The Front Door Problem: Breaking Into Big Tech Without a "Top-Tier" Degree

Getting into Big Tech without a prestigious degree isn't about working harder—it's about working visibly. After struggling with the "no experience" paradox, I realized that merit doesn't open doors; people do. By pivoting from front-end to scripting, leveraging "low-prestige" roles for momentum, and learning to frame my work in the language of recruiters, I bypassed the "front door" of elite credentials. The takeaway? Pedigree is just a head start; proof of work and a clear story are the finish line.