Is a Career In Computer Science Right For You?
Computer science has a great deal of value and its applications are seen in many different areas of work. Generally, if you think you might enjoy working with computers, doing intricate mathematics, and resolving complications, then a job in computer science is probably suitable for you.
At the most basic level, computer science is about using computers to solve problems, which necessitates having an understanding of mathematics, data structures, algorthims, and coding. An undergraduate computer science degree typically necessitates taking courses in discrete mathematics, linear algebra, and calculus.
“You can be a lawyer who’s now building software to be used by law offices. You can be an artist that’s building ways to be artistic, to create installations, or create something virtually.”
Including computer science skills in your arsenal can be extremely advantageous for your profession. David Joyner, a computer scientist and executive director of online education at the Georgia Tech College of Computing and instructor for edX courses including Introduction to Python Programming, stated that one can become a lawyer utilizing software specifically designed for law firms. You can be an artist who is developing methods for expressing yourself artistically, creating physical displays, or producing something digitally.
Diverse Computer Science Career Paths: Where Can It Take You?
Software engineering, cloud computing, and other high-demand technical specialties are all popular choices for computer science graduates.
“For those looking for the best career paths, it is evident that cloud-native computing, DevOps, Linux, and security hold the most promising opportunities.”
Jim Zemlin, Executive Director at the Linux Foundation, remarked that cloud-native computing, DevOps, Linux, and security present the most encouraging career options available.
Despite this, having a computer science background can give access to numerous other professions and areas. A few jobs that are obtainable include data analysis, production supervision, ensuring high quality of performance, managing projects, and managing computer systems.
Juan Carlos, an edX learner, was able to proceed from engineering to product management at Rolls-Royce by gradually developing his knowledge of computer science. Carlos shared that he enrolled in the MIT course, “Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python,” which was a major factor in helping him make a successful career switch years later to product management at Rolls-Royce, from an engineering role.
What Are The Best Computer Science Jobs? 9 Exciting Careers
There’s more to computer science jobs than software engineering. Computer science abilities can propel your job in nearly any pathway, from cyber security to information analysis. Listed here are some of the most sought-after computer science occupations.
1. Software Engineering
Software engineering is looked upon very favorably in the field of computer science, as it provides significant salaries and the possibility of working remotely. Software engineers are technicians who use engineering concepts to construct software and programs for computers. Software engineers must be well-informed about a programming language, web frameworks, keeping track of changes made to a project and creating tests ahead of development.
2. Full Stack Developer
Full stack developers have knowledge and expertise in both the front and back end aspects of website and software development. They typically have a good understanding of various modern technologies including Java, Python, HTML, and CSS, and may be versed in dealing with databases and APIs. As a full-stack developer, you may opt to focus on either the front or back end of development. Startups and smaller businesses need someone with the technical capabilities of a full-stack developer.
3. Cloud Engineer
Cloud engineering is one of the most sought-after cloud computing positions. A cloud engineer takes care of and revamps components stored in the cloud. They have a range of duties that they need to fulfill, some of which involve constructing and preserving infrastructures, web platforms, and other relevant structures through the usage of programs like TerraForm. Upkar Lidder, a senior software engineer and educator for IBM’s Full Stack Cloud Developer Professional Certificate, mentions that there is an extensive number of varieties of cloud engineering.
Lidder commented that cloud computing data engineers, who are data-focused, are responsible for creating ETL pipelines that collect, modulate, and prepare data for any upcoming tasks. “For example, data science. It all depends on what type of activity you are interested in; if you have a leaning towards cyber security, cloud computing is a great area to explore on how to keep your data clusters and environment secure.
4. Mobile Developer
As opposed to web developers, those who design and create applications for mobile phones and tablets are known as mobile (or app) developers. Many mobile apps are created for either the Android or iOS operating systems, while others use cross-platform technology. No matter what, mobile app designers must have a good understanding of front end development and be familiar with programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and Javascript.
5. DevOps Engineer
The 2021 Open Source Jobs report by edX and the Linux Foundation suggests that employers are highly interested in finding candidates that are skilled in DevOps. DevOps is the bridge between development and operations. DevOps engineers keep tabs on the process of how software is released and create scripts to completely automate upgrades, issue software, and additional tasks. Someone who would prefer to ensure things are functioning correctly instead of writing code themselves would be the ideal person for DevOps.
6. Product Management
Product management involves the synergistic blending of user experience, business concerns, and engineering elements. Product managers are primarily responsible for the overall experience of a product, and part of their job is to collaborate with developers, marketers, and designers to create features. Having knowledge in computer science is usually beneficial when trying to figure out what software code is necessary to build a certain feature, which explains why many software engineers decide to move into product management.
7. Security Engineer
A recent report from (ISC) 2 indicated that there is a dramatic lack of talent worldwide when it comes to cybersecurity personnel. An info security engineer is a vital role in cybersecurity, creating and evaluating security software that can resist cyber threats. Information security engineers should possess a thorough knowledge of computer science and understand the various cybersecurity protocols.
Joyner commented that because of the startling news regarding attacks and breaches, there will be a tremendous growth in the cybersecurity field. This is a fertile area of exploration due to the fact that there are still many questions to be answered and solutions to be determined.
8. Computer Systems Analyst
If you are considering a career in IT, the role of a computer systems analyst could be an ideal fit. According to the U.S. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the middle salary for computer systems analysts is $93,730. A computer systems analyst is responsible for examining an organization’s computer systems and proposing changes for improvement.
9. Ethical Hacker
Ethical hackers employ their expertise in computer and information technology, in addition to their creative problem-solving abilities, to identify and expose any areas of weakness in a company’s cyber security. Ethical hackers, also known as white-hat hackers, must be able to think similarly to criminals who seek to breach or harm an organization’s confidential information.
Beginning your educational journey with either a computer science or IT undergraduate degree is an excellent way to begin your path to becoming an ethical hacker. Businesses normally require evidence of proficiency in the field, preferably in a role concentrating on security of information. Gaining professional certification as a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can give you a competitive advantage.
Ethical hackers are quite well-paid. According to PayScale, the average yearly salary of these imaginative IT specialists is a little over eighty thousand dollars.
10. Game Designer
Some of the most imaginative folks in the IT sector may not make a living by playing games, but their jobs aren’t too different. Game creators collaborate with developers and other IT professionals in order to create games that are playable on gaming consoles, computers, and mobile devices. The game designers could take on a variety of roles in the creation of a game, such as fabricating characters, composing scripts, animating, controlling projects, and further.
Having a bachelor’s degree in computer science or some other IT field has been the typical educational requirement for game makers, however this is changing. As this area expands, numerous universities and colleges are providing degree plans specifically tailored to game design.
Game designers have not only noteworthy jobs; they also have the benefit of being very well paid. The remuneration of these exceedingly imaginative computer and IT specialists is approximately $65,000 annually, according to PayScale.
11. Graphic Designer
A creative career in IT could be that of a graphic designer, requiring proficiency in technology as well as an aesthetic creativity. Experts count on cutting-edge photo editing and page layout applications to create graphics and images utilized in a multitude of situations, including on websites, magazines, book covers and goods.
It is advisable to pursue a bachelor’s degree when looking to enter the field of graphic arts. Typically, a degree program focused on graphic design is preferred. Employers may provide preferential treatment to those who have completed programs approved by The National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
A career in graphic design in the information technology world may not bring in the highest pay, but it generally offers an adequate income. The BLS reports that the typical annual salary for a professional graphic designer in 2019 was approximately $52,000.
12. Information Technology Consultant
Even though it may not be the initial thought that pops into one’s mind when thinking about suitable vocations for those who have earned a degree in computer science and IT, the job of an IT consultant certainly fits the criteria when it comes to creative positions. IT pros need to use their expertise in IT and their capacity to think innovatively to craft crafted resolutions and tactics for their corporate clients. Primarily, IT consultants must find or devise ways to ensure a company’s success using inventive technical ideas and methods. Due to the continuous evolution of technology, information technology consultants must continually educate themselves so as to keep their skills up to date in their profession.
To work as an IT consultant, having a bachelor’s degree in computer science/information technology is essential. It’s usually necessary to have some practical knowledge related to the job. As a consultant in the field of information technology, you will be able to take on the role of an independent contractor, or else find a job with a business that requires the assistance of someone with your experience.
Bachelor’s-level IT professionals with expertise in computing and information technology often enjoy lucrative paychecks as IT consultants. PayScale reports that IT consultants typically make in excess of $83,500 annually.
13. Information Technology Project Manager
IT project managers need to be highly adept at creatively finding solutions to difficulties in order to oversee massive IT undertakings. Frequently, these highly experienced professionals act as captains of groups from a variety of IT sectors to ensure a job progresses from the beginning to completion. It is necessary to have a thorough plan in place and to anticipate any possible challenges that could stop or put the project off track.
In order to land a job as an IT project manager, you’ll need to possess a bachelor’s degree in a computer/IT related topic, even though this may not be enough to meet the requirements of certain companies. Should you wish to raise your prospects of getting a job in this sector, it might be beneficial for you to enroll in some extra classes in administration. Experience in IT with a leadership role might be looked upon favorably.
IT project managers have a lot of duties to handle on a regular basis, however they are generously compensated for shouldering these responsibilities. According to PayScale, IT project managers make an average of almost $89,000 each year.
16. Mobile Application Developer
It is undeniably true that there are apps for practically anything you can think of in this day and age, yet none of this would be possible without the dedicated and highly-skilled experts of computer and IT known as mobile application developers. These talented technical specialists have the capability to combine their imaginative ideas with top-notch software development expertise to assemble a range of applications for handheld devices such as smartphones and tablets. These programs designed for mobile devices may be made for fun or serve vital roles across a range of fields, such as politics, schooling, eCommerce, and even medical care.
Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in computer and IT can be a great starting point for a career in mobile app building. Certain businesses could necessitate or favor certifications or permits in specific programming languages.
17. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialist
Experts in SEO serve a crucial purpose in the IT field. These IT specialists strive to guarantee businesses have their websites highly visible to internet users via search engines. This job involves finding and acting on fresh ideas to help increase the visibility of websites on search engine results pages.
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