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I think I can give pretty good insight into this, as someone with a weird background coming to programming. I'm a data scientist with a physics background, but
by imh 11y ago
I think I can give pretty good insight into this, as someone with a weird background coming to programming. I'm a data scientist with a physics background, but I'm still even atypical in that role, having just a bachelors degree.
My experience has been that without some of the real meaty knowledge that only comes from studying CS, you don't realize what you're missing until you work with other people who have the background. Pairing up, seeing them use abstractions that fit the problem perfectly is an eye opener. The theory helps. I've been shoveling my way through CLRS and learning haskell in my spare time, and both of these things, while not directly relevant to the problems I solve day to day, definitely improve my code.
And of course, when looking for new jobs, the right degree never hurts as far as where you go on the resume pile.
- soham 11y agoVery well said. Same experience here, running http://InterviewKickstart.com http://InterviewKickstart.com. Having a background in CS is very helpful and often the differentiator in how palatable you find Google/FB interviews vs not. Without CS background (degree or not, but something similar), candidates find it very challenging to even get through the course, much less appear for core CS interviews. Degree is not just a certificate; it's a proxy to 2-4 years of working through interesting stuff under guidance (professors) and with a group of like-minded people. It ain't a panacea, but it's a great opportunity for those who recognize the importance of that controlled setting of learning.