Breaking Away from Programming?

Captain Numerica asks: "I've been working as a programmer since I graduated from high school. I've been paying my own way through college, and now I'm about to graduate with a BS in Physics. I plan on continuing my studies to a PhD in Physics, but first I need to get on my feet financially, as a fellowship/TA position isn't yet sufficient for the debt I've accumulated in my more irresponsible years. I'm leaving my university with a great deal of programming experience -- a fact that I might want to advertise to potential employers. However, at the same time I don't want to become type-casted as just a programmer, as my real skills involve analytical and experimental physics. Has anyone working as a research engineer/scientist come out of college under similar circumstances?" For those of you with significant programming skills, but the wish to focus in areas more suitable to your education, how did you avoid falling into the Programmer IT Trap?

Comments

Similar experience....

[mike77]

I came out of college w/ a degree in Physics and engineering. And while my programming experience wasn't as good as yours (lots of fortran and some C++) I found the perfect route for myself. Take what you will form it and hopefully it will help you out. I started working at a major astronomy program (think big telescope in space) If you have good physics, computer and analytic skills, you can get a job w/ just a BS. It was an excellent opportunity for the following reaons:

1) - Good paycheck! I was making more than enough to survive and pay off debt.

2) - Opportunity to build your resume for grad school. (all of the people I worked with went to Tier 1 schools when they left)

3) - Ability to do research in your spare time. Researchers are always willing to accept free labor :)

4) - Ability to take classes for free. (or at signifigant discount)

5) - Chance to go to conferences and present research (ie, make a name for yourself)

I can think of a few more but I actually have to get to work now. Give me an email if you want some specific suggestions and places I personally know of.

MR