I had the title "Research Software Engineer" well over 10 years ago, and worked as a research software engineer in another role prior to that with a random title.
Contrary to many of the posts I see here, it was a great job, except for the below-market pay. I felt like I was contributing to something valuable. It beat working on yet another boring commerce website. I had interesting coworkers and worked with interesting technology.
I didn't experience any of the politics around academia. I felt respected by everyone. I don't have a PhD. I don't even have an undergrad degree. I dropped out of highschool, got a GED, and did a couple years of undergrad, got hired by the university, and never finished. No one ever treated me like I was second-class.
The only reason I'm not still working as a RSE is because I took a 50% pay cut when I took the job and was lured away by money later.
I wonder how many of the negative commenters here have any actual experience as or with RSEs.
Contrary to many of the posts I see here, it was a great job, except for the below-market pay. I felt like I was contributing to something valuable. It beat working on yet another boring commerce website. I had interesting coworkers and worked with interesting technology.
I didn't experience any of the politics around academia. I felt respected by everyone. I don't have a PhD. I don't even have an undergrad degree. I dropped out of highschool, got a GED, and did a couple years of undergrad, got hired by the university, and never finished. No one ever treated me like I was second-class.
The only reason I'm not still working as a RSE is because I took a 50% pay cut when I took the job and was lured away by money later.
I wonder how many of the negative commenters here have any actual experience as or with RSEs.