Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Career Options With a Computer Science Degree

When was the last time you bought an air ticket from an actual physical airline counter or looked up the meaning of a word in a printed dictionary? How many of us have, time and again, chosen the convenience of online shopping over standing in line at the mall?
Have you ever caught yourself wondering what life would be like without all the smart computer software applications that make your work so much more streamlined and simple?
At a time when computers and technology have become a part of everything we do in our personal, professional, and academic lives, can there be any doubt that a career in information technology could be anything but fulfilling?
Flourishing Careers in IT
If you are considering a computer science degree, then now is the right time to go for it, as computing and technology careers are flourishing.
There are a number of IT jobs to pursue; four of those career options were included in the best 25 jobs of 2012 list compiled by U.S. News and World Report.*
These professions were ranked according to their projected growth through 2020, average salary, predicted job prospects, and how they score on the job satisfaction front.
Software Developer
Software developers are the brains behind the computer programs that allow us to complete specific tasks. Software developers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, understand user needs and then develop software programs or applications to meet those needs. They are also responsible for software maintenance and testing; recommending upgrades and improvements to existing programs; and fixing bugs in the software when they arise.
Software developers usually work for software companies; IT services firms, and computer and other electronic manufacturers. One of the perks of this career is that many employers are now offering the flexibility to telecommute, or work from home.
Software developers usually have a computer science degree, but they can also complete degree programs in software engineering or mathematics to enter this profession.
Computer Programmer
Computer programmers are the whizzes who turn the design created by software developers into a logical series of instructions that a computer is able to follow. Programmers use many programming languages, such as C, C++, C#, Python, Java, etc. to write this code. They also have the task of updating, expanding, and debugging existing programs.
A computer programmer, depending on his work setting, may be involved in developing software for mobile apps, business, video games, education, healthcare, video or image editing, device drivers, operating systems, etc.
The completion of a bachelor's degree program in computer science or related field is usually required for this job, though some entry-level positions can be pursued by graduates who have graduated from an associate's computer degree program.
Web Developer
Web developers, as the term suggests, design, create, maintain, and modify websites or web applications according to client needs. Part of their job is to understand a client's requirements and then create a visually appealing and informative website using text, graphics, animations, videos, and even audio content. While designing a website, they have to keep in mind things like user friendliness, ease of navigation, and the performance and capacity of the website. Degree programs in computer science or web design and development are usually required for this job, as it entails knowledge of software applications, programming languages, and design principles.
Database Administrator
Database administrators store, organize, and manage computer databases. They analyze user needs to create databases and administer these databases to ensure they operate properly. They also protect the data from unauthorized access and create backups to prevent data loss in situations like power outages or other emergencies. Also known as DBAs, their duties include modifying database structures and testing them.
Database administrators work in a variety of industries ranging from IT and IT-enabled services to retail and finance.
Among the credentials usually required for this job is a computer degree in a field such as information systems or computer science.
Sources:
* money.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/2012/02/27/the-best-25-jobs-of-2012-rankings
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