I've used many many many algorithms in my job creating search for video. I had no formal IT training though and I just learned them on the spot. I was trained a

I've used many many many algorithms in my job creating search for video. I had no formal IT training though and I just learned them on the spot. I was trained as a researcher (computational neuroscience). When I need one I just read all I can about it and then build it. I think having a rough understanding of what's out there does help though. Just reading some books about them, kinda scanning over them thinking hmm that's interesting. And then when you need one you'll remember "wait I think some sort of x algorithm I read about might be able to solve this".