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I have a Bs in applied mathematics and I'm a software engineer. I think that mathematicians make incredible software engineers (not me necessarily ) if they do

by jtmcmc 9y ago

I have a Bs in applied mathematics and I'm a software engineer. I think that mathematicians make incredible software engineers (not me necessarily ) if they do two things, take some basic cs classes, get co-ops/internships programming. I faced a _lot_ of bias when getting into the industry because people didn't want to train me to program or thought I'd be too weak of a software engineer, etc... and I believe having internships/co-ops would have massively helped rectify that and also have given me a network of jobs to work at.

godelski 9y ago
I'd actually be interested in your experience. Personally I have a degree in Physics. Only two classes in programming (majorly self taught) and work in simulations. How does the software engineering field see people like me? I've applied to programming jobs in the past and just never knew if I was under qualified, didn't stand out, or just slipped through the cracks in the large amounts of applications places get. And to OP's question, look into simulation. There's a lot I learned on the job, but having basic programming abilities will go a long way. A lot of engineers are weak at programming compared to what I see in CS.
- AnimalMuppet 9y ago
  I did a double major, math and physics. I was basically self-taught with respect to computers (one CS class on my transcript). I got hired as a programmer by a lady with a Master's in math, who was largely self-taught with respect to computers. That first hire is all it takes - after that, I had experience. I graduated in 1984, though, so this may not be very applicable to the current situation...
  - godelski 9y ago
    Well that sounds reasonable to me. First job was hard to get though. I can completely understand where the OP is coming from.
    - AnimalMuppet 9y ago
      The first job was the grace of God. If I interviewed with someone else, I'm not sure that I would have been hired. ("You taught yourself? Sure you did, kid. Run along and play, now.")
      - godelski 9y ago
        Haha that's what I got a lot. Though I think that's why it might be easier to get into programming at an engineering job.
  - zintinio5 9y ago
    Still the same situation, even for CS majors from less known schools. Somebody has to take a chance, few people want to take a risk on you.
- jtmcmc 9y ago
  I'm not sure what exactly simulations means? lots of Matlab/R/some specific DSL? So when I applied to jobs with my applied math degree and 2 years of grad computing experience - but no industry experience - as a software engineer - I got lots of sorry no experience, we can't train you, etc... etc... I eventually got a job as a support engineer and have kicked around a lot of roles including data scientist and software engineer. I'd say if you don't have actual programming experience they'd probably see you pretty similarly to me. That being said if you're applying to a giant corporation and don't have some sort of standout crazy resume OR have an internal referral I think you're basically lost in the noise. Applying to smaller startups may get you a second look. However, now there are things like triplebyte where if you pass their interview you can get an onsite to a lot of companies regardless of your background - which is pretty neat.
  - godelski 9y ago
    > I'm not sure what exactly simulations means? lots of Matlab/R/some specific DSL? Mostly C++ and python. Though I know Matlab too. I'm not looking for a job, per say, but it is always good to know what I can get. But you would suggest a head hunter? I do have experience now.
    - jtmcmc 9y ago
      I would suggest finding people you went to school / are friends with at tech companies and ask them to refer you - That is typically a short circuit to getting past the piles of resumes.
mraza007 9y ago
I think that’s true maths provides the problem solving skills

by jtmcmc 9y ago

godelski 9y ago

I'd actually be interested in your experience. Personally I have a degree in Physics. Only two classes in programming (majorly self taught) and work in simulations. How does the software engineering field see people like me? I've applied to programming jobs in the past and just never knew if I was under qualified, didn't stand out, or just slipped through the cracks in the large amounts of applications places get. And to OP's question, look into simulation. There's a lot I learned on the job, but having basic programming abilities will go a long way. A lot of engineers are weak at programming compared to what I see in CS.

AnimalMuppet 9y ago
I did a double major, math and physics. I was basically self-taught with respect to computers (one CS class on my transcript). I got hired as a programmer by a lady with a Master's in math, who was largely self-taught with respect to computers. That first hire is all it takes - after that, I had experience. I graduated in 1984, though, so this may not be very applicable to the current situation...
- godelski 9y ago
  Well that sounds reasonable to me. First job was hard to get though. I can completely understand where the OP is coming from.
  - AnimalMuppet 9y ago
    The first job was the grace of God. If I interviewed with someone else, I'm not sure that I would have been hired. ("You taught yourself? Sure you did, kid. Run along and play, now.")
    - godelski 9y ago
      Haha that's what I got a lot. Though I think that's why it might be easier to get into programming at an engineering job.
- zintinio5 9y ago
  Still the same situation, even for CS majors from less known schools. Somebody has to take a chance, few people want to take a risk on you.
jtmcmc 9y ago
I'm not sure what exactly simulations means? lots of Matlab/R/some specific DSL? So when I applied to jobs with my applied math degree and 2 years of grad computing experience - but no industry experience - as a software engineer - I got lots of sorry no experience, we can't train you, etc... etc... I eventually got a job as a support engineer and have kicked around a lot of roles including data scientist and software engineer. I'd say if you don't have actual programming experience they'd probably see you pretty similarly to me. That being said if you're applying to a giant corporation and don't have some sort of standout crazy resume OR have an internal referral I think you're basically lost in the noise. Applying to smaller startups may get you a second look. However, now there are things like triplebyte where if you pass their interview you can get an onsite to a lot of companies regardless of your background - which is pretty neat.
- godelski 9y ago
  > I'm not sure what exactly simulations means? lots of Matlab/R/some specific DSL? Mostly C++ and python. Though I know Matlab too. I'm not looking for a job, per say, but it is always good to know what I can get. But you would suggest a head hunter? I do have experience now.
  - jtmcmc 9y ago
    I would suggest finding people you went to school / are friends with at tech companies and ask them to refer you - That is typically a short circuit to getting past the piles of resumes.

mraza007 9y ago

I think that’s true maths provides the problem solving skills