CAREER
8 Great Careers for a Computer Science Major
You are about to graduate with a degree in computer science. You thought that this was a good decision because you are fascinated by computer programs and really enjoyed learning about how to design them. However, as graduation nears, you are starting to wonder what you can possibly do for a job now that you’re going to be done with college. The job market for people with computer science majors is competitive but that doesn’t mean that you won’t have options. In fact, there are a lot of different career paths that someone could take after graduating with a degree in computer science.
Here is a look at eight different jobs that you might get after you’ve completed a computer science major in college:
Software Designer for a Tech Company. One of the most common jobs that people get after graduating with a computer science degree is a software design and development job within any tech company that happens to be hiring. People work in this position at the entry level, usually participating as part of a team in the development of new software. This software may relate to any aspect of technology. Hot areas including mobile Internet software and issues related to computer security.
2. Start-up Company Partner. Some people like the idea of doing software development and design but they don’t actually want to be stuck doing this within the confines of someone else’s business. It is common these days for students to come together during their course work in the computer science program and to decide to launch a start-up business together after graduation. A good path for these people to follow is to go ahead and enter a graduate program in computer science while beginning to launch your new business.
3. Research Positions Related to Computer Development. People who don’t necessarily want to work hands-on in developing software but who do have an interest in being on the cutting edge of the interest may find that they enjoy assisting in technological research projects that relate to how computers will be used in the future. Entry-level positions for a computer science major may be limited in this area but it’s possible to find them if you get in with the right company.
4. Various IT Positions. Many computer science majors opt to get entry level positions within the Information Technology field. They do a combination of software design, software implementation and computer technology development. Basically anything related to analyzing a business in terms of its computer organization and working to improve the organization of the business so that it operates more smoothly would fall into the category of IT work. There are both general and specific jobs within the IT field that can be obtained with a basic degree in computer science.
5. Office Admin / Customer Service/ Troubleshooter. Some computer science majors opt to take general office positions within both computer and non-computer-related businesses and then serve as the main person who troubleshoots when problems arise with the computer system. They may also act as a liaison in a customer service position, assisting a company’s clients in dealing with computer problems. This allows computer science majors to work in different types of businesses but still do the type of work that their education has taught them to do best.
6. Freelance Computer Programming. People with a degree in computer science are typically skilled enough at basic computer programming that they can help develop programs for a diverse range of different types of businesses. It is possible to do this work freelance if you are interested in working from home on your own schedule although you have to be highly self-motivated to do so.
7. Writing / Blogging about the Industry. Those few lucky people who are skilled not only at the math behind computer science but also at using words to explain technology to others may find that they can use their education to serve as experts in the computer industry. They may start a blog or write articles for large magazines related to the issues that are of importance to people in the computer science field.
8. Teaching. Some people may choose to take a different type of career path and use their education as a stepping stone for a career in child education. People interested in sharing their technological skills with students in the K-12 grades may find that a computer science background serves them well in getting this best computer education positions in those schools.
These are some of the most common general jobs that you can pursue once you have a basic college degree in computer science. Because this is such a competitive field, it is a wise idea to go on to get an advanced degree in this industry. People who get specialized degrees in the specific niche areas of computer technology that interest them most are capable of going on to get better, higher-paying and more interesting jobs in areas including artificial intelligence studies, technology business development and even the legal issues related to computer technology.
However, there are plenty of people who graduate with a basic college degree in computer science and do fine for themselves in standard computer careers that do not require an advanced degree. Combining a steady job at a technology firm with work in blogging, teaching or start-up endeavors can help to keep this type of work interesting even without going on to get a Masters Degree or PhD in Computer Science or another computer-related field.
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I'm a graduating senior from Vanderbilt Universtiy, a top 20 American university according to the U.S. News & World Report for 2008 and I'm majoring in Computer Science in the School of Engineering
The IT Career Path:
A Dead End Or An Avenue To The Exec Suite?
What career path would you recommend for someone just starting their career?
IT-related jobs are set to grow through to 2016. Sounds like good news — increased demand equals more career opportunities, specialized training, and job security (and maybe higher salaries). So, I was surprised when I read that baby boomers and gen X’s were steering Millennials away from a career in IT . Why? Their (arguably flawed) logic was that trends toward outsourcing, cost cutting, and the ever-growing emphasis placed on “getting closer to the business” are draining IT of its career opportunities.
So, what career path would you recommend for someone just starting their career? There are lots of options – sales, customer service, marketing, manufacturing, or finance. . . But are these better than a career in IT? I’ve always thought that a career in IT offers, perhaps more than others, the best potential careers path for young graduates. Here’s why:
- Business dependence on technology will still offer a ladder to the top. Yes, many operational IT functions will become commoditized over the coming years. IT will evolve to BT, becoming a technology oriented service provider to the business. The BT organization will be highly attractive as a career option because it will have a direct impact on the business and will provide access to the corridors of power.
- IT will take on more responsibility not less. IT has a broad view of the business. As the business becomes increasingly fragmented, more and more IT professionals will do tasks like enterprise business planning or business process redesign. So, young IT professionals will gain skills and knowledge that can be readily applied outside of IT and directly in the business.
- The need for technical expertise. As technology becomes embedded into the business, they will still require the technical expertise needed to strategize effectively. Massively complex technology ecosystems will require IT professionals to have sound technology breadth and depth. The technical skills and knowledge required from IT professionals of yesteryear will still be as important now.
Plus, there’s no question that there are some super-hot IT careers at the moment — like security for one. But let me know what you think. Would you recommend the next generation of graduates to pursue a career in IT? Are their specific areas in IT that offers better opportunities than others?
Information Technology Career Overview
Information Technology, or IT, is usually involved in the context of a business and is often used to automate manual tasks and improve efficiencies within an organization. Information technology has helped the industry reach new markets and apply new services to customers and clients. Some of the areas of IT that you can be involved in are:
- Programming
- Artificial Intelligence
- Web Hosting
- Computer Science
- Networks
- Databases
- Robotics
IT professionals perform a variety of duties that range from installing applications to designing complex computer networks and information databases. A career in information technology opens up an increasing world of opportunities.
Information Technology Training and Education
Technical schools offering training in information technology provide training on computer hardware and software, networks, computer programming, databases, telecommunications and management skills. Information technology bachelor’s, master’s degree programs, and nline IT degree programs offer up to date courses such as:
- Visual Basic
- Oracle
- Java
On the business side of the courses, students will learn:
- Project management skills
- Strategic planning
- Collaboration
- Problem solving
Once you have obtained your degree and training, you can pursue a career as a network administrator, IT manager, system integrator or help desk specialist.
Information Technology Career and Salary Outlook
There are many specific areas of the IT field on which you may choose to focus. Several of these career paths include:
- Computer software engineer, systems software
- Computer systems analysts
- Computer support specialists
- Computer programmers
- Computer and information systems managers
- Computer software engineers, applications
- Database administrators
- Computer security specialists
- Computer and information scientists, research
Salaries in the IT field can vary in extremes because of the wide variety of careers for those with an IT degree. However, on the high end of the scale, information technology directors can stand to make $140K per year.
Career Fields/Specializations
IT Database Administrator Career
Computer databases that store information on customers, inventory and projects can be found throughout most industries. That data needs to be stored, organized and managed and that is where a database administrator comes in. As a database administrator, you will play several roles and have multiple responsibilities such as:
- Identify user needs
- Set up computer databases and test systems
- Ensure that systems perform as they should
- Add people to the system as needed
- Plan security measures
Database administrators typically carry a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science or management information systems (MIS). Many community colleges offer an associate degree in computer science or related technology field. Expected salaries range from $33k to $97k per year based on education and experience.
IT Computer Systems Analyst Career
Computer systems analysts analyze business or scientific tasks and plan and develop the hardware systems and software that allow a computer to complete these tasks. Most employers will require that a computer systems analyst have a college education. An computer systems analyst is very favorable and expected to grow much faster than average. The median yearly wage for a computer systems analyst is roughly $67,000.
IT Network Administrator Career
The job of a network administrator is to design, install and manage computer networks for businesses and organizations. As a network administrator you will need to be ready to:
- Discuss network needs with the employees of a small start up company
- Configure a network and server from a remote location
- Design a wide –area network (WAN) for the various branches offices of a corporation
- Protect networks against hackers
Many employers look for network administrators with bachelor’s degrees. However, taking courses in high school such as computer science and communication classes like English, drama and speech classes will be very beneficial. As a network administrator, you can expect to bring in a salary of roughly $65,000 per year with the proper education and experience.
IT Computer Support Specialist Career
Computer support specialists, sometimes referred to as help desk technicians, field phone calls or emails or make house calls for people who are having difficulty with a particular piece of computer hardware or software. Other support specialists provide support to people in the information processing department of a company. All support positions require strong analytical thinking and problem solving abilities. Most employers require that support specialists have at least some college education, typically in math and sciences. High school students wishing to pursue this career should study in the following areas:
- Mathematics
- Computer science
- Physics
- Computer programming
- Computer languages
Computer support specialist positions are expected to increase faster than average for all occupations. Typical salaries for a support specialist range from $40 to $48k per year.
Computer Hardware Engineer Career
Computer hardware engineers are involved in researching, designing, developing and testing the computer hardware as well as supervising its production and installation. Hardware is the term applied to computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems and other equipment such as keyboards, modems and printers. Hardware engineers also oversee the production and installation of computer equipment. Some of the areas of employment you can expect to work in are:
- Computer and electronics manufacturer
- Professional, scientific or technical firms
- Telecommunications
Hardware engineers may face some stiff competition for employment because while the number of degrees has increased in this field, the employment pace is expected to grow more slowly. Those with more skills and training will be more likely to obtain the available employment opportunities. As far as salary goes, you can expect it to range from $46k to upwards of $100k per year depending on your company and experience.
IT Software Engineer Career
Computer applications software engineers are engaged in analyzing user needs as well as designing, constructing, and maintaining computer applications software and specialized utility programs. Various programming languages are used by these engineers such as C and C++ which are most common. While software engineer may be required to wear are:
- Configuration
- Implementation
- Installation
- Marketing
- Sales
Provide technical support to buyers and consumers
Most employers will be on the lookout for software engineers with at least a bachelor’s degree, a broad knowledge and experience with a variety of computer systems and technologies. Candidates who seek software engineering jobs will enhance their employment opportunities by participation in internship or co-op programs which are offered through their schools. Computer software engineering positions are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years. Salary ranges for this career can start at $44k per year and grow to $100+ per year with additional education and experience