What are potential Job positions for computer science and IT major
Career choices in the IT industry
Graduation day brings a lot of mixed feelings and expectations, a feeling of excitement and accomplishment on one hand and the uncertainty of what the future holds on the other. I remembered my mother asking me a few days post-graduation, “so congrats on getting your degree. Now, what!?”
On a personal level, deciding which job position to apply to was the most difficult part for me when I started applying for a full-time job as a recent grad with a degree in computer science and IT. I came to realize that I did not have a clear idea or understanding of what most of the job titles meant nor the skills required in order to succeed in those positions. But I was confident with the basic knowledge I had in programming, software development, and computer concepts.
The knowledge we acquired in classrooms prepared us to meet the demand in the workforce market. Now, computer scientists are employed in all sorts of job positions in nearly every company or industry that has a computerized business model or system.
However, the job duties vary significantly and are subject to change according to the technological needs or domain of expertise of that specific company. For illustration, a software engineer at Google has different job duties compared to a software engineer working in financial or healthcare companies.
So, I’m going to try to list some of the job positions I’m familiar with including the necessary skills needed to succeed in those positions, and their domain of expertise.
Software Engineers
Design, development, maintenance, testing, and evaluation of the software. The following are the basic qualifications for Software Engineers: a solid understanding of algorithms, excellent analytical skills, problem-solving skills, take initiative, debugging and coding skills (usually can code in more than one programing language such as Java, C#, C++, Python, Clojure, Ruby, .Net, JavaScript, SQL, etc.) A solid background and Knowledge of concepts and methods such as Agile, source code management, version control, configuration management, provision, automation, Networking, just to name a few, etc.
Similar Jobs
- Computer hardware engineer
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Computer Network Architects
- Cloud Architect
Software application developer
Designing or customizing computer applications software. Modifying existing software to optimize operational efficiency or correct errors. Evaluating software requirements and user needs to determine software feasibility
Computer systems analyst
Analyzing data processing problems to improve computer systems. Developing and testing system design procedures. Enhancing system compatibility so information can be shared easily
Similar Jobs
- Application Analyst
- Data Analyst
- System Analyst
Software systems developer
Designing, developing, and testing software for a variety of industries. Altering existing software to correct errors or improve performance. Analyzing data to identify, recommend, and plan new system installations or modifications
Web developer
Writing, designing, or editing web page content, or directing others producing content. Identifying and correcting problems uncovered by testing or user feedback. Specifically engaged in, the development of World Wide Web applications, or applications that are run over HTTP from a web server to a web browser.
The following are some of the tools, concepts, platforms, and programming languages used by web developers.
- Most modern Web applications are developed using JavaScript Frameworks such as Angular, React, Vue, Node JS, WebPress, etc. While coding in languages such as TypeScript, JavaScript, PHP, HTML, CSS, XML, etc.
- Mobil App: NativeScript, React Native, Ionic, Xcode, Android Studio, Xamarin, Redhat, Kony, iFactr, Sencha, PhoneGap, etc.
- CS languages: Java, C++, C#, HTML5, XML, JavaScript (AJAX, jQuery, JSON), TypeScript, PHP
- Concepts: APIs, REST, HTTP protocols
Similar jobs
- Web designer
- UX designer
- Mobile App developer
- Game developer
Network systems administrator
Installing and supporting an organization’s network system. Examining website functions to ensure performance without interruption. Performing data backups and disaster recovery operations
Database administrator
Testing and administering computer databases. Coordinating changes and correcting errors in computer databases. Applying security measures to safeguard information.
Full-stack Developer
A full-stack developer is simply someone who is familiar with all layers in computer software development. These developers aren’t experts at everything; they simply have the functional knowledge and ability to take a concept and turn it into a finished product. They have a fair knowledge of Networking, Database, User Interface, API, Security, etc. They work on both the back-end and front-end of a web application. I worked as a full-stack software engineer for 2 years and that is something I enjoyed very much.
DevOps Engineer
I worked as a DevOps engineer intern, from my junior to senior year of college. Now, defining what DevOps engineers do is still in flux because DevOps is not a framework or a workflow. It’s a culture, a way of doing things — a set of concepts implemented to streamline software development processes and methods to improve delivery or time to market. DevOps ensures collaboration and communication between the Development(Dev) and Operations (Ops). The video below gives a broad and detailed definition of DevOps.
Similar Jobs
- System Engineer
- QA Engineer-Automation
- Software Test Engineer
To sum up, self-evaluation is key to choosing a job and potentially turning it into a career. Freshmen or Sophomores are able to choose their career path in light of courses at which they perform the best. Junior and Seniors should utilize their remaining years of education in developing the skills for a job of interest. This can be done by taking on projects outside the classroom, focusing on courses closely related to jobs aspired, and getting internships.
When It comes to choosing a job position in the IT industry, I would recommend choosing passion over all other considerations or else you will burn out and the money won’t help. “Any position you choose to pursue in the IT industry is going to require your complete dedication to achieve success. There is no substitute for hard work and constant learning”
If you enjoyed this story, you might also like “Coding Interview: Problem Solving Techniques”
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Cheers!!!
