Hey all,

I did history in undergrad with some math coursework (through linear algebra, ODEs, real analysis). I worked for a bit and am taking an intro CS class, focused on programming in Python.

I'm really enjoying the class and, although it's not particularly challenging, find myself fairly good at it. I'm going to do this program in the fall/spring (it's a 2-semester program):

http://www.cs.nyu.edu/webapps/conten...c/graduate/pac

A few questions:

1) I'm hoping to get a better background in CS/programming so I can get involved at a startup and really contribute. Any thoughts on how much more (beyond PAC) I'd need to take class-wise to do this?

2) What other sorts of careers are out there for someone interested in CS/math/optimization kinda stuff? Really don't enjoy finance fwiw.

Thanks in advance,
Holler

Coming from a start up background I can tell you that it's going to take more than academics to get you where you need to be. You also need to decide what you want to contribute to the start up. Most people in start ups are multi-talented and some are not. I've worked with pure programmers and then also with programmers that can do other things like product development, graphic design, accounting, marketing, etc. The desire of your multi-talentedness (cool word I made up there, eh?) depends on how early on in the start up you're looking to get.

1) Don't focus on academic levels so much. If it's a good start up the people doing the hiring will probably have programming experience and be able to tell a hacker from an academic hand holder. Keep taking classes but make sure to pursue programming outside of school.

Most start ups these days exist on the web so getting familiar with HTTP is a must. Especially if you're into optimization you're going to be working more closely to the database and business models. Really nailing down HTTP, caching, indexing, finding bad queries, etc. is vital.

Choose a framework and language of your choice. Ruby on Rails is one of the most popular but as I said before, real start ups can tell a winner from a loser regardless of language and framework familiarity. Since you're learning Python I recommend taking a peak at something like Flask, web2py or Pyramids. I recommend Flask first as it's pretty close to the HTTP metal so it's a good learning experience.

One of the most important things in a start up are time to market and quick iteration. Nailing down Test-driven development and Agile is a must.

2) Optimization nerds exist everywhere but people whose sole task is to optimize the back end usually only exist in a more established company. Database Admins come to mind. You might be able to find a "start up" looking for that but they will probably be out of the earlier phases.