4 Careers You Can Get with a Computer Science Degree

  NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR Network administrators oversee the information technology sector of specific companies or government agencies.  Network administrators design and maintain technological networks, providing guidance to colleagues on how to use network features.  This helps ensure that efficient data storage and communication occurs through use of these networks.  However, while network administrators are usually one of the most technologically advanced people in the workplace, it is very possible that one could become overwhelmed with the technical issues of the business.  Therefore, they are often part of a larger, computer-related operational staff which assist in technical support.   If a company uses more than one computer to carry out daily tasks, chances are the company has a network administrator on payroll.  Companies/agencies will likely be using computer networks for many years to come; non-tech workers/people with no technological...

  HARDWARE ENGINEER Before knowing what a hardware engineer is, one must know what hardware is.  Computer hardware refers to any physical component of a computer, internal or external, through which a person can perform major functions such as input, output, processing, storage, etc.  Examples of computer hardware are keyboards, monitors, mouses, etc.  Hardware engineers design, develop, and install computer systems and their physical components.  More specifically, they often test initial designs, apply product updates, and otherwise maintenance computer hardware. Hardware engineers usually work full-time in office/laboratory settings.  They are often hired by employers in both the private and public sectors to oversee product development operations, and they often work very closely with software engineers to ensure seamless compatibility. Soft skills: Analytical thinking – the designing, testing, and troubleshooting of computer hardware requires hardware ...

  VIDEO GAME DESIGNER Video game designers create games that run on computers and gaming consoles.  They work in teams in office environments developing flowcharts and storyboards for games, writing code, and fixing glitches.  Video game designers essentially take a concept and turn it into a playable game.  Designers may work on specific sections of a game or contribute to the entire product, depending on the position.  For example, one designer could focus on the game’s settings, another could focus on characters, and another could focus on visuals.   Video game design can become hectic, especially with the number of people playing video games today.  There was on outage at PlayStation Network in 2011—caused by an external intrusion—that lasted for weeks.  This outage had to be rectified by video game designers, and there was a plethora of growing outrage during the time of the network being down.  Video game designing may sound like a...

  COMPUTER PROGRAMMER Computer programming is essentially writing and revising instructions (code) for a computer to follow.  It is the basis for most computer science professions.  Code can be written in several different programming languages; therefore, a programmer is more valuable the more programming languages they are fluent in.  “These essential tech professionals create programs and software that millions of people use every day” (Sartore ).  They work independently as part of larger software teams and can often work remotely. Computer programming is a diverse profession and is only becoming more diverse since the world is becoming more reliant on technology.  “Ninety-three percent of today’s small business owners report using at least one type of technology platform to help run their business, with the average owner utilizing three different platforms” ( Staff, U.S. Chamber ).  If small businesses are using technology at an astronomical rate,...

  References Staff, U.S. Chamber. “New Study Shows Technology Platforms Critical to Small Business Growth.” U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2 Aug. 2022, https://www.uschamber.com/technology/new-study-shows-technology-platforms-critical-to-small-business-growth#:~:text=Ninety%2Dthree%20percent%20of%20today%27s,owner%20utilizing%20three%20different%20platforms.  Editorial Team, Indeed. “Hardware Engineer Salary in United States.” Indeed, Indeed, 29 Apr. 2023, https://www.indeed.com/career/hardware-engineer/salaries. Editorial Team, Indeed. “Network Administrator Skills: Definition and Examples - Indeed.” Indeed, Indeed, 26 Jan. 2023, https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/network-administrator-skills. Sartore, Melissa. “What Is a Computer Programmer?” ComputerScience.org, Red Ventures, 22 Mar. 2023, https://www.computerscience.org/careers/computer-programmer/. Tobin, James M. “Hardware Engineer Career Overview.” ComputerScience.org, Red Ventu...