There is no ignoring the excitement that surrounds computing culture, from the newest phone apps to the next popular tablet or phone. As future as they appear, these breakthroughs are the result of real individuals developing revolutionary, diversified systems.
If you find yourself evaluating the latest and greatest technological releases, dreaming up your technological creations, or even coming up with methods to improve present products, you may want to seek a career in computer science. Even if you did not major in computer science, you have several possibilities, including the top industries employing tech majors.
Computer Science Skills
Working in an industry that is always changing and adapting necessitates problem-solving abilities. There may be times when your unit tests fail, or when you have a long sprint ahead of you to reach your next goal. Your adaptability and capacity to solve challenging problems will come in help in these situations.
Critical thinking is undoubtedly one of the first skills that come to mind when contemplating skills for computer science-related work; many roles in this area require a lot of staring at displays, chewing over data, and testing code. It is important for someone working in this field to understand every aspect of a problem and to be able to analyze and manipulate data like a machine.
However, a sense of creativity will also assist you in truly embracing your profession. Once you have mastered the analytical side of the equation, the desire to invent intriguing, novel methods of doing things is important to delivering excellent computer science work!
What Can You Do With A Computer Science Degree?
Computer scientists can specialize in a variety of areas within computer and information technology, in addition to working across wide industries. As a computer network engineer, for example, you could design and implement communication networks. As a computer systems analyst, you can examine a company’s computer network and look for methods to improve its efficiency and productivity.
Because computer science is such a broad discipline, you can choose which of the many routes within it you are best equipped for—and most interested in. Check out the top ten careers for computer science majors — and anybody else interested in the field — below.
IT consultant
An IT consultant helps clients with the planning, design, installation, and use of information technology systems to accomplish corporate objectives, solve problems, or improve the structure and effectiveness of their IT systems. Your job will be the same to that of systems analysts, systems developers, and applications programmers, who have more specific responsibilities but function as consultants, because you represent a broad position in IT.
You could also work in sales and business development, seeking potential clients and keeping solid company relationships. Because there is considerable competition for this position, obtaining job experience in a commercial setting will help you advance.
Cyber security consultant
You may want to specialize as a cyber security consultant or an information security specialist depending on the computer science fields you learned during your degree. Maintaining cyber security has become increasingly important, thus in this capacity you will concentrate on assessing the dangers to information or data security.
You will investigate potential or existing security breaches and restore or build systems to guarantee that personal data is secured. This employment could include ‘ethical hacking,’ which means attempting to hack into your employer’s network on purpose to expose any holes. You could also work as a computer forensics analyst or investigator to battle the growing epidemic of cybercrime.
Information systems manager
An information systems manager, like an IT consultant, is usually a full-time employee who is responsible for the secure and successful running of their company’s computer systems. You will be responsible for the entire upkeep of your organization’s ICT infrastructure (possibly with the assistance of a team of IT staff), with typical tasks including system installation oversight, ensuring systems are backed up and that backup systems are operating successfully, purchasing hardware and software, setting up safe access for all users, making sure data security from internal and external attack, and providing IT support and advice for use.
You must make sure that your company’s ICT facilities suit its needs and are up to date, all while staying within a budget and adhering to all required software licensing rules. To contribute to organizational policy about quality standards and strategic IT planning, you may also need to comprehend business and management principles.
UX Designer
UX Designers are in charge of ensuring that customers have meaningful and relevant experiences with a product or platform. They play an important role in why you prefer your favorite apps and how they look. Understanding of programming and computer systems will help you succeed in this role because it will make communicating your design ideas to your team easier. It also helps if you are familiar with user empathy, which allows you to see the product through the eyes of potential customers and make changes appropriately.
Database administrator
A database administrator (DBA) is in charge of using a computerized database correctly and securely, as well as designing and maintaining its performance, integrity, and security. The particular function is always decided by the organization in question, however, it is likely to involve only database maintenance or database development. The job is also affected by the type of database, as well as the processes and abilities of the database management systems (DBMS) in use in your firm.
This function typically entails ensuring that data is consistent, clearly defined, easily available, secure, and can be restored in an emergency. You will also need to solve any issues that develop; communicate with programmers, operational staff, IT project managers, and technical personnel; give user training, support, and feedback; and prepare reports, documentation, and operating manuals.
Multimedia programmer
A multimedia programmer is in charge of designing and developing multimedia computer products, ensuring their functionality and conforming to a designer’s specifications. You will use both creative and technical abilities to create multimedia features such as text, sound, graphics, digital photography, 2D/3D modeling, animation, and video.
Work with the designer to understand the design concept, explain how it can be technically implemented, establish the operational rules that must be followed, develop effective computer code or script to make the features work, run product tests to test for flaws, and revise or add new code as needed. You will also need to be available for technical support when the product is finished, and you will need to stay up to date on industry news and changes to recommend and implement improvements.
Systems analyst
A systems analyst designs new IT solutions using computers and associated systems, as well as changing and upgrades existing systems to incorporate new features or additions, all to boost business efficiency and productivity. This position necessitates a high level of technical skill as well as a thorough understanding of current business processes. Depending on your employer, clients can be internal, such as departments within the same business, or external.
Games developer
Games developers create games for computers, video game consoles, social/online games, arcade games, tablets, mobile phones, and other handheld devices. This duty is divided into two sections. The creative side of building a game and dealing with graphics, animation, and storyboarding comes first. Second, there is the programming aspect, which employs programming languages such as C++.
It would be advantageous to have studied similar areas during your degree to boost your chances of admittance into games development professions. You must also construct a portfolio (for artistic roles) or a functioning demo (for programming roles) containing examples of your work to show potential employers.
Technical writer
Technical writers are needed in various industries to create descriptions or instructions to help customers comprehend how to utilize a product or service. Your excellent technical expertise from your computer science degree will be quite valuable in this profession, especially your knowledge of software packages, as you may be creating manuals for high-tech items.
Technical writers work in a wide range of areas, from finance to nuclear energy. Relevant expertise, as well as good writing abilities and the ability to deliver instructions properly in the relevant language/s, are advantageous.
Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer hardware engineers create, study, develop, and build computer components and structures such as semiconductors, memory, and circuit boards. Working on projects with software engineers requires strong technical and analytical abilities, as well as a strong collaborative attitude.
AI Engineer
Engineers who work in AI (Artificial Intelligence) build, test, and create computer systems with the purpose of emulating human intelligence. This position requires programming as well as a strong understanding of software development, linear algebra, probability, and statistics.
Mobile App Developer
Mobile App Developers are similar to Web Developers, but they specialize in designing, creating, and testing mobile applications. Learning both programmatic languages—Java (for Androids) and Objective-C (for iPhones)—is important for diversity, in addition to the foundations of great analytical skills and coding expertise.
Can You Get an Online Computer Science Degree?
Many universities provide online computer science degrees. These programs have more flexible timetables and frequently include asynchronous options. There are usually no major differences between online and on-campus coursework. Many online schools even provide virtual labs where you can complete practical projects just like in-person students.
Online students may have fewer possibilities for peer-to-peer engagement than their on-campus counterparts, but online schools can replicate this through forums and virtual classrooms.
Is a Computer Science Degree Worth It?
A computer science degree is attractive to many students, but it is not for everyone. Working in computer science necessitates a strong dedication to and interest in computers and technology. You must also be willing to change with the industry.
Consider the pros and cons of a computer science degree to see if this is the correct path for you.
Pros of a Computer Science Degree
- A degree can lead to high-paying jobs that pay more than the national average.
- Job opportunities in computer and information technology are in high demand.
- The broad area of computer science allows you educational and professional flexibility.
- You can innovate and improve things for people, businesses, and society.
Cons of a Computer Science Degree
- As a computer science professional, you will need to pursue ongoing education and skill development.
- Many computer science jobs are highly competitive.
- Computer science is a highly technical field that may not appeal to every type of student.
- To remain competitive, you may need to specialize – and specializing can require more schooling and upskilling.
Frequently Asked Questions about Computer Science Degrees
1. Is studying computer science a wise choice?
Computer science is a good major for certain people, especially if you enjoy computers and staying up to date on technical advancements and trends. A computer science degree can lead to a variety of well-paying computer and information technology employment. The field also serves as a solid foundation for you to build on. You can, for example, specialize within your degree, gain professional experience, or pursue a graduate degree.
2. Do computer science majors earn a good living?
In general, yes. Many computer science majors have profitable professions. According to the BLS, computer and information technology employment have the second-highest median annual compensation of any major occupational group, trailing only management occupations.
3. What is the highest-paying computer science job?
Computer and information research scientists make a high average pay of $131,490 per year as of 2021 while working to improve the area of computer science with new technology designs, platforms, and systems.
