[ryanfitz]

I think you're over thinking things. Tech hiring is so random that you could have the most impressive list of projects on github, but if you get asked a single data structure question that you stumble on they might pass. Similarly, you could ace the white boarding questions, but if they check out a project of yours on github that they don't enjoy for some reason they might pass.

I would stick to doing whatever will give you the most confidence when talking to companies. If that is studying data structures/algorithms then keep doing that. If its launching a side project focus on that instead.

[nullundefined]

Thanks for the feedback-- that's what my hunch was. I agree completely. I think hiring _is_ quite random and that is partially what puts me on edge. I want to prepare and give myself the upper hand but it's so random it's hard to prepare for.

I do think data structures and algorithms are a must and if I had to guess, stumbling on the whiteboard is probably the most common reason for a rejection which is why I think that is something that needs to be practiced.

The other things may just be gravy.