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> Some places who use those languages have additional requirements (e.g. PhD, competitive interview process, math background, domain knowledge).

One data point - I get paid to solve problems by writing OCaml code. I am a self-taught programmer with a linguistics undergrad degree.

I hope this helps others who are interested, but are feeling insecure because of the stereotype that one needs a PhD to write programs in a particular language.



> one needs a PhD to write programs in a particular language

This isn't what I said. Even a high school student can write programs in OCaml, it doesn't require any degree and is no harder than other languages.

My point is that if you want to work at Meta, Jane Street, Standard Chartered, or other selective companies that use Haskell/OCaml, just having "Haskell" listed on your resume is probably not enough to be considered for interviews. You will need other skills to distinguish you from other candidates. Could be a PhD, or being good at grinding leetcode problems, a recognized expertise, a prestigious degree, domain specific knowledge and so on.

I suspect companies using these languages tend to be more selective on average than those working on more common tech (e.g. php, js).


> You will need other skills to distinguish you from other candidates. Could be a PhD, or being good at grinding leetcode problems, a recognized expertise, a prestigious degree, domain specific knowledge and so on.

I agree that listing Haskell or OCaml on one's CV isn't enough. I think this holds the same way for other languages, at least in the company where I interview.

To the people who are interested in solving problems using functional languages. You should apply, even if you think you are not part of the "selective" in-group like PhD or language expertise


If your company is ever looking for more OCaml programmers, please let me know. (My email address is in my profile.) I learned Haskell and OCaml ages ago, and once upon a time I tried getting a job working with one of them. Unfortunately, the companies wouldn't take me seriously without professional experience in those languages.

> feeling insecure because of the stereotype that one needs a PhD to write programs in a particular language

One certainly doesn't need a PhD to program in a functional language. But I can tell you, there is a big gap between being able to do it and convincing someone to hire you. I even have a PhD in comp sci, and AFAICT, it hasn't convinced anyone that I can do anything in particular.




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