[joeseeder]

I have had a quick run of an analysis - Academically vs Self trained Computer Engineers among my peers.

From the small sample, it shows very strong correlation between working in ethically questionable organisations and finishing Academia.

Is the opposite for most of my Self trained peers.

[sizzle]

I'd argue that top bay area tech companies are recruiting CS degree holders at higher rates than bootcamp self taught types. It may be harder for self taught types to get past the HR recruiting filter so they settle for second tier companies that are more ethical.

Also someone grinding through a rigorous CS degree might want the biggest ROI vs a self taught type that is happy to take what they can get without and still get paid well without the debt of a CS degree.

I don't think we can draw any conclusions and to state the obvious, correlation =/ causation.

[thaumasiotes]

Is there any chance this is the result of hiring filters on the part of the "ethically questionable" organizations?

[4ad]

Anecdotal evidence, but that has been my experience as well.

[fnordsensei]

And mine as well, and anecdotal for sure. But, if there's something to it, I'm not sure how to account for it. Though one thing comes to mind.

Some time ago, a study was performed in my home country to look into possible correlations between academic performance and work performance among doctors. As it turned out, the best performing doctors were not those with top grades, at least not before entering medical school.

Those who did best had left high school with adequate grades, but not good enough to get into medical school. Rather, they had spent time and effort with supplementary studies to get their grades up to the level where they could apply for medical school.

The possible explanation that was presented was that some of those who had great grades straight out of school simply chose to become doctors because of the promise of prestige and remuneration. Those who didn't, but still fought their way into medical school, however, had a calling beyond money and status.

[leesalminen]

Same here.

[Fnoord]

Cum hoc ergo propter hoc / post hoc ergo propter hoc.

[daveFNbuck]

What does "finishing Academia" mean?

[ralusek]

I'm gonna assume graduating with at least BS, probably Computer Science.

[daveFNbuck]

If that's the case, the apparent correlation probably has more to do with hiring practices than ethical differences between the groups.