I too once lived in an ivory tower, pondering the deepest mysteries of the universe (in my occasional snatches of spare time between writing grant proposals and fighting with IRBs). Then I quit and went into industry instead. To my surprise, there was interesting research happening there. I was still able to ponder the mysteries of creation, and I was better paid, and there were no IRBs.

Is the modern research university a path dependent outcome, or is it what we’d come up with if we were designing from scratch? What are the pros and cons of an endowed chair vs. a sinecure at FAANG? Is being surrounded by credentialed colleagues pursuing the same questions as you less important in the age of the internet, or more? Do crass financial incentives ruin the integrity of the scientific process? Is industry still a place where you can do deep, foundational work?

As computer scientists, two career paths stretch out in front of us. How can you tell which one you belong on? Come to this talk and find out. You will also learn about the secret third career path for CS theorists, and the even more secret fourth one.