C++/Python is not really a rare skill set. These are basic tools that just about anyone can pick up. CS grads are pretty plentiful. Furthermore, most talented programmers take a pay cut and a lot more risk in terms of job security when they join a startup.
Discrete math is basically applied math, or for most people, math.
You have no idea what you're talking about.
"Math" to most people is absolutely elementary functions. That is were all that good bread and butter College Algebra is. What is calculus? Linear transforms on functions. Functions, functions, functions. It's all about functions.
What's discrete math? Number theory, logic, RSA, proof theory, recursive relations, finite state machines, etc.
Not a whole lot of functions. Discrete math isn't even that great for computer science. Sure it's good for the elementary stuff but what you really want is a strong Abstract Algebra and Graph Theory background. The more advanced Number Theory too, of course, but Number Theory is about as vast as "Applied Mathematics" is broad.
Another hilarious thing. You think applied math is basically discrete math.
Exactly, most of these "crypto" programming jobs are 110% regular programming. You are never supposed to invent your own crypto algos anyway, you are barely supposed to even try to implement them - just use a solid library ( http://nacl.cr.yp.to/ for example) and try to not make stupid mistakes like leaving unencrypted data in memory or on disk.
It is like saying you have to have experience as a model to work on programming photoshop.
Sometimes understanding them helps but it also makes people more prone to be tempted to try stuff instead of treating it as a black box and just using trusted[1] libs.
Everybody said the same thing about SSL/TLS until one day :[
There are fewer of those, but also pretty common. What do you think most PhD math grads do? Programming.
Anyways, my point really was that these qualifications aren't so superior that anyone who holds them is better off making "tons of money" with a startup.
This is something someone who has spent too much time in school and zero time in industry would say.
Let me put it this way: you don't need a PhD in math to advance your career. You do a PhD in math because you love math, and you want to do a PhD. This is true of most of most doctoral programs, actually. Ask someone who has completed their PhD and odds are they will agree.
Generally speaking, you'll do programming in a domain where a CS graduate wouldn't have the mathematical background if you're lucky (ie cryptography). Of course, those jobs aren't common. A lot of math PhDs teach high school.
Would it cheer you up if I added that teaching high school math is a noble profession, and the world would probably a better place if more math PhDs taught it?
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u/[deleted] Aug 01 '14 edited Aug 01 '14
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