Reflections on my journey into computer science

I think degrees are an important indicator, and that thought would never even cross my mind unless you were 1 or 2 years out of school without experience. EE is one of the main degrees for this field.

> It's always fun to read someone else who also had a lifelong interest in programming but decided to major in a different subject.

I feel the same way; I enjoy hearing the experiences of software developers who pursued different majors or didn't major at all. Based on my personal experience, individuals from such backgrounds often bring a unique and intriguing perspective. They also tend to be highly self-driven, perhaps because those who lack this self-motivation may struggle to sustain their careers in this rapidly evolving field.

> later Haskell got me good enough into abstract algebra that I tacked on a math minor as well.

For me, it was the other way around. My interest in pure math led me into learning more about Haskell and functional programming stuff.

> I often worry whether the EE degree disqualifies me in the eyes of employers from being a "serious" programmer.

I don't think it matters significantly. Electrical Engineering is so fundamental that it will actually provide you with a strong foundation and valuable problem-solving skills in the software development field. If your employer does not see the value in you, its their problem.

> I'm mildly surprised that the Turkish university scene sounds tougher to break into the top university ranks of, than the United States's was. I wonder why that is the case.

Regarding the Turkish university scene, it's interesting to hear that it might be tougher to secure a spot in top-ranked universities here compared to the United States, *but I don't know whether this is the case*. The central exam system in Turkey, leads to varying demand for different degrees. Perhaps a more intriguing question is why engineering programs in Turkey seem to have exceptionally high scores in this context, that is, why the people in Turkey particularly tend to choose engineering programs such as CS or EE degrees.

If it does then that employer doesn't know what a "serious" programmer is, regardless what they say on their job spec. A serious programmer is one who knows the entire tech stack, from how the electrons move around in circuits, to high level mathematical computer science, and everything in between, and uses all of that knowledge to design and build more efficient, performant, correct, and secure systems.

I've worked with electrical engineers who went straight into programming after they graduated, and they were good. Where I'm from the engineering degrees always seemed a little more brutal than a regular comp sci degree. I notice those engineers have no issue learning anything new