In the rapidly evolving world of tech, the question of whether software developers need formal higher education is more pressing than ever. As technology advances, with new programming languages, frameworks, and tools emerging constantly, many wonder if self-study or short-term courses can suffice. Yet, is that enough?

According to the 2024 Stack Overflow Developer Survey, 83% of developers have some level of post-secondary education, even though only 49% learned to code in school. This suggests that while formal education is valued for fundamental skills, many developers pursue knowledge outside traditional classrooms​. Moreover, younger developers increasingly use online resources (82%) to supplement or replace traditional education pathways.​

The survey also shows that 27.3% of developers have been coding professionally for 1-4 years, which highlights a substantial segment of the community in the early stages of their careers. This implies that for many developers, professional growth and skills acquisition are continuous processes, regardless of formal education.

Additionally, as developers progress in their careers, soft skills like communication and adaptability often become crucial for success, especially in roles that require collaboration and leadership.

At Innovecs, fostering employee growth is a priority, with the L&D team offering personalized development paths to help developers advance their skills. But the role of formal education in a tech career remains open, as we explore it through the experience of Oleksii Molodyk, a Front-End Software Engineer who decided to return to university through SET University’s program.

For the past three years, I have worked as a Front-End Engineer at Innovecs. Overall, I have more than five years of experience in the tech field, with most of this time dedicated to front-end development. My journey in this industry began during my university years when I studied at the Faculty of Information Systems and Technologies. This provided me with a solid foundation for my future professional growth.

In 2020, I graduated from Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. This education gave me the core knowledge I’ve continued to build on throughout my career. I realized I wanted to further develop skills and competencies relevant to today’s rapidly evolving field. The technology landscape is changing so fast, and to stay afloat, you need to continuously learn and adapt to new challenges.

I found out about SET University through Innovecs, which offered skills development opportunities for engineers. I was attracted by Innovecs’ interest in nurturing its team members. What impressed me most about SET University was its modern approach to education: it only teaches what’s actually relevant in the current market. Another important factor was that their academic staff consisted of practicing professionals who used real cases in their teaching. This differs greatly from public education, which often doesn’t keep up with market demands.

I chose the “Innovative Engineering” specialty. It’s a broad program covering both technical skills and soft skills development. I was particularly drawn to the focus on soft skills, as their role in career growth is often undervalued. The ability to communicate and conduct effective negotiations with clients or partners can significantly impact career growth. Unfortunately, in public education, these aspects are often overlooked.

Short-term courses are a great way to get acquainted with a new technology or skill quickly. However, their main drawback is the lack of systematic learning. In university, every new course builds on the previous one, allowing you to gradually expand your knowledge and develop a more comprehensive approach to solving problems. This lets you better navigate technological trends and fosters a deeper understanding of the field.

In my view, the tech sector increasingly values real skills over diplomas. Throughout my career, no one has ever asked about my diploma or where I studied. What matters most is knowledge, experience, and the desire to develop. However, a university can provide a platform where you gain fundamental knowledge that’s hard to acquire independently or through short courses.

Don’t hesitate! If you feel you need new knowledge, or if you’re looking for new connections and opportunities, it’s worth considering a second higher education. I’m just at the beginning of this path, but I can already see great potential for both personal and professional growth. I can definitely say that this step is worth your time.

I’d recommend Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s a fantastic book on how small, consistent habits can lead to big, lasting changes. Clear breaks down habit-building into simple steps and makes it feel manageable and achievable. It’s practical, relatable, and has helped me understand how small adjustments can drive real progress over time.

Reflecting on Oleksii’s journey, it’s obvious that the value of higher education for developers is deeply individual. While many technical skills can be learned independently, university programs provide a structured environment that encourages deeper dives into both technical concepts and soft skills.

If you’re weighing further education, consider how foundational knowledge might complement the hands-on experience you already have. As Oleksii’s experience shows, higher education can offer a unique path to refine your technical abilities while developing essential soft skills — an invaluable combination for long-term success in the fast-paced tech world.