Computer Science
The field of computer science is constantly changing. The areas listed below do not exhaust possible career options.
AREAS
PROGRAMMING
- Systems
- Scientific Applications
- Business Applications: Intelligence, Warehousing, Information Delivery, Maintenance
- Project Management
EMPLOYERS
- Computer vendors
- Software and computer companies
- Any large organization including: Banks, retail chains, manufacturers, universities,
and government agencies
- Management consulting firms
- Contract and temporary employers
- Research laboratories
STRATEGIES
- Gain relevant experience through internships or co-ops.
- Develop an attention to detail and a flair for creativity.
- Learn to work well with a team and to meet deadlines.
- Supplement computer degree with courses in business, science, or engineering.
- Stay current on programming languages.
- Earn a master’s degree for upper level positions.
- Seek the Certified Computing Professional designation by completing a series of exams and experiential requirements.
AREAS
SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT
- Analysis
- Design
- Support
- Quality Assurance
- Specialty Systems: Database, Client-Server, Expert
EMPLOYERS
- Banks and financial institutions
- Insurance companies
- Consulting firms
- Manufacturers
- Local, state, and federal government
- Computer companies
- 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.
AREAS
NETWORK TECHNOLOGY
- Installation and Maintenance
- 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.
AREAS
INTERNET
- Programming
- Software Design
- Systems Analysis
- Hardware Production
- Web Page Design
EMPLOYERS
- Network access points
- Backbone operators
- Online service providers
- Internet service providers
- Computer/equipment vendors
- Internet-related companies including: Browsers, Search engines, Website design
services
- 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.
AREAS
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.
AREAS
EDUCATION
- Teaching
- Instructional Technology
EMPLOYERS
- Public and private schools, K-12
- 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.
AREAS
NON-TECHNICAL
- Customer/Product Support
- Technical Writing
- Sales and Marketing
EMPLOYERS
- 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.
- 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.
Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University
of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA
Employer
