[_throwawayyyyyy]

it's a stupid game but you're smart to play it.

but if DS&A puzzles are a de-facto standard, why not have an actual standard? the whole thing is pretty haphazard.

it's like hiring someone to be your defense attorney because they're decent at the NYT Crossword Puzzle, or to be your doctor because they're good at Sudoku.

[christiansakai]

It is like most things in life or software, no silver bullet. Every team/product/company has different requirements that they need to fulfill, including off-the-mark measures such as diversity quota. Having an actual standard will make it difficult. Besides, this field moves so much nobody wants to get certifications that will be obsolete 3 months down the road. Not to mention certifications and credentials can be bad gatekeeper in itself.

This game is actually really easy to play, much easier than any other corporate/job game in other fields. You just need to know the rules, study the rules and get on with your life. You don't need bachelor/master from expensive universities or any other gate-keeping bst like in medical or law.

I wasn't born rich or smart or have good connections, and I'm glad setting aside a few months to study DS&A can make me earn what most Americans or the world envy. Much more if I'm good at it so I can jump ship at FAANG every year and living the dream. Let the rich/smart/well-connected people solve harder problems such as medicine or law. I just get on with my life.