I am currently a Computer Science student in university who really loves Linux and FOSS software, hates it when governments and corporations spy on people, and would probably rather have a job that brings meaning and benefits society than one that has a high paycheck (although I do recognize that I also need to have enough money for food, housing, .etc). I also watch Scammer Payback and Jim Browning and I love what they’re doing, but I don’t know if I could turn that into a real job.
I’ve thought of doing pen testing (later on in my career), but I’ve come to realize that it is better if users just started using privacy-respecting FOSS software like Signal, because if you give a hacker enough time, patience, and the right resources, they could hack into anything. Although for something like banks, I’d maybe be ok working there, as everybody still needs them and they’re not going away any time soon.
I also need something that I could get into fresh out of university or even as an internship or co-op.
Am I being too pessimistic? What would you suggest me to do? Feel free to challenge my views on life.
I would say I’m a very ideals-driven person as well. I had hoped to get a job with a company whose values aligned with my own upon graduating.
My experience was that it was really difficult getting my first job when I was being fussy with who I was sending my applications to. This is despite having both an undergraduate and postgraduate degree with the highest possible grades and also industry experience.
Eventually I gave in and started sending applications to all sorts of companies and took the first job I got offered. I’m still early in my career and I’m still working with this company.
Honestly I think for a first job it’s just worth taking whatever comes your way if it will offer you valuable experience. Then you can always apply for other jobs whilst you’re earning money and experience. That’s my plan anyway.
Other than that, I would recommend checking out this website: https://80000hours.org/
Yes, work on getting your first job, don’t worry so much about getting your dream job on the first try.
Let’s say most jobs get 1000 applicants. Having a relevant education will put you in the top 200. Having relevant job experience will put you in the top 50. And not having a bunch of strange red flags that suggest you’re not going to be a useful hire might mean you’re one of 5.
It’s important to pay your dues, and early on that often means working a job you don’t want as much.
A lot of people with university degrees end up not doing anything related to their field because nobody told anyone this stuff and they end up applying for jobs they can’t get first.