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Does anyone else think that general programming education (not necessarily computer science) is overrated? I much rather hire people that I know can think in b

Does anyone else think that general programming education (not necessarily computer science) is overrated? I much rather hire people that I know can think in both in terms of fundamental logical principles, and who understand the scientific method, which comes up more than one expects in business. For example, I've seen physicists run much better marketing analytics than "growth hackers". And who cares if someone can cross-off a list of generic programming language/frameworks? If you need that specific of a cog in your machine, the position probably isn't that innovative and you're better off outsourcing. Or hire someone smart and eager, pay them decently, and they'll learn what they need, if they're so inclined.

maxxxxx 10y ago
I would agree. I'd much rather deal with people who are good at math or know something about a particular industry. If you are a little disciplined and accept that there are some rules to follow learning software development is not that hard.
asafira 10y ago
How would you recommend searching for those sorts of roles that aren't just cog-in-a-machine but require a good bit of technical ability and creativity on the job? No offense, but if you look at most job listings (even on hacker news), they often specifically mention technologies and languages one should already have a background in, and it's definitely not clear they would take someone that has succeeded in differing technical challenges.
- zxcvvcxz 10y ago
  A lot of employers will list too much stuff just because it's an ingrained habit. In my experience, both as an employee and employer who used to do this to some extent, these requirement lists are fairly 'negotiable'. If you have the top 2-3 things they'd need (e.g. CS algorithms knowledge + some scripting language + some database experience), and are otherwise a good applicant, go ahead and apply with the mindset being that you'd have no problem picking up other frameworks X,Y,Z. Of course, spend an evening to take a look at them and be confident enough to make that the case.

maxxxxx 10y ago

I would agree. I'd much rather deal with people who are good at math or know something about a particular industry. If you are a little disciplined and accept that there are some rules to follow learning software development is not that hard.

asafira 10y ago

How would you recommend searching for those sorts of roles that aren't just cog-in-a-machine but require a good bit of technical ability and creativity on the job? No offense, but if you look at most job listings (even on hacker news), they often specifically mention technologies and languages one should already have a background in, and it's definitely not clear they would take someone that has succeeded in differing technical challenges.

zxcvvcxz 10y ago
A lot of employers will list too much stuff just because it's an ingrained habit. In my experience, both as an employee and employer who used to do this to some extent, these requirement lists are fairly 'negotiable'. If you have the top 2-3 things they'd need (e.g. CS algorithms knowledge + some scripting language + some database experience), and are otherwise a good applicant, go ahead and apply with the mindset being that you'd have no problem picking up other frameworks X,Y,Z. Of course, spend an evening to take a look at them and be confident enough to make that the case.