I would look into networking with people in a similar field. This is often done on Zoom nowadays due to Covid, but you can still meet people who could help you.

Also, Coursera has courses available on many subjects that you can take for free if you don't need a certificate. And the certificate courses tend to be a lot lower cost than a traditional university degree. These courses are taught by professors from these same universities (such as Harvard) but are at a fraction of the cost. If you pursue something like this, I bet it would impress potential employers.

I struggle with confidence too. I often have to fake it when I don't really feel it.