[symlinkk]

Why do I have to build side projects and memorize algorithm trivia to prove to employers that I know enough to do a job? What's the value of my degree if it doesn't tell employers that I know what I'm talking about? Why are software engineers the only ones with this problem (can you imagine if doctors had to memorize random trivia to get a job)?

[flukus]

> Why are software engineers the only ones with this problem (can you imagine if doctors had to memorize random trivia to get a job)?

Because we don't have professional organisations like doctors and lawyers do.

> What's the value of my degree if it doesn't tell employers that I know what I'm talking about?

Well there's an open ended question. For one, assuming you went to a reputable university, the degree says that you understand the foundations of computer science, which isn't particularly relevant to what most of us spend our days doing. Understanding computer science fundamentals isn't a huge help when your building a CRUD web form and sticking data in the database.

Then there's the profit driven centers that universities have become, it's in their best interest not to fail anyone, that would decrease their revenue. I've had interns that are freshly graduated with masters degrees that would fail a CS101 test if you put it in front of them.

> Why do I have to build side projects and memorize algorithm trivia to prove to employers that I know enough to do a job?

Because employers are trying to compensate for the issues I mentioned in the cheapest, quickest way possible. Sure they don't do a great job of it, but neither does anyone else in the pipeline.

[natalyarostova]

> (can you imagine if doctors had to memorize random trivia to get a job)?

Comparing yourself to doctors, with the implication that it's easier for them, is pretty silly. Doctors have to memorize perhaps the most shit to get a job, and are frequently reevaluated on it through examinations to keep their license.

[vonmoltke]

> are frequently reevaluated on it through examinations to keep their license.

Not in the US. Keeping your license, whether for medicine or engineering, is just a matter completing continuing education units. There are nearly worthless activities that count towards CE units, and I have yet to see any that are actually graded (they are all just butt-in-seat things).

People here seem to have anloftier view of licensure than it deserves. Sure, it's better than nothing. However, licensed != competent and should never be used as a substitute for measuring competence.

[quickthrower2]

Doctors have to memorize a lot of information to just do their job. They have to have the answers to a lot of things or look incompetent as Googling would make people lose their trust. I think we have it cushy.

My experience is that side projects mean nothing to employers (as an experienced dev) and memorizing algorithm trivia is rarely needed. Usually doing a coding test with internet access is the norm.

[itronitron]

Apparently there are a lot of people applying to developer positions that make it to the technical interview and don't know how to code. I have never encountered this personally, probably because the people I have interviewed have always had prior work experience as developers.