Hibernate

Hi everyone. I'm at a bit of a crossroads in my decision in what to major in. I'm currently a sophomore at a very well-regarded CS institution (i.e., people making $95k+ on average a year with their Bachelor's). While this figure it highly tempting for obvious reasons, I'm worried that I might not be a good fit for CS.

I'm definitely a much more social person than most of my classmates in CS. I go to parties and be with friends on the weekends, while many of my peers seem like they'd rather spend a Saturday night either coding or playing video games (which I very much dislike). Before class, people have heated arguments about whether Windows or Linux is better, while I'm sitting their browsing Facebook on my Mac. While I'm interested in computer science (why else would I be in it?), I prefer keep my work and leisure time separate. I do feel a passion for it...I'm especially interested in AI and its potential to affect the way we interact with computers.

Nevertheless, I'm worried that the behavior of the overwhelming majority of my peers is going to be testament to their behavior in the workplace. If these are the only people who I am going to have to interact with on a daily basis, I don't want to get into CS. Additionally, I also worry about becoming a "code monkey". I would hate to lose focus on who is actually using the software—the clients—and instead spend too much time implementing the most efficient sorting algorithm.

Anyone have advice or experience? I'd appreciate it greatly. Thanks!

art2CS

Umm, you think you're going to have your pick of the litter when it comes to future co-workers/bosses/peers? Unless you're being financed by a venture capitalist with your Idea That Kicks So Much Ass, you'll learn to have to deal with people you dislike, and often downright loathe. Get over yourself.

If you're actually considering switching majors because you don't want to be around Linux geeks and Fat Sweaty Guys Who Love Star Wars, maybe you really aren't all that interested in CS.

ddotjon

My son graduated with. BS in CS in May 2012 got a job in VA, and started working in August. He is a social person, and tells me about a lot of employee outings such as baseball games, golf, going out Thursdays after work, and such. I don't think you have to worry about it. When you are in the job search, ask a lot of questions, and find the right fit for you.

ChrisTKD

Take a look at your CS career fair and you should be able to see that there are a wide variety of companies and positions available for CS majors. Obviously, some of these jobs are going to be with people who make all of the internet innovations possible. Other positions may focus more on user-interfaces or HCI. The type of social interaction is going to depend upon the individuals in your workplace NOT their major or department. Keep in mind that shop-talk during off hours is common in many fields - engineering, sales, accounting, auto mechanics etc.

While you don't have to be interested in all aspects of CS your original post does raise a red flag. If you look down on everyone else in the department I'm not sure whether CS is right for you.

QCstudent

Depends on your department; some departments have a major project in each course, which implies saying bye-bye to your party life. If you can't adjust, you wont' be able to make it. I don't want to sugar-coat anything to you, but I'll warn you now that it primarily depends on the quality of your department. I used to attend a CS program where I barely studied, I was on path for the same B.S C.S degree, as soon as I transferred out, the workload has infinitely expanded, to an extent where studying 8-10 hours per day is not enough for most students in the major. Perhaps because now in my new school the CS program is in the College of Engineering?