Degree Free

2024’s gonna be crazy! We got all the predictions that you need to know about in today’s episode. To the rise of Degree Free healthcare, AI taking over the world, and more! What you’ll learn: - Explore the concept of down credentialing in medicine, technology, and teaching, and how it has become a viable alternative to a traditional degree. - Discover the driving factors behind down credentialing...

2023 was wild! We’re going over the most important lessons we learned from our podcast guests this year. You should definitely listen to all the episodes. But, if you don’t have time, these are the highlights!  In this episode, we delve into the importance of portfolios and projects for showcasing skills and experience. We take a moment to reflect on Degree Free's incredible year, expressing grati...

In this episode, Linda Le, founder of Creatively Quiet and a recruiter in the defense industry, shares her experience as an introvert and debunks the misconception that introverts are weak. Linda discusses her journey into recruiting, overcoming challenges without a degree, and how she became a top recruiter in her division.   “Hi I'm Linda :) I am currently a recruiter in defense and Founder of C...

Colleges are the best marketers in the world. Sometimes they market to us without us even knowing. In this episode, we talk about how AP courses are used by colleges to capture students early and get them hooked. What you’ll learn: - Explore the high cost of college degrees, particularly in niche fields like film and photography, and the challenges faced by graduates in finding well-paying jobs. -...

A college degree isn’t necessary for success. In this episode, we go over the growing trend of employers lowering degree requirements and the importance of identifying high-leverage skills. Let's shift the narrative to 'Degree Free' instead of 'college dropout' and emphasize the value of a skill-based society. What You’ll Learn: - Discover how jobs without degrees can be just as lucrative as those...

In this episode, we discussed three important conversations to have with your child before they spend five and a half years and hundreds of thousands of dollars on a college degree. What You'll Learn: • Determining if the desired job legally requires a degree and exploring alternative paths such as trade schools or online courses. • Weighing the financial implications of pursuing a degree and cons...

In this episode, we explore the myth that college is the only path to education. We emphasize that education can be obtained in various ways and locations, challenging the idea that colleges monopolize knowledge.  We also delve into the increasing financial literacy and cost-consciousness of the younger generation, questioning the value and affordability of college.  What You’ll Learn: - The perce...

In this episode, we dive into the controversial topic of degree vs. experience. We explore the misleading promises of the college system and the unrealistic expectations many graduates have. What You’ll Learn: - The misconception that a degree is equivalent to experience and guarantees high-paying jobs - The importance of gaining real-world experience and starting at entry-level positions - Our pe...

In today's episode, we delve into the concept of 'AI-proofing' a child's career and the role of college in a future dominated by artificial intelligence. We challenge the belief that AI will entirely replace jobs and explore the potential for new opportunities.  What You'll Learn: - Discover the impact of technology, especially AI, on job automation. - Understand why focusing solely on hard skills...

In this episode, we delve into the exciting world of NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and their transformative potential.  Join us as we chat with Brandon and Christian Chin, esteemed Internet entrepreneurs and NFT experts, about their experiences, strategies, and the future outlook of NFTs. What You’ll Learn: - Discover how NFTs can represent digital identity, provide exclusive access, and have practic...

May 2022: Damian Goodenough was working in construction and working on a tractor listening to Hannah on Pomp’s podcast… October 2023: Damian is a guest on the Degree Free podcast and is a Bitcoin dev! Yup! Your life can change that fast!  In this episode, Damian shares his story about becoming a developer in less than 18 months and talks about his perspective on the value of practical skills and e...

Is going to college worth $500,000? Today, we talk about the high cost of college and the exponential increase in tuition over the last few decades. Unemployment and underemployment is on the rise for college graduates which is making everyone question whether or not college is a good option for them or their kids.  We also talk about the future of work in an increasingly AI-driven world and how y...

This week we talk about the common misconception that certifications are necessary or recognized for work. Instead, focus on improving your resume and applying for jobs instead. We emphasize the importance of looking at job listings to determine if certifications are actually required, rather than assuming they’re needed.  We also caution against getting multiple certifications without actually ap...

In this episode, we discuss five ways to gain work experience without a college degree. Learn valuable tips on how to highlight unique experiences during interviews and how to take advantage of opportunities for skill-building and advancement within a company. - Discover the benefits of apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs in high-demand fields like tech. - Explore the option of creati...

In this episode of the Degree Free Podcast, we explore how parents can help their children prepare for a future without a college degree. We discuss the importance of vocational creativity and provide practical advice and resources for parents and job seekers. - Discover the limitations of traditional education systems and the need for parents to take an active role in teaching vocational creativi...

In this second part of our interview with our co-host, Hannah Maruyama, continues sharing her journey from a Junior Salesforce Developer to becoming a successful business analyst, and then landing her current job as Head of Operations for an AI startup.  Discover how she embraced new opportunities, obtained valuable certifications, and advanced her career to earn a six-figure salary. Hannah also d...

We’re switching things up this week! Hannah Maruyama, the co-host of the podcast is our guest in this first part of a 2 part series. Hannah shares her journey of upskilling and landing a $70,000 job 45 days after unexpectedly being laid off.  Learn how she quickly adapted and took proactive steps to secure a new job with a higher salary. Discover valuable insights on upskilling, job searching, and...

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Degree Free Podcast, where Sean Dubois shares his personal journey of finding tech success without a degree. He discusses how working at Amazon opened doors for him and made job interviews easier. Sean encourages listeners to prioritize personal growth and happiness over societal expectations.  Key Discussion Points: - Sean and Ryan talk about programming an...

In this week’s episode, Gene Torres, a Senior Presales Engineer, shares his personal journey and valuable insights into the world of presales engineering. We dive into the importance of continuously seeking new opportunities and not settling in your career. Key Discussion Points: Overcoming Stereotypes: Gene discusses his initial hesitation about pursuing a career in sales due to negative stereoty...

Join us for an insightful episode as we unravel the journey of Colton Sakamoto, co-founder and former CEO of Infection Points, and currently the Chief Party Officer at Office Party. In this jam-packed conversation, Colton takes us through his remarkable path to success, from humble beginnings to building thriving ventures. Colton Sakamoto is the Chief Party Officer at The Office Party. Prior to Th...

In this episode of Degree Free, get ready to be inspired by Matt Walters, a Technology Solutions Engineer who shares his “unconventional” path to success.  Join us as we go over his journey, starting from humble beginnings as a pool technician and HVAC technician, and ultimately becoming a 6-figure engineer.  Throughout our conversation, Matt shares invaluable insights into his career trajectory a...

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...

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 i...

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...

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 fulfil...