[jnem]

I have similar concerns. From my experience working in the biz, many companies job opportunity are hidden behind a thick wall of HR and corporate recruiters. I was interviewed by one just a few weeks ago, and I was left feeling pretty dirty afterwards. The person who interviewed me had no way to verify my claims, knowledge, or understanding of the industry. I have a degree or two, but none in CS, though Ive been self taught since age 11. It is unlikely I will receive a follow up call for the job as the individual in question has no way to qualify my experience.

[wlesieutre]

I expect that it makes networking and work experience a lot more important. A friend of mine who taught himself programming tells me that his interviews tend to start with either "A literature degree?" or "It looks like you're a self-taught programmer." So you at least get a predictable icebreaker out of it.

The part that it makes tough is getting that interview. If it's a company that bothers to click your resume's Github link and see some work samples, you're probably OK. If it's a big company with a crappy HR filter on incoming applicants, you might have to find another way to get a foot in the door.

I know Google has a pretty good chunk of people without CS degrees. I'm curious if any self-taught people manage to get in there as a first job in the industry, like grads hired fresh out of college.

[jnem]

Agreed, networking is important, and Ive done a bit of that, which is how I got my foot in for the initial interview. Once there though, it was scary how little the interviewer knew about the position they were supposed to be recruiting for. They did have me sign a right to represent form for the job (which was a 9 month contract position at a company that starts with an I and ends with L) but i never did receive any follow up from them.

My concern is in situations like the above, the ONLY way such a recruiter can qualify you is based on value of your degree parameter. Which means if the company you are applying for goes the traditional big-bizz HR approach, go get a degree in CS from a Brand-name institution. Otherwise, focus your efforts on getting interviews with whomever your direct supervisor will be. That however, is easier said than done.