Career Opportunities for Computer Science

-Programming and Software Development

Systems analyst

Determines an organization's needs and designs programs to meet them. Acts as a problem solver who specializes in how information flows from information sources to computers. Supervises lower- level programmers.

Systems consultant

Works under contract to install or configure hardware or software, write or customize programs, or otherwise help solve information processing problems for an organization. Business -related courses are helpful.

Software engineer

Designs and writes complex computer programs as part of a software development team. Applies principles of computer science to solve practical problems.

Systems programmer

Designs and writes programs that interface with a computer's low-level operating system, such as device drivers and utilities.

Database analyst

Designs and creates programs used to collect, maintain, and analyze data needed by business, government, or other institutions. Adapt programs to changing business needs.

Artificial Intelligence programmer

Applies principles of artificial intelligence to design and implement systems that perform complex tasks. Applications include: expert systems that apply rules to making decisions, such as scheduling freight shipments or diagnosing disease; pattern recognition systems that give robots the ability to see and understand objects in their environment; neural network programs that can learn to perform tasks by constantly re-evaluating their performance.

Scientific applications programmer

Works closely with scientists and engineers to write programs that simulate natural phenomena or analyze experimental results or apply scientific or engineering principles to research or manufacturing.

User interface designer

Designs the menus, icons, and other features that people will use to interact with a computer program or operating system. Needs to have empathy with computer users and an artistic sense of composition.

Embedded systems application programmer

Designs and develops applications for appliances and entertainment products such as PDA, mobile phone, and mp3 player.

Information Systems Operation and Management

Electronic data processing (EDP) auditor

Closely examines data processing operations to guard against loss through mistakes, carelessness, or fraud. Often work in banks, insurance companies, accounting firms, and other organizations that use a large amount of financial data.

Database administrator

Takes overall responsibility for the usage, accuracy, efficiency, security, and maintenance of an organization's database systems. Coordinates development and use of data resources.

Systems administrator

Responsible for managing the operation of a multi-user computer system or network so that it runs reliably and meets user's needs; updates and configures

software and hardware; helps users and managers.

Computer security specialist

Protects computer systems from illegal intrusions, viruses, data theft, fraud, or other forms of tampering.

-Management/IT consultants

Use problem solving skills and computer knowledge to solve business and management problems for organizations and foster improvement in areas such as organization structure, business communication, and productivity. Defines and analyzes problems, interviews employees, develops possible solutions, and presents options to clients.

Information systems manager

Oversees all operations in an organization's information system department, including technical support, training, network, and database operations.

Ensures that everyone in the organization has timely, reliable access to the computer system and its databases and other resources.

Chief information officer (CIO)

Serves as the highest information services executive for a major corporation. Responsible for long -term planning and setting organization- wide policy and standards relating to all computer-r elated activities.

Telecommunications and Networking

Network engineer/consultant

Plans for the installation or expansion of local or wide- area computer networks. Performs complex configuration of servers, hubs, routers, and other network communications equipment. Write scripts or programs to automate network operations.

Network administrator

Takes overall responsibility for the operation and planning for a local or wide area computer network. Plans expansion; select appropriate network operating system and software tools; configure major features; deal with connection between local network and Internet; establish procedures for support staff and users.

Computer Science Research

Computer scientist/researcher

Applies theoretical expertise to complex problems and develop innovative ideas necessary for the application or creation of new technology. They usually work in research labs or academic institutions.

Computer science professor

Teaches college courses in computer science theory, perform research and supervises student research. May serve as consultant to government or business.

Artificial Intelligence researcher

Develops programs to imitate the thinking and reasoning processes of the human brain; for example, recognize voices and objects, speak in a humanlike voice.

Data miner

Analyzes databases in business, government, or scientific applications in order to extract additional information or find useful patterns. Needs familiarity with major databases and statistical packages.

Bioinformatics specialist

Organizes and manipulates information relating to genetic sequences, molecular structure, and other data relevant to biological sciences. I should be familiar with genetics and biochemistry.

Medical imaging specialist

Develops image processing and pattern recognition algorithms for analyzing medical images to diagnose disease.

•  Web and Internet
• Internet applications programmer

Develops programs that add features such as forms and animation to Web sites, or that provide tools to help users get the most out of the Internet.

• Internet consultant

Use some combination of analysis, design, programming, and support skills to help clients with the design of Internet sites and configuration of Internet software and connections.

• Webmaster

Creates or maintains a Web site. Provides content and programming or supervises writers and programmers. Monitors the performance and popularity of the site. Provides secure forms and transactions for Internet- based businesses.

•  Internet advertising designer

Creates effective advertising features for Web sites, including animation, sound, and text.

• Graphics and Multimedia

Animation/Special effects developer

Develops software programs for creating sequences of computer images for games or movies.

•  Multimedia developer

Use design and programming skills to create interactive multimedia products that combine sound, images, and text.

• Computer game designer/programmer

Designs or writes computer games or game engines. Develop algorithms that make the characters realistic and intelligent.

• Electronic sound producer

Creates music, voice, and sound effects for multimedia or computer games. Integrates sound into the overall design of the multimedia product.

-Training and Support

Technical support representative

Answers questions from computer users and solves problems with the install on or

operation of software. Research problems using manuals, help files, and online knowledge bases.

• Trainer, software applications
• Teaches specific courses in computer software or operating systems. May work within a corporation or at a school.
• Technical writer

Writes instructional guides and other materials that explain how to use computer systems, software, operating systems, or programming tools. Research and write reviews and feature articles suited to specific reader profiles.

• Computer Industry Specialists
• Systems integrator

Combines computer hardware and software from a variety of manufacturers to create the best possible system for a client's needs.

• IT recruitment consultant

Obtains the brief for job vacancies from clients, then matches candidates with the relevant qualities to these vacancies and arranges interviews with the clients.

•  IT sales professional

Gives technical advice and guidance to customers about pre- or post-installation of their computer systems.

• Journalist, computer -related publications

Gathers facts on people and events in the computer industry; writes news stories for computer magazines or the Internet.

Core Computer Science Fields

• Programming/Software Development
• Front-End Development
• Back-End Development
• Full-Stack Development
• Mobile App Development
• Game Development
• Systems Development
• Operating Systems
• Embedded Systems
• Systems Programming
• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Competitive Programming
• Algorithm Design

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

• Deep Learning
• Natural Language Processing (NLP)
• Computer Vision
• Reinforcement Learning
• AI Ethics and Policy
• AI for Robotics
• AI for Healthcare
• Generative AI Development

Data Science and Analytics

• Big Data Engineering

Data Visualization

• Statistical Analysis
• Predictive Analytics
• Business Intelligence Development
• Data Engineering

Cybersecurity

• Ethical Hacking
• Cryptography
• Network Security
• Cloud Security
• Penetration Testing
• Security Operations (SecOps)
• Incident Response Analysis

Web Development

• Web Application Development
• Web Performance Optimization
• E-commerce Development
• CMS Development
• Progressive Web Apps (PWA) Development

Cloud Computing

• Cloud Infrastructure
• Cloud Security
• Cloud Architecture
• DevOps Engineering
• Cloud Migration Specialist
• Serverless Computing Specialist

Networks and Communications

• Network Engineering
• Telecommunications
• Wireless Networking
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• 5G Network Engineering
• Network Automation

Database Management

• Database Administration
• Database Architecture
• SQL/NoSQL Development
• Data Warehousing
• Database Optimization Specialist
• Data Governance Specialist

Computer Graphics and Visualization

• Graphics Programming
• Virtual Reality (VR)
• Augmented Reality (AR)
• 3D Modeling
• Simulation Engineer
• Rendering Specialist

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

• User Interface (UI) Design
• User Experience (UX) Design
• Usability Testing
• Voice User Interface (VUI) Design
• Assistive Technology Design

Software Engineering

• Agile Development
• Software Testing
• Quality Assurance (QA)
• Software Project Management
• Microservices Engineering
• API Development

Mathematics and Theory

• Computational Theory
• Mathematical Modelling
• Numerical Analysis
• Combinatorics
• Graph Theory Researcher

Bioinformatics

• Computational Biology
• Genomic Data Analysis
• Proteomics Data Specialist
• Medical Imaging Analyst

Robotics

• Control Systems
• Autonomous Systems
• Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
• Swarm Robotics Specialist
• Human-Robot Interaction Specialist

Game Design and Development

• Game Physics
• Level Design

Game AI

• Game Engine Development
• Multiplayer Game Programming

Quantum Computing

• Quantum Algorithms
• Quantum Hardware
• Cryptography in Quantum Systems
• Quantum Machine Learning

Education and Research

• Teaching (School/University)
• Academic Research
• Writing Tech Publications
• Curriculum Development

Entrepreneurship

• Tech Startups
• Product Development
• Freelancing in Software and Web Development
• Innovation Consultant
• Technology Venture Capitalist

Miscellaneous and Emerging Fields

• Blockchain Development
• Edge Computing
• Metaverse Development
• Digital Forensics
• Low-Code/No-Code Platforms
• AI-Powered Chatbot Development
• Digital Twin Specialist

Cross-Disciplinary Fields

• Computational Economics
• Computational Social Sciences
• Digital Arts and Technology
• Computational Linguistics
• Environmental Informatics
• Sports Analytics Specialist