undefined | Better HN

0 points_Nat_4y ago0 comments

Dropping out of a fancy Computer Science program that you're already in would seem like an extraordinarily bad idea.

If someone's trying to talk you into quitting and giving up because no one wants you because you're black, well.. that doesn't sound like a good friend to me.

Don't get me wrong -- a few tech-billionaires dropped out of college, and apparently it worked out for some. So if you want to try that out, then that'd seem like a different issue. But dropping out because you're black sounds crazy.

All that said, if you want to feel out the waters, why not apply for an internship? Internships can be awesome! -- you can get experience and money while still being a student, plus it can be fun!

0 comments

throwtheworld4y ago

> Dropping out of a fancy Computer Science program that you're already in would seem like an extraordinarily bad idea

Of course haha the name brand and few cool professors are keeping me at this point. But I never expected to go from the highest ranking/gpa/scores to having leaving academia even at the edge of the table.

> But dropping out because you're black sounds crazy.

It’s more like “if I can make X amount anyways today, why do it Y way when I’ll be behind anyways? Might as well gain the experience and be in the same position 4-5 years from now?” if that makes sense but I understand it sounding rash through text.

> why not apply for an internship?

It seems we all have the same issue of never getting responses online. It’s very odd considering we’ve done incredibly well when the interview is direct with the person hiring (as in this is the person that makes the final decision), but situations like that are limited.

notJim4y ago

Apologies if this is obvious, but if you're not getting callbacks, usually the issue is with your resume or application. If you haven't already, I would look for groups that review resumes and applications (especially groups that involve people who are already working or have experience hiring.) You could also try posting on the /r/cscareerquestions subreddit to have people critique your resume.

spopejoy4y ago

> usually the issue is with your resume or application

The parent commentor stated that their cohort has seen evidence of systematic rejection of their resumes. It is a well-documented fact that this happens all the time for female-sounding, black-sounding etc names and pictures.

Suggesting that "no, it's probably just some missing fine tuning on your resume" doesn't really seem like the right response here...

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse