Escaping flatland: career advice for CS undergrads
5 days ago
- #computer-science
- #mimetic-desire
- #career-advice
- Impostor syndrome affects many CS undergrads, but they are smart and capable.
- Various career paths exist beyond the marketed options like FAANG or Jane Street internships.
- Scenes in computer science have their own 'planes of legibility'—markers of prestige and goals.
- Students often adopt goals from their scene without questioning their personal motivations.
- Mimetic desire plays a big role in career choices; students often follow what others desire.
- Companies exploit this by shaping recruitment cultures, like internship-focused ecosystems.
- Quantitative trading firms heavily influence students through campus presence and perks.
- Students should critically evaluate why they pursue certain paths, not just follow the crowd.
- Exploring diverse interests and understanding different 'planes' can help in making informed career choices.
- Being pragmatic and self-aware helps in navigating career decisions without falling into traps.