Hey everyone! I have a question that might seem a bit silly, but I've only taken a couple of computer science classes and just want to explore my options.
A little about me: I was a math major before diving into computer science, and I've enjoyed subjects like calculus and discrete math. I loved my time working with MatLab, and after taking my programming classes, I realized I'm much more intrigued by abstract concepts than by hands-on engineering like front-end development.
So, here's my question: are there specific jobs out there where you could spend your days focusing on optimizing data management, creating new data structures, or developing sorting/searching algorithms? I'm thinking along the lines of internal libraries for companies or roles in scientific computing. I've mainly worked in C, with some experience in Python, Rust, and C++. I remember enjoying a LeetCode problem about finding shapes in 2D arrays, so I'm really curious about what kind of careers exist for someone passionate about this area. Thanks!
5 Answers
If you're into the more theoretical side of things, research engineering positions or even security engineering could be for you. They often dive into the theoretical aspects of computer science, and these roles typically offer higher salaries. Just something else to consider!
Actually, there's a whole area in computer science called data science that overlaps with what you’re describing. While these roles can sometimes stray from traditional computer science, they still involve thinking deeply about data structure and algorithm efficiency. Courses or roles here could give you a solid foundation!
That makes sense! Are there specific skills or tools I should focus on if I go that route?
Definitely consider backend engineering! Many companies split their teams into frontend (focused on user interfaces) and backend (dealing with databases and data structures). In backend, you often work on the scaling and organizing of data, which is exactly what you're interested in!
That sounds great! I love the idea of keeping things organized. Do backend roles require a lot of experience with specific technologies?
If you're looking to design internal libraries, you should consider that it’s a mix of art and skill. While you may not create algorithms anew, understanding CRUD operations, REST interfaces, and documentation is critical. It’s more about understanding the right way to structure and interface with existing tools. It's a valuable and creative role!
I appreciate that insight! It sounds like there’s a lot of creativity involved, which I really enjoy.
You might want to look into fields like bioinformatics or aerospace. These industries heavily rely on data structures and algorithms to manage and analyze complex data, which sounds right up your alley!
Interesting! I hadn't thought of that angle. Do you know of specific roles in those fields that focus on data structures?
Sounds intriguing! I’ll look into that. Are these positions usually hard to get into?