| > 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. |