This is a challenging subject because there are general rules about hiring qualifications, and then there are exceptions to those rules. Most people enter the programming field through degrees or diplomas. I’m self-taught and deeply passionate about software. By the time I discovered my calling, I was living independently and taking care of my family. To secure my first job, I completed a one-year course for the necessary paperwork. My manager hired me for my potential, and over the years, I continued to evolve my skills, constantly experimenting with new technologies, languages, and even building my own frameworks. Growing from semi-skilled to skilled took hard work and my manager’s early investment.

Today, I encounter many people with a different perspective: “You can’t do this because you lack the required degree.” For example, I was recently told that I couldn’t take part in AI work because I don’t hold a master’s degree. It didn’t matter that I’ve spent countless hours studying AI through free university courses, like those from Harvard, or that I’ve spent thousands of hours experimenting with various AI frameworks. It didn’t matter that I’m actively building AI-powered applications or developing my own opinions on which models suit different conditions.

This mindset robs organizations of talent. When all that matters is a degree, organizations miss out on people driven by genuine passion. Important questions go unanswered, like:

• Can you do the job?
• Can you do it well?
• Can you do it efficiently?
• Can you innovate in this space?

When I hire, I look for potential and, above all, passion. Qualifications are secondary. If someone spends countless hours programming, exploring technology, and innovating, they’re worth embracing. That kind of dedication can mean more than any amount of paper.

I recently had a conversation with two university students, both studying computer science. They’re both intelligent, but as we talked, a distinct difference between the two became clear. One student was focused solely on his degree and didn’t spend any personal time exploring the subject in other ways. Software development has so many diverse applications that exploring it on your own time is crucial; it helps you discover the areas of technology that genuinely excite you. While most developers should be versatile, many eventually find a specialty that energizes them and keeps them engaged. For me, it’s user interfaces.

In contrast, the other student was working on a game as a side project. He was clearly passionate about it, and we had an enthusiastic discussion about the engine he was using, with me offering suggestions that sparked his interest further.

Looking at these students as potential hires, I’d be more inclined to choose the one already exploring his skills in new ways. Even if he didn’t complete his degree and the other student pursued an honors degree, I would still choose the one who actively invests in his growth beyond the classroom.

Passion and initiative are invaluable. In this industry, what you do after school often matters more than what you learned in school. Ironically, many of today’s leading technology companies were founded by people without degrees. Those who overlook passionate individuals and focus solely on formal qualifications are missing out. It’s the most passionate people who drive change in the world—not those with the most paperwork.