[qammm]

I am sure there a lot of very smart people with great programming skills and without a degree. However at least in Germany I see another problem: Almost every job ad for a programming positition starts with "Computer science or related degree required". Without a degree you are just filtered out by the Human Resources Department that doesn't know anything about programming at all. They are just checking formalities and doing buzzword matching. You won't even get to an interview or get an opportunity to prove your skills. :-(

[wusatiuk]

Same situation in Austria. Not only for development positions, but for nearly every rudimentary interesting job, you need any kind of university degree. I have got another philosophy in finding the right people.

In my opinion, people only need the right attitude and they need to be willing to learn something. all the rest can be teached / learned.

[louthy]

It's a win-win situation. They get to see fewer candidates, and you don't end up working for a rubbish company.

[qammm]

I like your way of seeing things! :-)

[yxhuvud]

Here in Sweden the standard line is 'FooDegree or equivalent' and that always mean that competent people are free to apply regardless of if they have a degree or not.

[juhq]

Does anybody even check if the degree is real?