Working in Defense

Dat · Post by **Dat** » 03 Jun 2005 23:22

I just got back from my Computer Science department's annual banquet. It's an awards dinner where we sit with faculty and people from industry. I sat with representatives from a big defense company. All I did was mention I am using GPS for my senior project and they were all over me. They kept asking me when I was graduating and when I was going to start looking for a job. I joked and said I was going to be working at the video store for the summer. At the end of the night they were still keen on hiring me and made sure I had their contact info.

I don't know if I'd be comfortable working on 'Space and Airborne Systems' and 'Electronic Warfare Systems' but the technical aspect is really tempting. It's also appealing because I don't have anything good lined up for me once I get out of school yet. My hippy juggler/footbagger side is conflicting with my engineer/bill payer side. I'm gonna at least call them back and interview. I figure this will at least be good practice for applying to jobs.

Just wanted to know your thoughts on working for a defense company.

MegaFighter_X · Post by **MegaFighter_X** » 04 Jun 2005 01:19

It sounds intresting, but don't let ANY job get in the way of your morals. think hard about this job and ask yourself it it's really woth it, both with the pay and with your morals.

It would be challening though... Tough question, but do some soul searching. That will provide your answer.

Colin · Post by **Colin** » 04 Jun 2005 10:06

Just take the job and sabotage all the equipment you work on. Easy as pie.

Jeremy · Post by **Jeremy** » 04 Jun 2005 10:15

If you take the job and then decide that you don't want to do it for moral reasons (ie. because you're concerned that you're getting paid to develope different ways of killing people) you can always quit. However if you don't take the job and then you decide you do want it you might not be able to get a job at that later date.

Personally I doubt I would take a job of that description - however it's your decision and I certainly wouldn't think you're a sell out or immoral if you took the job - make the decision based on what you think is best for you.

Senor Grommet · Post by **Senor Grommet** » 04 Jun 2005 18:47

Whoa, Jeremy and I actually agree (for the 3rd time ever

)! If you "got" the job, you should test it out to see if it is what you think it is. Then make your decision. As you said, at least an interview would be good practice. Dat, youre so cool!