Interesting Computer Science Jobs?

mattskent writes "I'm currently a junior in college working towards my Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. As such, I'm starting to look pretty seriously at jobs in the IT/Computer Science field. I've spent plenty of time working entry-level IT jobs doing various kinds of help desk type work, and so most of the exposure I've had to the field is related to support of other people's computers. I enjoy helping other people out, but I'd rather not be plugging things in and restarting computers the rest of my life. Although the possibility is growing on me, I don't think I would particularly love to write code all day for a living either. What are some interesting jobs that you've had or heard of that I could look into fresh out of college with a Computer Science degree?"

One additional language you might consider...

[richardkelleher]

With the current state of the industry and the world economy, have you considered taking Chinese? It might be useful since so many jobs are being outsourced to that region of the world.

Re:Help Organize an Open Source Project

[SirLurksAlot]

Are you a "people" person? All those introverted geeks need to talk to each other, make decisions and agree on stuff. Something that they (on average) do very poorly. You would have a career in product marketing, since you understand the geeks and can talk to them.

Oh great, set him up for an eventual meeting with the Bobs!

Well-well look. I already told you: I deal with the god damn customers so the engineers don't have to. I have people skills; I am good at dealing with people. Can't you understand that? What the hell is wrong with you people?

Re:Whatever you do...

[cjb658]

It can still be fun though. [youtube.com]

Re:Development Isn't Just "Writing Code All Day"

[AuMatar]

Only half? I'll stick to the US, most days I slack off all day.

Given the current business climate...

[mnemotronic]

Things being what they are, I suggest a modified set of goals. Rather than concentrating on "the ideal" computer science job, set your sites a bit lower -- like "anything that could have an electron". Might I suggest:

• Writing malware for the Russian mafia.
• Working for US Customs & Border Patrol as a data-napper.
• Developing a super-ultra-long numeric math package to assist in calculating how much it'll take to bail out US businesses.
• Work to protect US cyber-resources from Chinese attacks by developing anti-P2P and anti-filesharing tools.
• Grinding up & recycling old PCs to make new PCs.
• Grinding up & recycling old mortgage brokers to make weasel food. (or would that be considered weasel-abuse?)

Take a black robe

[vikingpower]

Do what I did: code for some time like an idiot for stupid bosses, then realize you are being exploited, and become a monk. I'm serious.