Short answer: no.

Long answer? Let’s walk through a real-world example.

Meet Ryan Ponder. He just landed his first data job with no degree. And this is the exact route he took.

No Degree, No Problem

Ryan was a loan officer the last 10 years. A few months ago, he decided he wanted to become a data analyst.

He was a bit nervous since he didn’t have a degree but decided to try anyway. Sound familiar?

He felt The Google Data Analytics Certification wasn't enough, so he joined The Accelerator.

He built real-world projects, updated his LinkedIn, and optimized his résumé.

After a lot of work, many applications, and interviews, Ryan had an offer.

But he did something brave. Something dumb? Something that surprised himself.

He politely declined.

It just didn’t feel right.

A few weeks later, he received and accepted a data analyst role at his current company, Veterans United Home Loans. It just felt right.

Boom. Broke into data analytics. With no degree.

The No Degree Game Plan

Now, how the h*ck did Ryan pull this miracle off? And how can you (with minimal effort)?

1 - Pivot internally

In order for a company to hire you, they must know, like, and trust you.

The entire application and interview process is set up to help a company come to know you, like you, and trust you. If you’re able to do that, you win—you’re hired.

Your current company already knows, likes, and trusts you.

If your company has an opening analyst spot (or you can make one), you should pursue it.

It will be the easiest place to land your first job.

2 - Network effectively

Ryan reached out to a lot of analysts to network. In fact, in our interview, he talked about when one of those reach-outs went really poorly. That happens sometimes.

But when he connected with a guy from a previous pickleball match, it was the key to landing his next interview.

Whether it’s pickleball, church, a Taylor Swift concert, your daughter’s dance recital, or the dog park, always be networking! Open your mouth. Tell people about your data journey.

It might feel weird…but is the awkwardness worth the potential upside?

I think so.

You never know who you might meet and how they might help you.

3 - Be domain-focused

Many aspiring analysts feel their previous career background is a waste.

It’s not! It’s your superpower!

Ryan was a loan officer. He knew the mortgage industry like the back of his hand.

Is it any surprise that both of his offers were from mortgage companies?

Let’s be real for a second. If you and I were applying for the same data analyst position, it would be hard for you to get hired over me. Right?

I have more experience. I have a bigger portfolio. I have a bigger network.

But you can beat me in one place…

Your domain.

I don’t know anything about hospitals, or mortgages, or education, or aviation, or your industry!

Your domain is your superpower that will help you get hired over me.

Stick to it like glue.

Your Next Steps

So no, you don’t need a degree.

But you do need proof that you know your stuff.

And you need to network.

All stuff we can help with in The Accelerator.

New cohort starts soon.

Ryan is just one example of someone who landed a data job without a degree.

I created a free YouTube playlist with a few other examples.

Enjoy ✌️