Question:
What is a Computer Science career like?
16 years ago
If I majored in Computer science, what would a day on the job look like for me? Would I be writing classes for software like in my intro classes or what? I want to know what the life of a Computer Science graduate is like.
Seven answers:
stratsandlespauls
16 years ago
Since I have a Compuer Science career here goes.

A typical day on the job depends on what type of programming you will be doing and where they are in the design cycle.

If you get in on the design phase you may be creating custom Classes for use in the program, you might be developing the GUI, otherwise you may be debugging existing problems or creating enhancements in existing code.

Your job may be one that is more embedded programming meaning you are working with microprocessors.

No matter what be prepared to code.code,code,code.

That is your life so find an industry that interests you.

Gaming programming maybe more fun then banking but to each his own. I personally like jobs that contain both embedded and software programming as it tends to break up the monotany of the routine.
16 years ago
A major in computer science has an immensely vast rage of career options. Every successful business has some sort of infrastructure dealing with computers, such as inventory; and in many cases, a range of software used on the job. If you majored in computer science, you could have many different types of jobs:



- literally programming (making software)

- maintaining software (helping resolve bugs, etc)

- security (protecting databases, etc)

- user interface specialization (desinging better ways to display info)

- building a website

- working as a computer technician

- much more...



The software you are writing in your intro class is probably not exactly what you will do at a career in computer science. The skills you are learning from your intro class are extremely helpful for understanding basic computer and machine logic. However, with a degree in computer science, you may even end up in a job where you strictly program (which I assume you do in your intro class). A Computer Science graduate does indeed partake in a lot of programming. But it is mostly applying general computer knowledge, programming, and skills in researching and developing better ways and more efficient ways for the world to utilize computers.



There will be a large demand for Computer Scientists in the years to come because computers have in large become the futuristic way of running the world. Technology is always becoming more advanced, and this is a certainly riveting period to be involved in Computer Science.



Hope that helps :)
16 years ago
Well, I didn't specialize in CS (didn't exist in the old days) but my career has been closest to that. What would a day on the job look like, there are so many options.



First few years you'll probably spend understanding what it is like to work in a company, what they do and how to develop software out in the "real" world. What will you develop? Really depends on where you land. My first five years I developed drivers, high level applications, operating system layers, it really varied.



The biggest choice to make is do you go into IT or product development. Before my current job I would have said the later is better, more varied, more options of what to do, etc. I've been in straight IT for about 7 months it is fascinating on its own.



Bottom line, no one can really tell you because it depends a lot on you, where you get hired, what your job actually is, and how quickly you can adapt.



No two jobs are the same (unless you work in a bank or insurance company or support).
16 years ago
a computer science degree will not lead you to one single type of job, but can be beneficial in nearly any field (maybe not Amish carpenter.)



Our computer science students work in a variety of fields.



Several have started their own software companies.

Others work for major companies like Apple, Sun, and Boeing

A number of my students now work in the gaming industry,



Computer science students may continue writing software as their primary job, but that's actually not that common. More often, CS majors act in a management or software engineering role as their experience tends to aim them towards the management side of the house.



Note that there's a lot of different programs that call themselves "computer science." I'm referring to the rigorous programs involving extensive math and CS theory. Programs that teach you how to use applications, or simply how to write programs in a particular language are nearly useless.



Look for a program that teaches the deeper truths and then applies them with practical exercises, and you'll do very well. If it doesn't require courses in calculus, algorithms, and data structures, it's not really computer science. The languages you learn are largely irrelevant. They'll be out of date when you graduate anyway. The most important thing is to learn the enduring fundamentals and be able to apply them well to technology as it emerges.



Even in this poor economy, today there are over 300 jobs available within 50 miles of my campus (in Indianapolis) for people with computer science degrees. Most of these jobs are quite good, with starting salaries over 60K.



The outlook for people with CS degrees is actually better now than it was during the peak of the dot-com bubble. The many people you've learned about who lost their jobs were largely those who got in with less qualification because the demand was so intense. People with actual credentials are having very little trouble finding work in the CS field.
Amy
9 years ago
Given your GED and low scores, you will probably not succeed in a Computer Science degree program. You should instead look at Software Engineering Technology.
buckarmani
16 years ago
A career in computer science is probably a PhD. Lots of research and teaching.



Unless you mean to ask what you can do with a bachelor's in CS? pretty much anythnig you want to do... and you'll certainly have a leg up if you want to be a programmer since the vast majority of programmers aren't that good... with a solid degree in CS under your belt and a good ability you'll have no trouble getting work.
Melb_in_OZ
16 years ago
nah man, dont go for computer science, too much technology and competition, i also did this 4 years ago and there is no job and if there is then less money , it was in demand around 2000 and now its 2009 and yea, not the same anymore... :(

you will be wasting your time..

my 3yo son can use a laptop and ps3 .... so it will be tuff afterwards..

go for accounting or management.


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