No, you don't need a formal degree. But don't just do courses. Have a project that you've aligned with the outline of the course you're currently on. Small a

No, you don't need a formal degree. But don't just do courses. Have a project that you've aligned with the outline of the course you're currently on. Small at the start, then getting bigger, over several years, integrating a new skill but still applying older skills, so they don't get rusty. And as well as the front- and back-end site, get dirty with the OS level too. The ins and outs of configuration files. Perhaps contribute to mailing lists, or have a StackOverflow profile where you start by lurking, then getting interactive. Expect to get criticized, sometimes rightfully, sometimes from armchair engineers, and learn from both - the knowledge and the tact. As novicei stated, don't wait. Get started now! :)