation,  communication or databases.  I know very little about computers, but I know people are great at any of these could get a job, provided he or she was professional in other ways.

Answer 3

I recently read some articles related to your question, and the short answer to your question is, "Yes, it's possible."  Apparently anyone who has the latest computer skills, who is on the cutting edge, who develops unique software, etc. is in great demand.  You will have to be at the top of your game, and I will share with you how your potential employer, whether it be Google, Yahoo, or whoever, conducts the interview.  First, you will not be interviewed by one person.  The company will get their top computer experts together...perhaps seven or more people.  Each will take turns asking you many specific questions about each particular area of expertise.  You will not be able to B.S. them... they know the answers and will know if you have the answers or if you don't.  Best course of action if you don't know: Admit it.  If you know as much as everyone sitting there, you would command a salary greater than theirs.  You'll be barraged with questions for perhaps hours... they will find out everything you know and don't know.  They will then make a determination as to whether they hire you or not... and if you had plenty of good answers, it won't matter at all if you have a degree or if you don't: it all boils down to how you answer the questions.