With algorithms, I mean if the problem demands some optimization, be it network flow, string compression or some kind of resource allocation (something like reg

With algorithms, I mean if the problem demands some optimization, be it network flow, string compression or some kind of resource allocation (something like register allocation in compilers), one should have the vague idea which direction to pursue or approach. This requires somehow rigorous course-work in school. Assuming everyone takes standard CS machine architecture courses, having the breadth in multiple domain is, essential, imo for a well rounded engineer. Now knowing(or having no idea) how memory access, hierarchy etc works, they won't know when things just get stuck.