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It depends on what you're doing. If you're writing java/python/ruby plumbing, sure some practical experience is great. If you're job is to improve PageRank, I'
by vecter 15y ago
It depends on what you're doing. If you're writing java/python/ruby plumbing, sure some practical experience is great.
If you're job is to improve PageRank, I'd rather much take the person with a strong theoretical background linear algebra, probability, machine learning, and algorithms. That person is more than smart enough to learn the coding on the job.
- achompas 15y agoSeriously. It's unbelievable how people on HN have noahc's attitude. Look, if you want to build a Rails app, go build the app and post it on HN afterwards. If you want to (1) develop an incremental optimization algorithm, (2) push the boundaries of appsec, (3) revolutionize mobile software UI at a handset manufacturer, (4) or research cryptographic algorithms for the NSA, well, you need school. Period.