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Degree Free

Degree Free

210 episodes — Page 3 of 5

Ep 111Breaking 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

Aug 9, 20231h 0m

Ep 110Becoming 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

Aug 2, 20231h 13m

Ep 109Future-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

Jul 26, 20231h 11m

Ep 108Debunking ’Follow Your Passion’ as Career Advice, The Rise of Downcredentialing & Skill Based Hiring (DF#106)

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

Jul 19, 202336 min

Ep 107Biggest Job Lies #4: “We Only Want What’s Best For You” (DF#105)

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

Jul 12, 202325 min

Ep 106Use This Framework If You’re Thinking About Going (Back) to College (DF#104)

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

Jul 5, 202332 min

Ep 105Mastering Job References & The Decline Of College Enrollment (DF#103)

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

Jun 28, 202333 min

Ep 104How to Make Difficult Decisions and Why I Decided to Give Up Firefighting (DF#102)

Changing careers is tough and you’re always faced with difficult decisions! In this episode, we delve into a comprehensive framework that will help you tackle difficult decisions with confidence and clarity. Making tough choices is overwhelming, but armed with our practical step-by-step approach, you'll be equipped to make the right decision when the time comes. We also explore the personal journey of our host, Ryan, who made a bold decision to leave behind a career as a firefighter to pursue the creation of this very podcast. We’ll go over the decision making framework through his experience making the most difficult decision of his life: leaving firefighting. We’ll highlight the teachings so you can apply this framework to your tough decisions. Tune in to learn how to make difficult decisions and learn how embracing change will lead to personal and professional growth. This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing a difficult decision or seeking inspiration to pursue a new career! 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

Jun 21, 202357 min

Ep 103Why College Degrees Shouldn’t Be Required For Entry Level Jobs & Unveiling the Truth Behind ”Highest Paying Jobs for College Grads” (DF#101)

In this episode, we're diving deep into thought-provoking topics that challenge conventional wisdom when it comes to education and job prospects. First, we delve into the fascinating evolution of job requirements and how college degrees transformed from a luxury to a near-necessity in the professional world. Then, we discuss why a college degree shouldn't be necessary for every job, especially at the entry-level. We'll delve into the benefits of skills-based hiring, the changing landscape of work, and the pitfalls of overly relying on credentials. Finally, we dive into numerous articles about “high paying jobs for workers with (or without) college degrees”. We’ll see how accurate those are and learn which high-paying jobs actually require a college degree. Tune in to this eye-opening episode of the Degree Free Podcast as we challenge the status quo and explore the changing dynamics of college and employment. Join us as we strive to empower individuals and encourage a more inclusive and nuanced perspective on Degree Free career development! 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

Jun 14, 202323 min

Ep 102Welcome to the Degree Free Community | New? Start Here! (DF#100)

Welcome to Degree Free! We're excited to have you join us on your journey toward career success. In the degree free network, we support and encourage those who have taken a different path, one that doesn't rely on traditional education. The Degree Free Podcast is designed specifically for individuals like you who have chosen alternative paths to success. By listening to this podcast, you'll gain valuable insights, inspiration, and practical advice from experts and professionals who have excelled in their respective fields, no degree needed! The first thing you should do is join The Degree Free Network! By connecting with like-minded individuals, you'll find a supportive network of peers who understand and appreciate your journey. This community will provide valuable guidance, support, and inspiration as you navigate your career path, helping you stay motivated and connected to others who share your goals and aspirations. You’ll also gain access to our free resources and courses such as the 7 Day Get Hired Challenge and The 5 Degree Free Pathways Course. These courses will help you get started on your degree free journey. You’ll be able to identify which degree free path fits you the most, gain valuable job hunting skills, and guess what, they’re all free! You’ll also gain access to free resources to help you with your job search, such as career change roadmaps, job trackers, exclusive Q&A sessions, and more! Don't let degree and experience requirements hold you back from getting the work you want and changing your life. Stand your ground, and apply fearlessly! Good luck on your journey! 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 Changing careers and want personalized career support? Check out our Job Change Accelerator Course: https://degreefree.co/careerchange/

Jun 7, 202332 min

Ep 101From Solitude to Success: Transforming Your Job Search with the Degree Free Network (DF#99)

Looking for a job can feel lonely and isolating. When we're trying to find a job, we often send out many applications, face rejections, and get no response to our emails. The whole process of creating resumes, going to interviews, and waiting for a reply can be really tough on our morale. It can be lonely and demotivating. That's why we made the Degree Free Network! In this episode, we talk about how important it is to have a community when you're looking for a job without a degree. When you join The Degree Free Network, you’ll get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll be able to network with other Degree Free people who are all leveling up and reaching their professional goals. What’s more? You’ll gain access to our free courses and resources! Grow together and be part of a community that is committed to helping each other succeed! Join the Degree Free Network at degreefree.co/network! Sign up for the 5 Degree Free Pathways Course waitlist: https://degreefree.co/pathways To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Ready to get the job you want? https://degreefree.co/careerchange Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

May 31, 202323 min

Ep 10014 Tips to Use ChatGPT In Your Job Search (DF#98)

ChatGPT is taking the world by storm! In this episode, we dive into the world of artificial intelligence and explore how you can use ChatGPT as your secret weapon in the job search. Join us as we break down the ways you can leverage ChatGPT to supercharge your job search. We'll share tips on crafting compelling resumes and cover letters, acing interviews, and standing out in a competitive job market. We’ll teach you how to use ChatGPT to tailor your job search materials to specific job requirements. We'll explore its capabilities to analyze job descriptions, provide industry-specific keywords, and offer suggestions for optimizing your resume's content and format. You’ll also learn how to use ChatGPT as your virtual interview prep partner. We'll discuss techniques for refining your responses to common questions, and receiving personalized feedback to help you enhance your performance. We’ll show you how to maximize the benefits of ChatGPT in the job search process. This episode is packed with actionable tips to level up your job search game, so tune in! Sign up for the 5 Degree Free Pathways Course waitlist: https://degreefree.co/pathways To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Ready to get the job you want? https://degreefree.co/careerchange Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

May 24, 202348 min

Ep 99Nearly Half of Undergrads Are Considering Dropping Out, MBA Grads Getting Paid Not To Work & Iowa Expanding Health Careers Through A $13.5M Apprenticeship Program (DF#97)

Welcome to today's episode where we'll be discussing some interesting and surprising news stories from the degree free world! First up, we'll be taking a look at a recent survey that found nearly half of undergrad students are considering dropping out of their programs. Next, we'll delve into the controversial topic of MBA graduates getting paid not to work. Yes, you heard that right! More companies are offering MBA graduates to simply not work for a set period of time. Lastly, we'll turn our attention to Iowa, where a new $13.5 million apprenticeship program is set to expand health career opportunities in the state. We'll look at the benefits of apprenticeships as a way to train workers and boost the economy. Join us for this engaging episode as we explore these fascinating topics and more! Sign up for the 5 Degree Free Pathways Course waitlist: https://degreefree.co/pathways To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Ready to get the job you want? https://degreefree.co/careerchange Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

May 17, 202346 min

Ep 98The 5 Degree Free Pathways (DF#96)

In today's episode, we're going to talk about the million-dollar question: What can you do instead of going to college? We'll be exploring the 5 pathways that you can take instead of going to college. We'll discuss different paths such as earning a license/certification, apprenticeships, building a business, and more! By the end of the episode, you'll have a deep understanding of different alternatives to college so that you can reach your career goals without taking student debt and studying for years. Enjoy the episode! Sign up for the 5 Degree Free Pathways Course waitlist: https://degreefree.co/pathways To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Ready to get the job you want? https://degreefree.co/careerchange Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

May 10, 202347 min

Ep 97Certify Your Success: How to Use Certifications to Stand Out in the Job Market with Matt Scicchitano (DF#95)

In this episode, we meet Matt Scicchitano, manager at SAS Global Certification Program. We're going to explore how certifications can help you advance in your career and catch the attention of potential employers. We'll discuss why certifications are valuable in today's job market. With so many candidates vying for the same positions, having a certification can demonstrate to employers that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your field. This is extremely relevant especially if you're interested in IT certifications! By the end of this episode, you'll have a better understanding of how certifications can give you a competitive edge in the job market, and how to effectively leverage them to advance your career. So, let's get started! Matt Scicchitano has over 15 years of experience in IT certification, assessment, and credentialing and has held various roles in operations, development, and management. He is currently the manager of the SAS Global Certification Program | | He is passionate about advancement in certification and assessment through technology and innovation. To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Ready to get the job you want? https://degreefree.co/careerchange Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

May 3, 20231h 5m

Ep 96The Rise of Contract Work, Why College Is Making People Miserable, Another State Getting Rid of Degree Requirements (DF#94)

Today, we'll be exploring three fascinating topics that are shaping the future of work and education. First, we'll be discussing the rise of contract work. In recent years, there has been a significant shift away from traditional full-time employment towards contract work. We'll examine why this trend is happening and what it means for workers and companies. We'll also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of contract work, including flexibility and job security. Next, we'll dive into why college is making people miserable. While higher education has long been considered a path to success and fulfillment, we'll explore why it's become the opposite recently. Finally, we'll take a look at New Jersey's decision to get rid of degree requirements for state jobs. In an effort to increase access to jobs and promote a more equitable workforce, the state is eliminating degree requirements for dozens of professions. We'll explore the implications of this decision and what it could mean for the future of work and education. Join us for this insightful episode as we explore these fascinating topics and what they mean for the future of work and education. To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Ready to get the job you want? https://degreefree.co/careerchange Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Apr 26, 202332 min

Ep 95Lying On Your Resume, ChatGPT vs College & How Many Applications To Land a Job (DF#93)

Welcome to this week's episode of the Degree Free Podcast! In today's episode, we're going to talk about a topic that is often considered taboo in the job search process: lying on your resume. We'll explore the reasons why people might be tempted to exaggerate their skills, education, or experience. We'll also touch on the potential consequences of lying on your resume, including the statistics behind it. Next, we're going to explore a topic that has been on the minds of many in the education world: how ChatGPT will affect college. We'll discuss the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the traditional college experience. Finally, we'll discuss the average number of applications that job seekers submit before getting an interview and receiving an offer. We also discussed tips for maximizing your chances of success. Enjoy the episode! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Ready to get the job you want? https://degreefree.co/careerchange Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Apr 19, 202341 min

Ep 94Which Jobs Are Going To Be Replaced by AI? & The Unrealistic Salary Expectations Of College Grads (DF#92)

Today, we're diving into two hot topics: college graduates' unrealistic salary expectations and which jobs are going to be replaced by AI. First, let's talk about salary expectations. It's no secret that many students enter their college journey with the expectation that they'll be earning six-figure salaries upon graduation. But the reality is often very different. In this episode, we're exploring why this is the case and what is the actual median salary for college graduates. But it's not just salary expectations that are changing. The rise of artificial intelligence is also shaking up the job market in a big way. Some jobs that were once thought to be safe from automation are now at risk of being replaced by AI technology. We'll be exploring which jobs are likely to be affected and which are not. But don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom. We'll also be discussing some of the exciting new job opportunities that are emerging thanks to AI technology. Be sure to tune in! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Ready to get the job you want? https://degreefree.co/careerchange Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Apr 12, 202332 min

Ep 933 Lessons From a Degree Free Billionaire, The New Collar Workforce & What’s The Deal With Honorary Degrees? (DF#91)

Today, we're gonna be talking about a variety of topics. We'll also feature our very first degree free billionaire! First, we'll dive into the world of honorary degrees. Have you ever wondered what an honorary degree is? We'll talk about why Taylor Swift has one and why it's just a marketing ploy! Then, we'll explore the concept of the "new collar" workforce, a concept created by Harvard Business Review. We'll talk about why it shouldn't exist and how it relates to the degree free movement. Finally, we'll take a look at the story of Michael Dell, the billionaire who founded Dell Technologies with just $1000 and dropped out of college to pursue his dream of starting his own business. We'll discuss three important lessons we can learn from his journey that can help us achieve our own goals. Join us as we explore these fascinating topics and uncover insights that can help you achieve your own goals! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Ready to get the job you want? https://degreefree.co/careerchange Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Apr 5, 202330 min

Ep 92PA Drops Degree Requirements For 92% of Jobs, UPS Drivers vs. Doctors, Who Makes More?, And Why You Should Never Say You’re Unqualified (DF#90)

Welcome to today's episode! Today, we'll be discussing hot topics and news related to education, jobs, and career prospects. First, we'll dive into the recent decision made by Pennsylvania to drop degree requirements for 92% of jobs. This move has been made with the aim to open up job opportunities to a larger segment of the population and to address the skills gap in the workforce. We'll explore the implications of this decision and what it could mean for the future of work and education. Next, we'll be comparing two vastly different professions - UPS drivers and doctors - and asking the question, who makes more? While the salary expectations of doctors are often considered to be quite high, we'll be taking a closer look at the earning potential of UPS drivers and comparing the two professions. It's an interesting and surprising analysis that might challenge some of our preconceived notions about what constitutes a high-paying job. Finally, we'll delve into the topic of unrealistic salary expectations of college graduates. Many students leave college with a high amount of debt and a perception that they'll be earning a comfortable salary soon after graduation. However, the reality is often quite different. We'll be discussing why these expectations exist, and if is it really worth getting a college degree. Join us as we explore these topics and enjoy the episode! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Ready to get the job you want? https://degreefree.co/careerchange Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Mar 29, 202329 min

Ep 91A Mindset Shift To Change Your Life (DF#89)

Today we're gonna be talking about the mindset shift that changed our lives, and we wholeheartedly believe can change your life too! In this episode, we discuss: • How to make smart choices to get outsized returns for your career and life • Why you're not gonna be able to retire early if you just save • Why it's very easy to compare yourself to everybody else's success and what you can do about it • Putting your efforts in the right place Ryan and Hannah also talked about how why multitasking isn't a thing. To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Ready to get the job you want? https://degreefree.co/careerchange Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Mar 22, 202321 min

Ep 90Tech Giant Pays College Grads NOT to Work for Them, Mass Hiring and Mass Layoffs? (DF#88)

Today, we’re doing something different, something new! We're discussing 3 different topics, sort of like a variety show. And so, our topics for today are: • A realistic timeline for finding a job • Crazytown. Record hiring and mass layoffs, at the same time? • Why Amazon is paying college grads NOT to hire them? We also read some of your reviews and thank you so much for writing them! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Ready to get the job you want? https://degreefree.co/careerchange Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Mar 15, 202350 min

Ep 897 Tricks to Make Your Interviewer Love You (DF#87)

Obviously, there are interview questions and prep that you have to do to prepare for your interviews. You have to be ready for the generic questions: - Tell me about yourself - Do you have any questions? - Why do you want to work for this company? But, that’s not what we’re going to talk about today. We can cover those in another episode! Today, we’re going to go over 7 tricks you can use to get your interviewer to love you. All 7 of them are very simple and can absolutely be put into practice on your next interview. We’ve personally used every single one of these techniques. Ryan used to be terrible at interviewing. Now he’s not as terrible because he uses these techniques. He even uses these when interviewing people for the podcast! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Ready to get the job you want? https://degreefree.co/careerchange Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Mar 8, 202320 min

Ep 88How to Make Your Career Change (DF#86)

Today, we are stoked to announce that we have created a course to bring all of the strategies we’ve taught on this podcast and throughout the years into one system that helps people change careers! We get a ton of messages from people wanting our help to teach themselves new skills, get better jobs, or make career changes, and we wanted to make something that would get people what they want! If you're ready to take the leap and pursue a new career path, tune in to the full episode to learn about our career change crash course. We'll talk about how it'll help you transition to a new career to land your dream job, who it is for, and how you can apply. If you want to learn more: https://degreefree.co/careerchange/

Mar 1, 202314 min

Ep 87How to Break into Marketing with No Degree or Experience with James Stewart (DF#85)

In today’s competitive job market, it can be challenging to stand out and secure your dream marketing job, especially if you don’t have a degree or experience. But don’t let that discourage you! In this episode, we share valuable tips and insights on how to get a marketing job without a degree or experience. Our guest, James Stewart, is a marketing expert with over a decade of experience in the field. He worked his way up working for startups, eventually landing a job at Adobe and then now working as a Head of Data & Analytics at GoHunt. He shares practical advice on how to build your marketing skills, gain experience from scratch and land a marketing job! Whether you’re a recent graduate looking to break into the marketing industry or someone looking to make a career change, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and discover actionable tips and advice on how to land your dream marketing job without a degree or experience. To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Feb 22, 202359 min

Ep 86Launch Your Salesforce Career: Everything You Need to Know with Bradley Rice (DF#84)

Want to earn a tech salary without coding? Then this episode with Bradley Rice is for you! In this episode, we talk about how you can start your career in tech through Salesforce Certifications. As most of you know, Hannah got her start in tech through the Salesforce Admin certification, and Bradley helps people get those certifications and launch their careers in Salesforce. We also talked about how to start networking the right way and grow your network on Linkedin. This episode is value-packed with actionable advice, so tune in! --- Bradley Rice is the leading expert on salesforce Careers & the modern job market. - He positioned himself to be financially independent at 31 years old after growing up as a cattle farmer. - As a Salesforce professional he made $35k at 22 and by 27 was making $225k working 20 hours per week. - Bradley was not ready to call his professional life complete, he wanted to show others the path he had discovered. - He then started a company called TalentStacker to help anyone and everyone understand how to start a Salesforce career with no tech background, no degree, and no coding. To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Feb 15, 20231h 3m

Ep 85Unlock Opportunities in Operations - No Degree Needed! with Diana Spencer (DF#83)

Today our guest is Diana Spencer, and we go over everything that you need to know in order to transition your career into operations. We talk about what operation is and how to make your transition into that field if you're not already in it. We talk about how she initially got into operations as a bookkeeper and how she initially got the job by lying on her resume and learning quickly how to do the job and becoming really proficient at it. ----- Diana has had over a decade of experience working in Operations. Starting as a bookkeeper at age 18, Diana quickly and quite successfully rose within each company she's been employed with. She contributes her success to nothing more than strategy and the willingness to learn. "If you play the game of business and play it right, you can move into any position that interests you. Decide what you want, then define vividly what you need to do to get it. Then EXECUTE! Just get in and get started." Diana believes that all opportunities are in front of us (those without a degree) and we just need to take them. "Pick up a book, join networking events on - there are no excuses, it can be done virtually on LinkedIn. Surround yourself with everyone you can learn from and ask questions. Moving to a position of running companies with 50-100 employees - I drool over employees that want to learn. They are few and far between. Be the few and your competition WILL shrink." To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Feb 8, 20231h 11m

Ep 84Level Up Your Career: Achieving Tech Success Without a Degree with Billy Cosentino (DF#82)

In this episode, we talk to Billy Cosentino to discuss the key skills and strategies that helped him succeed in the IT sector, no degree needed! From coding bootcamps to networking, we'll cover all the steps you can take to get your foot in the door. Whether you're a recent high school graduate, a career changer, or someone looking to make a pivot, this episode will provide valuable insights and inspiration for anyone looking to break into the tech world and have a successful tech career. So tune in and listen to this value-packed episode! Billy Cosentino has been working in the Information Technology world officially since 1999 when he got his first job as an entry-level helpdesk support rep. From there, he climbed the ranks to where he is now which is working as a migration consultant. There were no shortcuts, no "secrets", no gimmicks, or anything magical to get where he is now which is quite successful. It was a combination of many "things" that will be discussed in this episode. And all this was without a college degree. To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Feb 1, 20231h 12m

Ep 83Worst Failures #3: Waiting For The Right Idea - Ep. 81

We’ve all been there, waiting for the right idea to hit us so that we can begin working on a creative project or task. We think that waiting will lead us to success but it turns out waiting for the right idea will lead you nowhere. In this episode, we talk about: - Why ideas are only as good as their implementation; merely having an idea does not guarantee success or progress. - How waiting for the right idea costs us years of our life - Simple steps that anyone can take to bring their ideas from concept to reality. Ryan and Hannah also shared tips and resources to help you break off the idea loop. Enjoy the episode! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Jan 25, 202339 min

Ep 82Your Biggest Problem in Finding a Job: Self Elimination - Ep. 80

Many of us have been there - staring at a job description for a position we are desperate to apply for, but feeling intimidated by the extensive list of qualifications and requirements. We might feel that we don't measure up, and so practice self-elimination by not applying. However, the truth is that job descriptions are often crafted as wish lists – and you should still apply even if you don't tick all the boxes! In this episode, we talk about: - Why you don't have to be the perfect job candidate: job descriptions are just wishlists - Why do you only need to match around 50% of the job listing to be considered 'qualified' - How you can convince an employer or hiring manager that you can provide value even without a degree or relevant experience - Why more and more companies are no longer caring that you don't have a degree Ryan and Hannah also talked about the right mindset when you're job hunting. Enjoy the episode! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Jan 18, 202320 min

Ep 81How to Brute Force Your Way Into Work: Volume Applying - Ep. 79

The job market is tough: It takes a hundred applications to land an interview, and here's how you can make every application count and increase your odds to get the job you want! In this episode, we talk about: - How to brute force your way into work in the current tough job market through volume applying - Why job hunting can be lonely and frustrating, and what you can do to mitigate it - The little things you can do to improve your odds of getting hired Ryan and Hannah also talked about how you can make connections online the right way and why it's fine to apply for the same job many times. Fun fact: Hannah applied for a job once, 17 times! Enjoy the episode! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Jan 11, 202334 min

Ep 80How to Find a Job Backwards - Ep. 78

Finding a job is a topic that is rarely discussed, yet it's something all of us will face at some point in our lives. Unfortunately, most of us never received any formal instruction on the subject during our school years. This is why you should learn how to find a job backwards! Hannah went from $28k working in a call center to $185k as a product owner using this technique. This is how she figured out what skills to teach herself and what jobs to apply for! In this episode, we talk about: - How to find a job backward and get the job you want, no matter your experience or skills - How to find the exact skills and credentials you need to get hired - How to find the 'minimum effective dose' to get the maximum return on your effort in job hunting Ryan and Hannah also talked about why you shouldn't self-eliminate and why you don't have to match all the 'requirements' on the job listing. Enjoy the episode! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Jan 4, 202328 min

Ep 79Biggest Job Lies #3: ”You’ll Hear From Us Either Way” - Ep. 77

You’ve probably heard this said a million times in interviews or in job application processes. "You’ll hear from us either way." They’re most likely lying to you. In this episode, we talk about: - The different things you can do to deal with "you’ll hear from us either way". - The importance of following up on your job applications. - Why you should diversify where you’re spending your efforts when you’re searching for a job. Ryan and Hannah also talked about how job hunting can be lonely and what you can do to make it easier. Enjoy the episode! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Dec 28, 202231 min

Ep 78The Secret to Landing a Job at Microsoft with Jerry Condra - Ep. 76

If you’ve ever wanted to know what goes on behind the scenes when applying for a position at Microsoft, then this episode is for you. We have Jerry Condra, an engineering manager working for 15 years at Microsoft to give us a sneak peek at how Microsoft selects its talent! In this episode, we talk about: - How Jerry got a job at Microsoft using a certification and his network - Behind the scenes of working & hiring talent at Microsoft - How soft skills can be more valuable than technical skills - The pros and cons of job hopping & staying at a company Ryan and Jerry also talked about imposter syndrome and how you can overcome it especially if you're new at your job! Enjoy the episode! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Dec 21, 20221h 17m

Ep 77How To Get a $100,000+ IT Job with Bootcamps & Certifications with Eric Ostler, Senior Incident Manager at Nike - Ep. 75

Today, we have Eric Ostler, Senior Incident Manager at Nike. Make sure to listen to the full episode as this one is a goldmine of knowledge if you’re interested in working in IT! In this episode, we talk about: - How bootcamps & certifications can double your income - The day-to-day life of Eric as an incident manager at Nike - How to thrive in a high-stress work environment - How to get your foot in the door if you’re interested in going into tech/IT - How to nail your next interview and get a high-paying job Ryan and Eric also talk about their days working in public service as a firefighter and national guard and how it helped their career. Enjoy the episode! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Dec 14, 20221h 9m

Ep 76Breaking Into Cybersecurity: The Power of Accidents & Saying Yes To Everything with Jason Tugman, Director of Information Security - Ep. 74

Today, we have Jason Tugman, Director of Information Security to talk about how to break into cybersecurity without a degree, how he accidentally raised $1m for a startup, how asking the right questions can help your career, and more! Jason is currently a medical device company's Director of Information Security and Data Security Officer. He has spent much of his professional career developing cybersecurity assessments and programs, including developing a pre-binding assessment and metrics aggregation tool for a $200mm Llyod’s cyber insurance line slip. Jason led the data compatibility working group for the DOE’s Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Model version 2.0 update (C2M2v2) and was a member of the API 1164 Pipeline Security Standard leadership & architecture team. Jason is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. In this episode, we talk about: - How to break into cybersecurity without a degree and relevant technical experience - How saying yes and asking the right questions can jump-start your career - How Jason accidentally raised $1m for his startup, Digital Idiots, and his biggest mistakes Ryan and Jason also talk about why you don't need to be incredibly technical to get into IT/Cybersecurity. Jason also shared his experience working under Oprah! Enjoy the episode! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Dec 7, 20221h 33m

Ep 75How to Network the Right Way, Keys to Marketing with Milo Speranzo, Senior Director Marketing North America at Dell - Ep. 73

Today, we have Milo Speranzo, Dell’s Senior Director of Marketing to talk about how to grow your network effectively, excel in your career, and the ins and outs of marketing. Milo Speranzo is the Sr. Director of North America marketing for Dell Technologies. In this role, Speranzo is responsible for driving the vision, strategy, and execution of all marketing functions for Dell Technologies’ Public, Channel, and Specialty Sales teams. Previously at Dell Milo held the role of Sr. Director of US Public Sector marketing and Director of North America Federal marketing. Speranzo has more than 20 years of experience in leading, consulting, maintaining compliance, developing best practices, and managing procurement operations for IT manufacturers and system integrators both in the commercial and public sectors. In his previous role, Speranzo served as Sr. Director of strategy and compliance for Tech Data. Leading up to that position, he was the owner and president of Split Rock Inc., a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned company, where he was responsible for providing a broad array of business development consulting services to some of the largest IT manufacturers and systems integrators in the world. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Speranzo served in the U.S. Air Force and as a Department of Defense (DoD) civilian as chief of command and control. He was awarded the Air Force Command and Control Noncommissioned officer of the year in 2006 and 2007. He assumed full responsibility for coordinating classified communication dissemination, and regional response, along with national incident and threat monitoring, and was also charged with maintaining constant visibility and current status of all assigned deployed personnel and assets deployed to disasters and war zones that were assigned to his team while stateside. He was deployed over 40 times, five of those times to the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and the Global War on Terrorism. During deployment cycles, he was awarded numerous medals including the Air Force Meritorious Service and Commendation Medal with valor in combat insignia. In this episode, we talk about: - How to grow your network a hundredfold and why going to a networking event isn’t the way to do it - The importance of KPIs, metrics, customer personas, and other marketing tips - Why you should do something for a couple of years that you don’t want to do career-wise Ryan and Milo also talk about how colleges prey on ex-military people, and some tips for people who are getting out of the military. Enjoy the episode! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Nov 30, 20221h 25m

Ep 74Why The Best Time To Find A Job Is NOW! | Julia Pollak, Chief Economist at ZipRecruiter - Ep. 72

Today, we have Julia Pollak, ZipRecruiter's Chief Economist to talk about the current state of the job market and how you can stand out amongst the other job seekers. Julia Pollak is the Chief Economist at ZipRecruiter, a leading online employment marketplace that uses AI-driven smart matching technology to connect millions of businesses and job seekers. She uses data from the ZipRecruiter marketplace to measure the health of the labor market, identify hiring trends, and help employers and job seekers prepare for the future of work. Her research is frequently cited in leading national outlets, like the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and NPR. She is also a contributor to Barron’s and a member of the Forbes Human Resources Council. Prior to working at ZipRecruiter, Julia was an Assistant Policy Analyst at the RAND Corporation and an adjunct economics instructor at Pepperdine University. Julia holds a B.A. in economics from Harvard and an M.Phil. in policy analysis from Pardee RAND Graduate School. She was a drilling reservist in the U.S. Navy from 2011 to 2022. In this episode, we talk about: - The current state of the job market and why it's never been better for job seekers - How you can stand out against other job seekers - Why finding a job is more similar to the marriage market - Why you don't need to meet the job qualifications 100% to get hired Julia also talks about how having a mentor can greatly affect your career and life. She also talks about how you can find one! Hope you all enjoy this fun conversation and value-packed episode! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Nov 23, 202250 min

Ep 73College Degree vs. No College Degree: The False Dichotomy - Ep. 71

I was talking with a friend the other day about what we do here and how we feel about going to college. He kind of agrees with us, but not really. He’s still early on his journey to becoming Degree Free! Anyways, he asked a question that I’ve heard a million times, especially growing up. Who would you rather have? A person without a college degree or someone with one? In this episode, we talk about: • The million-dollar question: "Who would you rather have? A person without a college degree or someone with one?" • How colleges use this as a marketing tool and prey off people's cognitive bias of loss aversion. • The huge upsides of NOT getting a degree and how you can use the years and money instead to get into a higher-paying career! Ryan and Hannah also talked about the HUGE opportunity cost of going to college. Hope you all enjoy this fun conversation and value-packed episode! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Nov 16, 202235 min

Ep 72Why Branded Tech Certifications Are Worth It - Ep. 70

Some people nay-say tech certifications. Some are really skeptical of branded tech certifications and claim that it’s just big companies trying to make money. Here’s why we think it shows the opposite! In this episode, we talk about: - Branded Tech Certifications and why they are the lowest risk type of certifications to take, as well as the most versatile. - Why there will ALWAYS be a job supply for branded tech certification holders - How tech certifications help companies in their brand strength and selling their product, making it a win-win situation. Ryan and Hannah also talk about the different branded tech certifications that you can take! Hope you all enjoy this fun conversation and value-packed episode! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Nov 9, 202244 min

Ep 71Vocational Creativity #2: If You’re Thinking About Social Work, Check Out These 5 Careers First - Ep. 69

The median salary for a social worker in the US with a graduate degree is $48k. Are there exceptions? Sure. But there are always exceptions. Monetarily, this is one of the worst fields to buy a degree in. Try anything else before paying for a degree to work in social work or adjacent fields to reduce the risk for yourself. In this episode, we talked about: • An overview of court mediators, funeral directors, 911 dispatchers, paralegals, and just plain old working at nonprofits as alternatives for social work interested people. • What's the day-to-day like for these jobs, their requirements, and how you can become one. • The pros and cons of each job to help you see which one fits you the best. Ryan and Hannah also talk about why you don't need a degree to get all these jobs! Hope you all enjoy this fun conversation and value-packed episode! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Nov 3, 202240 min

Ep 70Vocational Creativity: The Superpower That Will Find You Your Next Job - Ep. 68

We see all the time that people don’t know what jobs are out there. If they don’t know what kind of jobs are out there, then how can they prepare to get those jobs? Here's where our topic for today, vocational creativity comes in! In this episode, we talked about: • What is vocational creativity and how it can help you find your next job • An exercise you can do to stretch your vocational creativity muscles especially if you don't have a starting point • How you can combine vocational creativity and finding a job backward to land your next, high-paying job Ryan and Hannah also talk about why it's important to be careful when choosing your career because it might be something you don't want if you don't experience it first. Hope you all enjoy this fun conversation and value-packed episode! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Oct 26, 202229 min

Ep 69How To Have a Successful Career Without a College Degree with Praxis’s CEO, Cameron Sorsby - Ep.67

Whether you're degree free or not, this episode is a goldmine of knowledge when it comes to having career success. Today, we're having Praxis's CEO, Cameron Sorsby as our guest. Praxis is a company that offers a college alternative apprenticeship program. Cameron is one of the very first customers of Praxis, he then became an intern at the company and worked his way up to CEO! In this episode, we talked about: • Why you don't need a college degree to have a thriving and successful career • What are the most in-demand skills that employers are looking for • How you can emphasize your value to an employer even if you don't have relevant experience Learn more about Praxis: https://discoverpraxis.com/ Ryan and Cameron also talked about the system behind Praxis and why it's a great way to launch your career. Hope you all enjoy this fun conversation and value-packed episode! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Oct 19, 20221h 9m

Ep 68Breaking Into Tech: How To Become a Self-Taught Developer with Kent Utterback - Ep. 66

If you've been thinking about getting into software development, coding, and software engineering, this episode is for you! Ken is a wealth of knowledge and we were very lucky to have him sit down and go over what he did and what you can do to become a software engineer! In this episode, we talked about: • How Kent worked his way up from a customer service role to becoming a senior software engineer • How you can be a software engineer/developer without a degree and experience, and what are the best resources to learn • How you can learn which languages or technologies you should learn by finding a job backwards Ryan and Kent also talked about the day-to-day life of a software engineer and how you can prevent tutorial hell. Hope you all enjoy this fun conversation and value-packed episode! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Oct 12, 20221h 16m

Ep 67BONUS Episode: Supercharge Your Career in a Sh*t Economy (Virtual Event by Career Hackers)

In this episode, we have our very first return guest, Career Hacker's newly appointed CEO, Joel Bein! We talked about how everyone should consider themselves entrepreneurs, even if they work as an employee. We also talked about Career Hacker's upcoming 2-day virtual event called "Supercharge Your Career in a Sh*t Economy" on October 19-20, 11 AM to 6 PM EDT. If you're interested in joining this free virtual event, click here to register. Event Info: The economy is sh*t. It's tough, whether you're looking for a job, or wanting to keep your current one. But you still have the choice to take control. Join top thought leaders to supercharge your mindset, and bulletproof your job hunt and career. Listen and engage in the conversations. Meet new people. Feel energized and empowered. You are powerful. You are the one you have been waiting for. This Virtual Event Is For Job Seekers and Career Builders • Learn to stand out to 50X your interview rate. Then get the secrets to crushing the interview. • Become a linchpin at your current role, or skyrocket to a new one, and learn to 5X your salary. • Want to switch careers? Learn from the best, who know that no degree or permission is required. Bottom line: no matter the economic times, you hold the power to forge your path and discover and do what makes you come alive. These 2 days are gonna be on fire! Click here to register and supercharge your career! Please enjoy this conversation with Joel Bein and we're looking forward to seeing you at Career Hacker's virtual event! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Oct 7, 202220 min

Ep 66How To Repurpose Your Education And Achieve Financial Freedom with Zakiya Akerele, Ph.D. - Ep. 65

"What’s alarming is that many think that having a degree is an employment guarantee. Solely connecting higher education to career sustainability creates a false sense of security." -Zakiya Akerele, author of Dump Your Degree Dr. Zakiya Akerele is an Atlanta-based educator, author, and speaker who found an early passion in academic pursuits hoping to use them to improve herself and the world around her. She sought higher education with full force, obtaining degrees from Florida A&M University (B.A.), Columbia University (Ed.M.), and Fordham University (M.A. and Ph.D.) in International Education, Philosophy, and Religious Studies. Dr. Akerele has served in various capacities at higher education institutions and at social justice, political, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) both in the U.S. and abroad. Her new book, Dump Your Degree, is a timely and invaluable resource for anyone seeking guidance on navigating higher education, developing their career, and having financial security. In this episode, we talked about: • Why a degree won't guarantee career success, and what can you do instead to have a successful career? • How you can repurpose your education to get the job you want and achieve financial freedom • Why 'who you know' is as important as 'what you know' to have career success. Ryan and Zakiya also talked about how parents can help their children prepare for college and their careers. Hope you all enjoy this fun conversation and value-packed episode! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Oct 5, 202252 min

Ep 654 Professional License Jobs That Pay Over $60,000 - Ep. 64

No degree and thinking of changing careers? Learn about these jobs that only require professional licenses and start earning at least $60k/year! In this episode, we talk about: • Jobs that only require a professional license, their requirements, and how you can become one! • What's the day-to-day like for these professional license jobs. • The pros and cons of each job to help you see which one fits you the best. Ryan and Hannah also talk about why Reddit AMAs are a goldmine for information when you're looking for certain professions. Hope you all enjoy the episode! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Sep 28, 202217 min

Ep 64How To Go From Unemployed to Making $385,000/Year with Drake Porter, Meta Product Manager - Ep. 63

Drake Porter is an entrepreneur, League of Legends coach, and he's currently working at Facebook/Meta as a Senior Product Manager. Watch the full episode to learn about his journey on how he went from unemployed because of COVID, to earning $385,000/yr at Meta without a college degree. In this episode, we talked about: • How Drake went from founding his own startup and working numerous jobs, to unemployed from COVID to earning $385,000/yr as a Senior Product Manager at Meta despite having no college degree. • What does a product manager do and what skills you should learn to become one. • Effective strategies that you can do to get hired quickly and beat the competition. Drake also talked about why it's a very good idea to start a side project that you can put in your resume, especially if you have little to no experience. Hope you all enjoy this fun conversation and value-packed episode! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Sep 21, 20221h 28m

Ep 63Worst Failures #1: Worst Interview Of My Life - Ep. 62

Everyone has failures. It’s easy to think that other people don’t have failures when you don’t hear about them. So, today we’re going to talk about one of the biggest interview fiascos of Ryan’s career. In this episode, we talk about: • The biggest interview fiasco of Ryan's career, in great detail! • What we learned from Ryan's biggest interview failure and what Ryan could've done differently. • What you can do to bounce back after experiencing failures and why you should not be so hard on yourself. Ryan and Hannah also talked about why we sometimes only notice people's successes instead of their failures. Hope you all enjoy the episode! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Sep 14, 202228 min

Ep 62How To Find Jobs Not Posted On Job Boards - Ep. 61

A lot of the job market is filled informally. Where do we find jobs that aren’t listed on job sites? In this episode, we talk about: Where to find jobs that aren’t listed on job boards and beat the job competition Why 80% of people are competing for the 20% of jobs that are listed on job boards Why letting your network know that you’re looking for a job is the best and first thing you should do if you're job hunting. Ryan and Hannah also talked about why it’s better to apply directly to the company’s website instead of using the job listing. Hope you all enjoy the episode! To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Get the guide on how to: Teach Yourself. Get Work. Make Money. No Degree Needed.: https://degreefree.co/workbook Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get exclusive tips and tricks to make great money without a college degree! https://degreefree.co/signup Like, subscribe, write us a review, and if you have a question or want some advice email us at [email protected]

Sep 11, 202225 min