How I got a software engineering job at Facebook after being rejected from all colleges I applied to.
My path into tech early in my career.
I tried out programming back in early 2010s. I was immediately drawn to the idea that I could build something, and have people actually get value from it.
I wanted to understand what made apps like instagram so engaging, how they were built behind the scenes, and how they worked so seamlessly for millions. The deeper I went into engineering the more I wanted to get my hands on a project that many people used and cared about. I was fascinated by the Silicon Valley culture and dreamed of leaving my own mark.
I was determined to get there, but back then, high school was my reality. I had 4 more years of college ahead of me. The most immediate priority was to pass admissions and get a spot in 1 of 10 universities I applied to. Thing is, because I have an “obsessive personality,” instead of focusing on getting into college, all I thought about were my software projects. I did a horrible job putting together applications. In the end, all the schools I applied to sent back rejection letters. It sucked seeing other peers move ahead starting their college lives. They were working towards their futures, while I was stuck with nothing to do.
That summer was a blur of uncertainty until I remembered a genius guy I once met. He had landed a role at a startup right out of high school and quickly moved into influential positions at top tech companies, shipping impactful products. Inspired, I decided to give it a shot myself, even though I wasn’t sure I could pull it off. It was at least a good excuse to keep coding.
I asked absolutely everybody I could get a chat with if they knew someone that is willing to give me an unpaid internship. After a crap ton of attempts, luckily, one person was willing to give me a chance. I ended up with a pretty cool software engineering internship, and a full time role after that. It even came with pay. I started formulating a plan to use this experience to bolster my college application next year. Despite my best efforts though, I faced rejection from all the colleges again.
It took a whole another year to finally get accepted. It came with a massive catch - no financial aid or sponsorship totaling over $60k a year. With no other options, I chose to accept and plunge into the deep waters of debt.
However, before my flight to college, I spent a good chunk of time interviewing with various tech companies, just for fun really - no expectations. I remember feeling pretty well about a recent one. Shortly after, I was given a callback and to my surprise offered a role at Facebook! My opportunity to work on something at scale has come. Then and there, I decided to commit to what I really wanted and missed my flight that week.
My takeaway? I learned that you can contribute in tech without a degree. Going through this messy journey made me realize anything is possible! Whatever is the situation, you gotta make the best of it. You are on your own unique journey and everything will work out! Finally, I constantly try to remind myself to invest into relationships, because we are all interdependent on one another’s support. There have been many that helped me out a ton over the years.
Hope you found this story helpful! I plan to use this blog to share out more stories, news in tech, and personal thoughts.
Hit me up on arlan@lodely.com if you have any thoughts/questions. Or if you’re just feeling lonely!
