Build the software every industry runs on. A CS degree helps, but a bootcamp + portfolio is a recognized way in — and skill compounds faster here than almost anywhere.
Gold = credential gate. Each turn: more skill → more pay → the next step.
1
Learn to code
Bootcamp 3–6 months, CS degree, or self-taught: one language + fundamentals (data structures, git).
◆ GMA Academy — coding courses
2
Build a portfolio — the "license"
3–4 real GitHub projects beat a certificate. Optional edge: AWS Cloud Practitioner (~$100).
◆ GMA jobs board + mentor
3
Land a junior role · ~$75–100K
Apply widely; referrals matter most.
4
Ship real projects (2–4 yrs) · $135K
Own features, mentor juniors; pay climbs to the median and beyond.
5
Specialize · $200K+
Cloud/DevOps, ML, or architecture — AWS Solutions Architect, CKA — or lead/manager.
The flywheel: every project you ship makes the next, harder, better-paid project reachable — portfolio → junior job → shipped work → a specialization that pays more and funds the next cert.
