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How likely is it to get a compiler software job with only a high school degree?

5 points by jobhdez ↗ HN
Hello,

I thing compilers are very interesting. I have built my own compilers in common lisp and I enjoyed my time. I basically almost completed a university quarter compiler project based on Dr. Siek's book "Essentials of Compilation". I did almost eveything a student would do in a quarter system except for implementing tuples and register allocation. One of my plans is to build a more substantial compiler, study the second edition of the dragon book and either contribute to llvm or the haskell compiler.

how likely is it to get a compiler job if i contribute to llvm or ghc for a year regularly?

thanks.

6 comments

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bjourne
I don't want to let you down, but implementing a compiler is part of most reputable master degrees in Computer Science. Having implemented a compiler is great and demonstrates skill, but may not be worth as much as a CS degree in an employer's eyes.

How hard it is to get a "compiler job" depends on what you mean. Getting hired by Apple to work on the internals of the Swift compiler is very difficult. Especially if you are not an American citizen. However, getting a job developing parsers/compilers/transpilers in lesser well-known companies might be considerably easier.

Hoping to get hired by a FAANG company by hacking llvm is essentially the same as trying to get a record contract by busking in the streets. I mean it happens if you are exceptionally talented, exceptionally hard-working, and exceptionally lucky, but it is very, very rare.

jobhdez
You didnt let me down :)

I know the compiler industry is full of people with masters degrees and PHDs.

then would you say getting at least a BS in math or CS the way to go? or should i aim harder and get a masters or PHD? thanks

prirun
Personally, I would get a BS and continue with your interest in implementing compilers. Without a degree, I think your resume would be tossed and you'd be first on the chopping block in any downturn. IMO experience can substitute for an advanced degree to some extent, but cannot substitute for no degree, at least in the CS field. Plus school is ridiculously expensive, so IMO advanced degrees are not worth it considering lost income.
jobhdez
Thanks! Are you a compiler engineer?
CraigRo
There are lots of projects that require at least a good undergraduate level understanding of compiler concepts. They aren't advertised as such though, but if you can make the link between the problem someone wants to solve and your experience, they'll hire you