Reddit reviews Algorithmic Puzzles

Here's a nice book with a set of Algorithmic Puzzles that you can practice on. The book actually touches on an important point. Algorithmic thinking is not solely the domain of computer science or programming; it's a general problem solving topic.

Also, to echo some of the other comments here, it's not the CS degree that will make you better, it's the practice. The four years spent getting a CS degree merely forces you to practice a lot. The key point here though is that you can practice regardless of the CS degree (or pursuit of) which means if you've got some spare time, practice!

I'd also like to suggest Algorithmic Puzzles.

Algorithmic Puzzles

Algorithm Puzzles might fit your needs.

The Art of Computer Programming, as I understand it, uses assembly language for a imaginary processor to teach algoritms.

You could also use the time to practice designing programs; many schools teach programming by first teaching to design programs in psuedo-code without a computer.

For some great comp sci style thinking puzzles without the computer, this is crazy fun. From bring up at party casual to mind meltingly difficult. Algorithmic Puzzles https://www.amazon.com/dp/0199740445/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_AeMzwbE3NJARB

Example: if you can only fit two pancakes on your griddle, what's the fastest way to make three pancakes?

http://www.amazon.com/Algorithmic-Puzzles-Anany-Levitin/dp/0199740445

for practical applications of algorithms.

I agree with the Cormen book suggestion, as I hear a lot about it.

Algorithmic Puzzles. Reading about programming is dull. Doing is more fun, but you have already to know something. This book introduces algorithmic way of thinking without actual programming

https://www.amazon.com/Algorithmic-Puzzles-Anany-Levitin/dp/0199740445

I totally agree with the productive burned hours. It's a lot more satisfying than going on reddit. If I'm at home I'll occasionally pop open a book I'm reading. Currently working through this guy https://www.amazon.com/Alexander-Hamilton-Ron-Chernow/dp/0143034758! Or I sometimes bring a little book of brain teasers/puzzles like https://www.amazon.com/Algorithmic-Puzzles-Anany-Levitin/dp/0199740445.

The walking part is really great too. This one of the parts I'm most excited about grad school/work. Having a real office that locks so I can just put my book down and walk outside and smell the air. Right now I do most of my work in libraries since I have trouble focusing at home and thus I dont want to just leave my stuff out

edit: what type of consulting do you do?
Are you happy with it?
edit 2: is your linkedin sick