Where Do I Want to Work?
Tue, Sep 01
The focus of this lecture is the job landscape for computer science. Many workers are seeking meaning and purpose in their professional lives, but struggle with what is actually offered in the contemporary workplace: jobs that are often unfulfilling, even though they pay well. We'll spend some time discussing this tension today.
We have three main in-class learning goals. By the end of the lecture today you will:
- Gain familiarity with what tech workers are looking for in their careers, which may not always align with what is available on the market.
- Know about the kinds of jobs computer scientists are getting out of college, and the various pros and cons of each.
- Develop skills to ask good questions about a workplace and its potential fit for your career.
The slides for today's lecture.
Read This:
Notre Dame's own (RIP) Gary Gutting on the philosophy of work: What is Work Really For?
Pope Saint John Paul II has much to say about work that is good in his encyclical Laborem Exercens (read Sections I, II, and V).
Wall Street Journal tech reporter Katherine Bindley tells us that Tech Workers Are Just Like the Rest of Us: Miserable at Work
Do This:
Writing Reflection 00
See the instructions posted on the assignment's page.
This writing reflection is due on 9/8 at 5pm.
This Week's Dialogue Group Meeting
Find at least one hour to meet with your group to discuss the prompt of the week: How have you approached the meritocracy in your own education? Use this activity to get the group acquainted with each other, set norms, and introduce individual perspectives.
Reading Quiz 01
The form for Reading Quiz 01 follows below. If you can't see the form below, try this direct link.