Computer science is an exciting and rapidly expanding field filled with opportunities for creativity and innovation. If you are a computer science student, are you familiar with the many positions that are available? Have you thought about your interests and how they might intersect with your future employment prospects? There are a wide variety of jobs in the computer science field and here are some ideas to consider as you embark on establishing a career.
Web Developer
Working for a web development company entails designing and building websites for businesses. Web developers have a variety of duties, including meeting with clients to discuss their website needs, writing code, collaborating with co-workers on website graphics and content, adding interactive elements to the website and analyzing web traffic. There are different niches within the web development profession, including front-end developers, back-end developers and webmasters. Front-end developers work on the overall look and visual design of a website. Back-end developers are responsible for the technical aspects of a site. Webmasters are responsible for ongoing maintenance of a website, making sure that everything works as it should and responding to user comments as necessary.
Systems Analyst
A systems analyst helps companies optimize the benefits of using technology. They assist the company in deciding which technology will best serve their needs and then take charge of incorporating that technology into the company’s pre-existing structures. They may do cost-benefit analysis of certain technologies and then manage the installation and testing of new systems, as well as take the lead on training new users on how to use new equipment and software. Systems analysts must have wide-ranging knowledge of the technology on the market and the ability to research which technology would be the best choice.
Data Scientist
The job of data scientist combines the fields of computer science, math, statistics, business and communication. Simply put, data scientists help organizations solve problems by taking a large amount of data and distilling it down so that it can be interpreted and used appropriately. They do this by acquiring and organizing data, and then using algorithms and models to analyze it until a solution to the original problem is ultimately reached. They must be able to clearly communicate their findings to the company they work for and present the data in a way that is understandable, so this job is perfect for people who also have a background in writing or communication.
Software Engineer
A software engineer designs computer programs and applications. Going to work for a software development company presents a variety of opportunities for “outside the box” thinking. Software engineers analyze how a software program can create solutions to their clients’ needs and then develop a program that is able to do that. This type of job requires a high level of collaboration with programmers, who will be the ones building the program with computer code. The engineers may sometimes be asked to build the program themselves, so this job would be perfect for someone with a background in coding.
Network Architect
Network architects are in charge of designing and implementing communication networks. They must first have an understanding of their company’s business model and any issues they are facing. They then create a plan for the network, working closely with the chief information officer and computer systems engineers to put the plan into action. The size of these networks can vary from very small to global.
There are many exciting and innovative computer science jobs available and these are just a few of them. Consider your interests and level of aptitude before deciding on the area you would like to pursue. Whatever you choose, you can move forward with confidence knowing that there is a creative, fulfilling job waiting for you in the computer science field.
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