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Computer Historian?

Posted by timothy on from the or-you're-doomed-to-repeat-them dept.

mike sollanych writes: "Is there any sort of job in the world for someone who's really interested in computer history? I love it, myself, but I'm just approaching the end of high school, and it's time to make some life decisions. So, is there any place in the industry for a computer historian?" How about it? Many businesses and government agencies employ company historians to record activities which might otherwise get overlooked as mundane. What skills would a most benefit a computer historian, and where are such people needed? Does such a job exist in any but the largest of companies now? Tell us what you think.

2 of 209 comments (clear)

  1. This *should* be a position at every University. by yakfacts · · Score: 5

    IMO, students should be required to take detailed courses in computer history. Why? Not for the trivia, but to understand why decisions were made, and what has been tried before.

    Too many students come out of school thinking they know it all, but understanding only a tiny bit of computers beyond the present generation for which they learned to program. Understanding the computers of the past would be useful.

    Alas, I have found no such position, or I would apply for it tomorrow.

  2. Come over to the dark side... by MaximumBob · · Score: 5
    Forget about "the industry." Become an academic.

    Yes. Picture it. Spend your days on a college campus, teaching classes on the history of computers. You just come up with some random BS thesis on the ways in which computers have affected and changed society, and run with it.

    The advantages? It's tough to get a job as a colleger professor, but once you do, you're good to go. Plus, you spend the rest of your life around college-age women.

    Come over to the dark side, Luke.