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.

  • Kissaki@feddit.deEnglish
    4·
    1 year ago

    You won’t be stuck. You can always reevaluate and change employer later too.

    You can’t know many things, like work environment, leadership style, beforehand. After assessment before and during interviews, you’ll have to get and and see.

    Given that you seem to weigh meaning and impact quite high, I suggest

    • check for jobs for Non-profits and rights/citizen protection government orgs
    • check companies and industries you’re interested in
    • consider smaller companies where you have an impact, and where you have or serve a product

    You can get an idea of roles and availability from job offers/seekings.

    Consider practicality; setting for a reasonable job first, and then taking the time outside of it to seek opportunities, alternatives, or contribute.