in reply to Re: Mathematics eq CompSci
in thread Mathematics eq CompSci

Hm...I think the reality is such that if the person doesn't have a degree in CS or Mathematics, chances of her being shortlisted for an interview aren't going to be high.

What might happen, though, is that the person develops considerable experience and expertise in programming whilst holding a job that isn't about programming. For example, the person could be doing some research work but makes use of programming to solve the problems at hand. Provided she has become competent in programming as a by-product, she can then market herself as a Programmer even though she doesn't have the background in CS or Mathematics.

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Re^3: Mathematics eq CompSci
by samizdat (Vicar) on May 02, 2005 at 14:40 UTC
    I think two factors are at work here. Because of the availability of overseas coders, native coders are being expected to meet higher standards. I also think that CYA principles are being applied by HR personnel and managers, i.e. bureaucrats. If they can point to a degree, they can't be faulted. It is rarer and rarer that a boss is a programmer.

    That said, I have never had a problem getting a job in either EE or CS-related fields in spite of the fact that my academic career stopped with a BA in Sociology from a mid-range state university. I have been denied the chance a number of times, so degree-consciousness IS a factor at many companies. What I am ranting about is that it should never be a reason not to be proud of one's abilities or to try for a position. IMNSHO, the companies that have hired me have been far better off for doing so, and, yes, I have taken jobs away from degreed programmers several times.
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