How a psychology degree benefits me as a developer

Degrees are not valued as highly in today’s job market as they once were. Previously, securing a stable position was nearly impossible without a degree— and it generally had to be in a technical field. Times have changed. While they are still desirable for many employers, they’re often no longer at the top of the “ideal candidate” requirements list.

As stated in the title, my degree is in a non-technical field. Around 2019, I began watching online lectures on behavioral psychology and quickly realized it was the right fit for me. Delving into how the human mind operates and how memory functions fascinated me so deeply that I decided to apply to SWPS University in Warsaw for psychology. Fast forward a few years, and I now have a bachelor’s degree. But how does psychology connect with my main passion: programming?

Psychology degrees are rare among developers

Throughout the last five years of my software career, I’ve not met any developers with a psychology degree. Most programmers pursue computer science or cybersecurity, which provide a solid technical foundation. However, these fields often overlook soft skills—interpersonal abilities crucial in today’s highly collaborative work environments. Writing effective TypeScript code is only part of the job. Equally important is clear communication, maintaining team alignment, and resolving conflicts. In my experience, psychology studies focus intensively on communication. While you do learn about cognitive paradigms and the biology of the brain, the primary lesson is how to interact and engage with others. This is essential across all areas of psychology.

How it improved my learning process

Soft skills are significant, but my main reason for choosing university was practical knowledge. A brief digression: I was once asked, by one of my cousins, which superpower I would pick. Options included flying, speed, or invisibility. My first thought was, “To remember anything I want, whenever I need it.” My psychology degree brought me a little closer to this dream! There are proven methods for learning faster and retaining more information, and I use these daily—especially during preparation for certificate exams:

Mental maps

Take a sheet of paper and colored pencils. Write your target topic in the center—for example, “React – JavaScript library.” Around it, draw shapes for subtopics. For instance, React features hooks, and some are built-in. Write “hooks” and add a pirate illustration beside it. By associating images with concepts, you help your brain retain them. Next time someone asks about React hooks, the image of a pirate and details will likely come to mind instantly. Try it—it works!

Understanding boredom

Boredom is a critical aspect of life, though many believe it should be avoided. Scrolling through TikTok or aimlessly browsing the internet fills time but offers little value. Allow yourself to feel bored sometimes. This state helps your mind focus on what genuinely matters. With fewer distractions, you’ll find greater motivation for meaningful activities, like learning new skills. When I began programming, I would remove distractions and leave only the code editor open. After about ten minutes, my mind recognized that programming was the best way to alleviate boredom, leading to long, productive learning sessions. It felt almost like a superpower.

These examples highlight only a few ways psychology aids learning. While much of this advice is available online, it’s rarely discovered by chance. As with any specialty, university offers the fastest way to systematically explore a field.

Was It Worth It?

All technical knowledge about computers and software can be learned online. I do exactly that by reading articles, watching videos, and building apps daily. However, mastering social skills, dealing with stress, and teamwork are much harder to acquire digitally. These skills were a core part of my university education and greatly benefit my professional life.

Start by learning how to learn, and everything else becomes much simpler!