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Ask HN:Why is it so rare to see job ads asking for generalist programmers?

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Re: Ask HN:Why is it so rare to see job ads asking for generalist programmers?

#11
post #8
post #7

I am a generalist spanning both hardware and software (with expertise on many sub-fields within these), and so this highly impacts me in spite of the stellar reputation I have amongst those who know me. Many of the answers here point to a potential solution: Develop a specialization in generalization, like taking on an architect or multidisciplinary role. More thoughts on this are welcome. :-)

I absolutely agree that going for an architect role is the solution to this problem. The key to becoming a successful generalist is to learn how to bring technologies together. If you can paint the picture of how integrate different systems/tools/languages/teams/etc then you have a very valuable skill to an organization. Unfortunately this means not just being good with technology but also being good with creating or…

Thanks for these inputs. :-)

Of all the things you mention for complexity in the workplace, the hardest I find is understanding business processes since they are often industry-specific (specialized) themselves.

Re: Ask HN:Why is it so rare to see job ads asking for generalist programmers?

#12

My ex-girlfriend graduated awhile ago from Ohio state with a degree in computer science with most of her college work done in an obscure language event there. Needless to say had problem find a job. I told her to go to comlumbus state(a community college) and take vb.net class. Viola job with the state. Employers are looking for that person that will go above and beyond.

I'm amazed that someone with a computer science degree cannot learn vb.net on their own.

Re: Ask HN:Why is it so rare to see job ads asking for generalist programmers?

#13
post #12

My ex-girlfriend graduated awhile ago from Ohio state with a degree in computer science with most of her college work done in an obscure language event there. Needless to say had problem find a job. I told her to go to comlumbus state(a community college) and take vb.net class. Viola job with the state. Employers are looking for that person that will go above and beyond.

I'm amazed that someone with a computer science degree cannot learn vb.net on their own.

More likely her resume wouldn't get past hr without the class listed.

Re: Ask HN:Why is it so rare to see job ads asking for generalist programmers?

#14

My ex-girlfriend graduated awhile ago from Ohio state with a degree in computer science with most of her college work done in an obscure language event there. Needless to say had problem find a job. I told her to go to comlumbus state(a community college) and take vb.net class. Viola job with the state. Employers are looking for that person that will go above and beyond.

But how does vb.net help her play the viola?
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