[sitkack]

It is usually in the optimization of some problem.

Bin packing (loading transport, scheduling), min/max of a function, least steps, least travel. One of the big applications of early computers were in ballistics tables and cut and fill for road and rail lines. Another being scheduling (classes, specialized staff, etc).

If you can't find problems to apply your algorithm knowledge to, I'd recommend compilers and 3d printing/design.

http://www.learncivilengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2014...

https://hrcak.srce.hr/file/172575

I recommend checking out Skiena's "Algorithm Design Manual" [1] if you haven't already.

[1] https://www.algorist.com/

[2] https://www.algorist.com/algowiki/index.php/Chapter_10#Desig...

[markus_zhang]

Just a note I think game programming could also be good place to find applications.

[sitkack]

Good point! Compilers, Databases, Games or 3D design all provide a pretty rich domain to explore for algorithmic problems. I think you are even more spot on, because if you start with a game engine for any of those domains, it supports a really rich top level environment. If you write your database in a game engine, you have a built in visualization system for internal processes and data structures, same for compilers or 3d design.