[k207]

I'm in my final year of undergraduate computer science. I get good grades and I made dean's list last year. I've been thinking over the past few months about what I'll do after I graduate, weather I'll get a job or go to graduate school. I'm leaning toward graduate school since I think that will lead to something more interesting for me and make more use of my potential. It's also what my parents want me to do (though I wouldn't do it just for that reason) and they'll cover the cost, so money isn't an issue. The thing is, I have no idea what my research interest will be. I should have an advisor (which is chosen based on what that professor researches) by the time I apply before my school's deadline on February 15. I do enjoy programming, though maybe not with as much passion as possible, but there's no specific area that stands out to me. I don't want to end up with something that's totally boring for me. I have no idea how I'm going to choose. Anyone with advice or in a similar situation?

[kaliope]

well it does sound like a great idea to go on to grad school. it is difficult to go back once you leave. but that is going to be challenging coming up with your specialty in such a short time. i think if you enjoy programming and that is all that stands out for you right now it may be the best choice. the passion may come when you have gotten more into your studies. there isn't anything to say once you have gotten your degree and are working in the field that you cant do other things or take more classes so you can switch to other subfields,. good luck

[ensconce]

Theres various interesting fields such as artificial intelligence, information security, databases, graphics, theory, and even literal computer science (studying theories to make code more efficient). It just depends what you like to do now.

[Perna]

I personally would want something real world/practical rather than grad school. "Big data" if you are going to do grad school, it's the "next" thing:

http://www.mckinsey.com/insights/bus...for_innovation

Online Master's Degree in Data Analytics | UMUC

[Seeking_Peace]

I do not know anything about computer science so can't help with that but I will say that you should go to grad school after graduating. Its very difficult to go back later on. Since money is not a problem for you, stay in school and finish it completely before getting a full-time job.

[cool09]

I have an engineering degree. You seem to be in a good position with good grades and family support, etc. I think no matter what you do should be a good decision. If you are ready to go make money you will find a job easily I think. If you want more education I think you'll be successful and enjoy school. (Maybe you can get a scholarship and go to grad school in a warmer climate!) You must have very good concentration. (I worked for the military as a civilian for a few yrs and my concentration became shattered because there were too many games going on for me to function well. It was very cut-throat. I realized that I'm not that anul retentive and don't like being that uptight all of the time.)

[k207]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm going to go through the process of looking into the research interests of the professors at my university and find something that sounds interesting to me. I did this before and nothing caught my eye, so I'll try delving deeper this time. I think going on to grad school requires a lot of passion and motivation, I think I have some of that but not enough.