What can I do with this degree?
COMPUTER SCIENCE
The field of computer science is constantly changing. The areas listed below
do not exhaust possible career options.
AREA: PROGRAMMING
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Systems
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Scientific Applications
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Business Applications: Intelligence, Warehousing, Information Delivery,
Maintenance
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Project Management
EMPLOYERS
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Computer vendors
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Software and computer companies
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Any large organization including: Banks, retail chains, manufacturers,
universities, and government agencies
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Management consulting firms
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Contract and temporary employers
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Research laboratories
STRATEGIES
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Gain relevant experience through internships or co-ops.
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Develop an attention to detail and a flair for creativity.
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Learn to work well with a team and to meet deadlines.
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Supplement computer degree with courses in business, science, or
engineering.
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Stay current on programming languages.
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Earn a master’s degree for upper level positions.
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Seek the Certified Computing Professional designation by
completing a series of exams and experiential
requirements.
AREA: SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT
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Analysis
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Design
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Support
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Quality Assurance
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Specialty Systems: Database, Client-Server, Expert
EMPLOYERS
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Banks and financial institutions
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Insurance companies
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Consulting firms
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Manufacturers
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Local, state, and federal government
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Computer companies
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Research institutions
STRATEGIES
Develop strong interpersonal skills. Learn to communicate effectively
with technical and non-technical colleagues. Gain programming experience.
Many analysts begin
their careers as programmers. Become an effective problem solver.
Take business courses. Earn an M.B.A. degree for advanced positions.
Plan to continually educate self on new computer languages and technology.
AREA: NETWORK TECHNOLOGY
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Installation
and Maintenance
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Administration
EMPLOYERS
-
Variety of organizations and industries
STRATEGIES
Work in university computer labs. Develop good communication skills and an interest
in helping others. Gain knowledge in a variety of computer areas including minor
programming, software, and hardware. Stay abreast of the latest technology and
software. Earn certifications in networking and computer security.
AREA: INTERNET
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Programming
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Software Design
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Systems Analysis
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Hardware Production
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Web Page Design
EMPLOYERS
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Network access points
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Backbone operators
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Online service providers
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Internet service providers
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Computer/equipment vendors
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Internet-related companies including: Browsers, Search engines, Website
design services
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Large businesses
STRATEGIES
Gain experience as a webmaster through
part-time jobs, internships, or volunteering to design web pages
for student organizations.
Learn web-related programming
languages. Take graphic design courses to develop creativity.
Learn
to communicate and work well with others in a team by participating
in group projects or student organizations. Earn a master’s
degree in computer science for advanced opportunities in programming,
analysis, or hardware/software
design.
AREA: CONSULTING
-
System
Installation
-
System Implementation
-
Training
EMPLOYERS
-
Consulting firms
-
Self-employed
STRATEGIES
Obtain a strong technical knowledge of
computers, a background in business management, and experience as
a systems analyst. Learn various programming languages and
operating systems. Develop exceptional analytical and interpersonal
skills.
AREA: EDUCATION
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Teaching
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Instructional Technology
EMPLOYERS
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Public and private schools, K-12
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Colleges and universities
STRATEGIES
Certification required for public school
teaching. Earn a doctoral degree in computer science for post-secondary
teaching. Earn a
graduate degree in information
technology or a related field for instructional
technology. Develop a research specialty for university teaching.
Gain experience working
with other students through tutoring or positions in computer labs.
AREA: NON-TECHNICAL
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Customer/Product
Support
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Technical Writing
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Sales and Marketing
EMPLOYERS
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Software/hardware manufacturers
-
Retail stores
-
Software vendors
STRATEGIES
Develop excellent communication skills
and an interest in helping customers solve problems. Work in university
computer labs. Supplement curriculum with
technical writing courses to develop skills. Seek related work experiences.
GENERAL INFORMATION
-
Complete informational interviews
with current computer science professionals to help establish career
goals.
-
Having related experience is critical to most employers that hire computer
science majors. Obtain an internship, co-op, or part-time job in a relevant
area to increase employability.
-
Obtain vendor specific certifications or networking certifications to gain
a competitive edge.
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Develop strong interpersonal, communication, and other “soft skills.” Learn
to work well on a team.
-
Programming and consulting may go hand-in-hand. Many occupations in these areas
have responsibilities that overlap.
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