Here is a concise summary of the text:
**Breaking into Software Development without a CS Degree**
* **Is it possible?**: Yes, due to high demand and low supply.
* **Three alternative paths:**
1. **Software Developer**:
* Challenging without a CS degree
* Requires broad knowledge (programming languages, front-end, back-end, databases)
* ~2 years of hard work to become employable
2. **Database Track**:
* Lower barrier to entry
* Focus on SQL and a reporting tool like Tableau
* ~3 months of intense study (6 hours/day) to become employable
3. **Admin Path (e.g., AWS)**:
* Lucrative, but may be outsourced in US/Canada
* ~1 year to become comfortable with the technology
* Can lead to high-paying jobs (> $70,000/year) in the US
**Key Takeaway:** With focused effort, individuals without a CS degree can break into the software development industry through alternative paths.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text, keeping them short and opinion-free (as much as possible, since the text is largely based on the speaker's experience and opinions, some inherent subjectivity remains):
1. **Multiple entry points into software development exist** beyond traditional computer science degrees.
2. **Non-CS degree examples**: Accounting, Finance, Journalism, and History degrees are mentioned as non-traditional backgrounds for entering software development.
3. **Speaker's background**: The speaker has an Accounting degree and entered software development with just three months of self-study, approximately 15 years ago.
4. **Job market demand**: The demand for software development professionals is high, with not enough supply to meet it.
5. **Three highlighted career paths**:
* **Software Developer**
* **Database Track** (specializing in SQL)
* **Admin Path** (e.g., AWS for Amazon Web Services)
6. **Learning timeframe estimates**:
* **Software Developer (without CS background)**: Approximately 2 years of hard work to learn the necessary skills.
* **Database Track (SQL and Tableau)**: About 3 months (2 months for SQL, 1 month for Tableau) with 6 hours of daily study.
* **Admin Path (AWS)**: Maybe a year to get comfortable, with ongoing learning due to new developments.
7. **Employment potential**:
* Learning SQL and Tableau can lead to employability in about 3 months.
* Starting as a Database Developer can be a stepping stone to other development roles.
8. **Outsourcing trends**: Admin jobs are often outsourced from the United States and Canada to other countries.
9. **Salary potential for Admin Path (AWS) in the U.S.**: Well over $70,000 to $80,000, with growth potential over 2-3 years.