Where Do I Want to Work?
Tue, Sep 05
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:
Renelle Darr writing in Forbes on The New Workplace: Where Meaning and Purpose are More Important Than Ever.
An excerpt from David Graeber's landmark book on contemporary work: Bullshit Jobs.
Dylan Matthews investigates working on Wall Street to save the world in the Washington Post.
Lizzie Widdicombe reviews the WeWork documentary in the New Yorker.
Erin Griffith looked at what happened when the pandemic hit Airbnb.
These optional pieces on the nature of contemporary work are worth reading as well:
Susan Peppercorn on Why You Should Stop Trying to be Happy at Work
(Reprise) Gary Gutting on the philosophy of work: What is Work Really For?
Do This:
Writing Reflection 01
See the instructions posted on the assignment's page.
This writing reflection is due on 9/12 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: What does the future you want to see look like? This is the Ice Breaker activity to get the group acquainted with each other, set norms, and introduce individual perspectives.
Reading Quiz 02
The form for Reading Quiz 02 follows below. If you can't see the form below, try this direct link.