The NoDegree Podcast – No Degree Success Stories for Job Searching, Careers, and Entrepreneurship

He enrolled in college because his parents wanted him to. John Davenport got a computer science degree, graduated and got a job at a startup where he didn't even need his degree. Instead, he ventured into the world of software development. Listen in as he tells Jonaed about how he learned software development on his own and how much he's learned from his business partner who doesn't have a degree....

This $30 million dollar company, Workbnb, a groundbreaking company providing housing solutions to businesses across the US, was founded by Yeves Perez. He was a popular kid in high school but dropped out due to a controversial paper on McBeth. Yeves takes us through the highs and lows of his life, starting with the struggles of working low-paying jobs, realizing the need for change in his life, an...

High school is already hard enough as it is. Imagine not being able to speak the language of the school you attend. That was exactly Linh Nguyen’s experience and it made high school more challenging.  Her parents immigrated to the US from Vietnam, when she was 16. She opted to attend community college but dropped out of college for two reasons. She couldn’t afford it and she felt she didn’t unders...

Darius Robinson, a top tech recruiter, shares invaluable advice to help you navigate the job search process effectively and increase your chances of success. He and Jonaed highlight the significance of preparation, networking, and showcasing one's skills and expertise. Key points discussed: 1. Leveraging LinkedIn and Building Community: Darius emphasizes the importance of establishing yourself as...

Listen in as he talks to Jonaed about how: · Combining diverse skills and experiences can create unique value and open doors to new opportunities · Parenting classes and becoming a pilot contributed to his professional growth · His network helped him to transition from being an employee to a consultant Time stamps: (2:06) Intro to Brad Koehn (3:22) Blueprint to success: Stay current with training...

Being coachable and persistent is key for success. Listen in as Jonaed and Igweh spoke about the misconception that having a degree automatically makes someone competent, and the importance of challenging such assumptions. Jonaed shares resume tips as well as valuable insights on how individuals without degrees can emphasize their competitive advantage and showcase their skills effectively. Emmanu...

He was physically and verbally abused by students and teachers in school. Growing up in a homophobic town made school especially challenging for Evan Patterson. So much so it made him physically sick and his parents pulled him out of the classroom and placed him in an online high school instead.  Listen in as he tells Jonaed about getting paid to write at 16, why he decided to drop out of college...

Nobody makes $100k per year where she came from. So Ebony Johnson was quite happy making $45k per year working as a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR). She was so good that she taught CTR prep classes and presented at state and national conferences. Five years in, a start-up founder wanted her help with a software for oncologists. She became the mediator between the customers and the engineers. She t...

He arrived in the UK with his suitcase, his guitar and £50 in his pocket. Rami Mahfouz was 15 years old at the time. He got his start working at nightclubs before breaking into the sales industry. Today he’s a renewal sales representative. Listen in as he shares his experiences and the valuable lessons for success in sales and life. Timestamps: - (03:04) Rami's blueprint for success: a combination...

His first job was bagging groceries. Then, he earned $30/hr as a bus washer. Brandon Brooks lived in his car at the time. It was during this time he had the idea to create a a crowdfunding platform. Find out how he achieved success in the venture capital world, secured a partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers and how his grit, hustle and determination helped him to broke into the VC world, all w...

As the fifth of six children to immigrant parents, Shashi Lo was aware of the financial constraints of his parents. He enrolled in college but switched from a Bachelor’s program to an Associate's degree program so that he could enter the workforce sooner.  Listen in as Shashi tells Jonaed about: Being a software engineer at Microsoft How his oft skills helped him to climb the corporate ladder The...

He wanted to be an engineer. But then Michael Hale Jr. realized that there was a lot of involved, so he changed his mind. Unsure of what career path to choose, he decided to go to a community college. From working at a car manufacturing plant, to working his way up to store manager at Tim Horton’s to starting his career in sales. Listen in as he shares his insights and experiences that provide val...

In high school he wanted to be a pilot and had a love for all things Math and Physics. When Rishab Kumar immigrated to Canada, he made $10/hr as a gas station cashier. He wanted a career in tech but the cost of going to college prevented him from going. Get insight into the opportunities that come with transitioning into tech, the challenges that come with transitioning between different tech role...

As a kid he wanted to be a musician. Brian Golod immigrated from Argentina to Canada. Initially he studied music but decided to switch to IT as he thought that would be the more successful path. Listen in as he tells Jonaed about how he: Took risks to move up in his career Learned to trust himself Left his comfort zone and learned new skills Built trust in job interviews, even when he wasn’t the m...

She wasn’t sure what she wanted to do after high school. But one thing Heaven Hamilton was sure of was that she didn’t want the huge debt she’d be left with. She took the community college route since the researched she did showed her that she’d save a ton by taking that route. As she entered the workforce, she observed that her college-degree holding coworkers didn’t make much more than her. She...

The world of work is changing, especially with the rise of AI. So students need to be equipped with the tools to adapt to the changing job market. Jonaed joined Peter Hostrawser and Alli Privitt of the Disrupt education podcast to discuss the importance of learning skills and not just to past a test.  Listen in as Peter and Alli discuss: (4:57) Labor market are always shifting, here’s what you can...

From plumbers making over $1,000,000 to Collision Repair Technicians making over six-figures to welders working in the aerospace industry, Derek Cameron and Jonaed discuss career opportunities in the skilled trades industry and why parents should consider it as an option for their children.   Listen in as Derek and Jonaed discuss: (0:00) Intro (3:22) Want a recession proof career? Reasons to consi...

His parents worked multiple jobs so they sent him back to the Philipines to be cared for by his relatives. Nicu came back to the US when he was 17 and later joined the military. After the military, he was faced with the decision to either go back to college or start to work. He chose the latter and ended up working at companies like Expedia, Microsoft and Sales force. Listen in as he tells Jonaed...

In high school, he wanted to be a scientist so when Renato Capasso went to university and enrolled in a biotechnology program. As he reflected on the experience his peers had after graduating from college, he concluded that going to college didn’t guarantee success, so he dropped out.   Listen in as Renato tells Jonaed about: * Writing a book to supplement his income * Travelling to other countrie...

He has no formal education. But being home schooled made Nathan Senn a diligent learner. He read science books, taught himself English, Algebra and programming. But by the time he finished high school he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do so he got a job. He tried a few things. He waited tables, worked in a pizza restaurant, he even did construction. He did all this while he continued to practice hi...

She attempted to go to college. But Brittney Ball’s mom couldn’t afford it, so she dropped out. She went on to work in retail and any other odd jobs she could find to do. At 5 months pregnant, she was living in a shelter.   Determined to not become another Black Single-mom “statistic”, Brittney’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a great example of how to not be define...

All her life, going to college to become a doctor was the only career she thought she could pursue. But when Jasmine started college, she quickly realized that being a doctor wasn’t the career for her. Since computers interested her she switched to computer science. But then COVID hit.     Listen in as Jasmine tells Jonaed about the:   * Financial struggles she faced that led to her dropping out o...

He interned as a salesman right out of high school. And although Jamaal started college, he never went to class. Since he preferred his job in sales, he dropped out. He read as much as he could about becoming a better salesman and by the age of 19, he was making almost $100,000 per year. Today he’s the co-founder of Black on Black Education, a nonprofit that advocates for student-centered approach...

Where he came from, only people with PhDs become software engineers. In high school, Danny Thompson wanted to be a garbage man. He grew up in the hood so he thought that the best job he could get would be a Union job. At 30 he worked at a gas station frying chicken but wanted a change. He was married and by the time he had kids, he realized $400/week wasn’t enough anymore. But he didn’t know what...

Here’s a little-known fact: your mindset could be getting in between you and the job (or salary) of your dreams. Maybe you want a raise. Or maybe you dream of a role you feel unqualified for. Whatever the case, if you’ve been wondering what to say and what to do, this episode will help you to figure it out. Listen in to find out how to: Negotiate your salary Cultivate the right mindset to advocate...