There’s also a huge difference between CS grads from 15+ years ago and newer CS grads. Older CS grads had computer labs, insane old profs who’d cut their teeth on the first computers, and negative stereotypes of computer geeks were still in play. So there was selection bias, most (or at least many) CS majors loved computers and couldn’t imagine doing anything else. These days—with CS the most popular major, which is mind-blowing—most CS majors are kids who would have been business majors 20 years ago. It’s not to say those that love computers don’t still major in CS, but I interview many many many CS college kids who “don’t want to program” and expect to get well-paying computer-related jobs.
One thing I have learned is that it’s not enough for a junior/intermediate programmer to practice practice practice. They also must read. I respect self-taught devs (I am one), but self-taught devs who don’t read books plateau quickly.
One thing I have learned is that it’s not enough for a junior/intermediate programmer to practice practice practice. They also must read. I respect self-taught devs (I am one), but self-taught devs who don’t read books plateau quickly.