It'll be harder for you than it would be for him but I still wouldn't discount it! Considering the alternative is (1) trying to get into a PhD program (might require a year or two of remedial classes with no guarantee of success) and then (2) spending 4-6 years doing a PhD, reaching out to the randos may well be much faster AND lowest risk.
If you're a software engineer, I'd venture a claim and say that the rando route will be easier. You have a valuable skillset researchers need -- you can code at a professional level. Use that to get your foot in the door!
If you're a software engineer, I'd venture a claim and say that the rando route will be easier. You have a valuable skillset researchers need -- you can code at a professional level. Use that to get your foot in the door!