Seven Jobs You Can Pursue with Your Computer Science Degree

If you seem to spend all of your spare time looking through university prospectuses and researching further education options, then you’re probably also thinking about what job you want to do once you’ve finished your degree. If the course is for you, then what area of work do you want to be in? If you’re a friend or family member who wants to take a university course: is it suitable for them, and will they get something out of it for their future career?

One of the areas you might be thinking of working in is Computer Science. You’ve enjoyed learning about technology before, and maybe you’ve done some programming in your time, too – but it is a viable degree option? The good news is that yes, it is. There are many different careers you or someone else might be interested in once you’ve graduated.

Here are just some of those options.

Where can I study?

First off, many universities will offer computer science courses to its potential students. So do your research and find the course and university that will best suit you and your needs.

Not sure you’ll be able to move away to study? That’s fine, as there will be options to complete your course online. You could even get a masters in computer science this way, which will help you to fulfil your career potential by cultivating the skills you need to succeed.

Web developer

You may have heard about this type of computing job, and could be an option for you if you like collaborating with other people to deliver a project. That’s because a web developer will assess the user’s needs for information-based resources, then create the technical structure for a website. They will then make sure that the web pages that are created are accessible, and can be viewed on a variety of different web browsers, plus interfaces. The sites will then be structured to get the most page views and visitors possible using search engine optimization. This is where the collaboration part comes in. A web developer must be able to communicate with the user, and have the creative ability to make sure the website meets their requirements.

IT project manager

This one involves both collaboration and organization so, if you’re the one who likes making arrangements for friends and family (or even on school projects), you might fit in well with this type of role. An IT project manager coordinates with programmers and analysts to complete projects.

If you’re good at solving problems, then you’ll do well in this role because, as well as analyzing technical issues for the company or the client, you’ll come up with proposed solutions and suggestions to boost productivity. A knowledge of technology and computer systems will do you good too, as will strong communication skills – you’ll need to work out the needs of the user and pass on technical information to developers.

Video game developer

This is the job a lot of computer science students will jump at the chance of securing. Many people will have begun developing an interest in computer science because they started getting interested in computer games and how they work – so why not go for the role that means you can help create the next Fortnite or Fifa game?

Many people think it might be about playing games all day – however, it’s more to do with problem solving. A lot of your time will be spent looking at broken code and functions and trying to fix them. If you’re looking to start working for a major computer games company, then be sure to have a portfolio of work ready to show them. Designing and then building an independent game will be an excellent way of getting yourself noticed.

Cyber security consultant

If you’ve got an eye for detail, then working in cyber security might be for you. This may form part of the role of some IT professionals, but not all of it – yet working as a cyber security consultant, this would be the only area in which you would work.

Most of the people in these roles work on a freelance basis, and may work part-time for several companies. When required, these organizations will want you to analyze their systems and identify any vulnerabilities that you find, plus any existing breaches as well. You might even be asked to attempt to hack the client’s systems to see if they can be broken into – which is where your computer science knowledge comes in. You’ll need to make sure you know the latest developments in cyber crime, and stay ahead of the hackers. You can then help to keep your client’s data secure.

Data analyst

For the inquisitive and curious among you, then working as a data analyst could be the job for you. It means you will have to collect, organize and interpret statistics, then make it useful to a large number of groups. You can also pick and choose which sectors in which you want to work – so, for instance, you could make your living in finance, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, education or government if you wish.

SEO specialist

Working in search engine optimization means you will analyze, review, and then implement changes to websites so they work with search engines. The results will then help boost traffic to the site on which you’re working. Your skills will need to include understanding how search engines work, and programming using the likes of HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Technology develops at an astounding rate, so you’ll also be continuously learning about what’s happening in this area. You might also know this type of role by another name. These can include content marketing, or conversion rate optimization.

CEO of Google

One of the most well-known computer science graduates is Larry Page, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Google – which includes search tools, operating systems, apps, hardware and many other products and services. Mark Zuckerberg, who is best known for Facebook, is also a computer science graduate.

You can check new job offers on jooble.