What Can I Do with A Computer Science Degree

By: Anthony Ngo

CSIS 1030-Sp17
Prof. J Chen
4-19-2017
 What Can I Do with a Computer Science Degree
I remembered the first computer my parent got for me was an Atari 800XL. It
was then I felt in love with the world of computer. I didnt understand how computer
really works, but I certainly had a passion for coding then. I would have sat at the
computer for hours on end coding a video game syntax from Compute magazine
when I could get my hand on one. The time it took to code, compile and save the
game onto a cassette tape was joyous. I dont recall my elementary school teacher
ever talks about computer related topic much unless it came up on an article we
were reading in class. The only thing we had was a Mac in the library which I recall
was only utilized for reading. In Jr High, a computer science course was offered only
to student that excel in math. We learned to program in Basic language, but
without a computer. We did all our basic programming on a sheet of paper. It was
not until later in High School that my love for computer grew. We were learning
Pascal and programming on a real computer. I was in awed to see the codes turn
into something meaningful on the monitor.
Upon entering college, I thought of nothing else but a career in computer
science. In the beginning, the intro classes to computer science were fun until I
signed up for a computer programming class. At first, it was fun. As the class
progresses, I found out that I hated computer programming even though I still likes
computer. Looking back, I should have gone to my academic advisor to seek for
his/her advice. In fact, I dont think I ever use their service. I soon decide on
another major that closely match my work requirement.
My misconception for the field of computer science was narrowed only to
either you be in hardware or software related field. I have thought to myself that if
one cannot fit into either one of these areas one can only lead to failure. So, part of
the reason for writing this article is to inform and educate my readers that if you
have a passion for computers dont limit yourself to programming. The field of
computer science has an endless possibility that may be right for you.
According to Mike Profita from [Link] here are the top 10 jobs
in the computer science field that might be calling out for you.
Software Developer
Software developers are the brainchild behind a software programs that
allows a user to perform a specific task. The tasks may take place on a computer or
a mobile device. They are in charge of the entire development process for a
software programs. They design the program and then give instructions to the
programmers who will then write the code and test it. Developers usually work
closely with the computer programmers. However, some developers will design and
write the code themselves.
Although writing code is not their first priority, software developers must
have a strong knowledge on computer programming. Software developers will also
need to have certain skill sets for the industry they work in. Developers working in
banking must have knowledge in accounting or finance.
Employment in software development is projected to group 17% from 2014 to
2024. The need for apps running on mobile devices continues to increase demand
more apps software developers. The median annual wage for software developers
was $98,260 in 2015 with the lowest 10% earned less than $57,340.

Database Administrator
Database administrators (DBAs) use specialized software to store and
organize data. They make sure the data are available to users and are secure from
the unauthorized access. They work closely with other systems manager to provide
database solutions. Database admin are responsible for backing up systems to
prevent data loss. They help ensure the integrity of the database.
Employment as a database administrators is projected to grow 11% from
2014 to 2024. Growth in this job market is driven by demand for more data by most
stakeholders within a company. The median annual wage for a DBAs was $81,710
in 2015 with the lowest 10% earned less than $45,460.
Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop and test computer
systems and components such as routers, processor, graphic card or memory.
Computer hardware engineers ensure that computer hardware components work
together with the latest software. So, they work very closely with software
developers ensuring the hardware design will work with new software.
Employment in the category is projected to grow 3% from 2014 to 2024. This
field has the lowest growth rate due to an increase demand thats taking place with
software development. The median pay for a hardware engineers was $111,730 in
May 2015. The lowest 10% earned less than $65,570.
Computer Systems Analyst
The computer system analysts study an organizations current computer
systems and procedures and recommend changes to hardware and software to
enhance the companys efficiency. They bring business and information technology
together by understanding the needs and limitations of both. Their duties also
include designing and implementing new systems by choosing and configuring
hardware and software, may be asked to prepare costs and benefits to management
when involving new computing infrastructure upgrades.
Employment of the computer system analysts is projected to grow 21% from
2014 to 2024. As more organization increase their reliance on IT, more analysts will
be hired to design and install new computer systems. The median annual wage for
computer system analyst was $85,800 in May 2015 with the lowest 10% earned less
than $51,910.
Computer Network Architect
Computer network architect design and build data communication networks,
including LAN, WAN, and intranets. These network range from small connections
between offices to cloud infrastructure to serve multiple customers.

Web Developer
Web developer design and create websites. They make sure the web pages
are accessible. They're also responsible to ensure the information can be easily
downloaded to maximize the number of pages view to a particular website.

Employment for a web developers is projected to grow 27% from 2014 to

2024. Employment is projected to grow even faster as ecommerce continues to
expand. The median annual salary for web developers was $66,130 in May 2016
with the lowest 10% earning less than $35, 390.

Information Security Analysts

Information security analysts plan and design security measures to safeguard
the organization's computer network and systems. They're also responsible for
researching trend in data security to anticipate problems before they happened.
This field will continue to expand as the number of cyberattacks increases.
Employment for information security analysts is projected to grow 18% from
2014 to 2024. Demand for security analysts is expected to be very high. The
median annual wage for information security analysts was $90,120 in May 2015
with the lowest 10% earned less than $51,280.
Computer Programmer
Computer programmer write and test code that enable computer apps and
software program to function properly. They're the one that turn the program
design by software developers and engineers into computer instructions.
Employment for computer programmers is projected to decline 8% from 2014
to 2024. The reason for the decline is programming can be done anywhere in the
world as wages for programmer tend to be lower oversea. The median annual
salary for computer programmers was $97,840 in May 2016 with the lowest 10%
earned less than $44,450.
Computer and Information Systems Managers
 IT managers or IT project managers plan, coordinate and direct computer-
related activities in an organization. They also evaluate software, hardware,
networking, and other technology resources to developed or purchased.
Employment as IT managers is projected to grow 15% from 2014 to 2024.
Its expected IT managers role will grow as companies expand their operations to
digital platform. The median annual salary for IT managers was $131,600 in May
2015 with the lowest 10% earned less than $80,160.
Project Managers
Project managers in the IT industry coordinate with team of programmers and
analysts to complete project. They also help to analyze technology problems for
their company and propose solutions to enhance productivity.
Their job and pay outlook can be similar to an IT managers.
According Aisling Goodey, she wrote an article giving computer science
students 5 tips to be successful.
Tip #1. Computer science courses are practical. One cannot pass the courses
solely on essays.
Tip #2. One cannot procrastinate with their work if you want to be successful. One
must study hard through the semester. Its not necessary for one to work on their
code all the time, so its important to continue to work on a constant basis.
Tip #3. Classroom will not teach you everything. Do research on your own to find
out what companies may want from their worker and spend time learning new skill
sets.
Tip #4. Its great that one is motivate to work independently, but learn to work in
Team.
Tip #5. Its important to study hard, but also make time to relax so you dont get
burn out.
I wish back when I was a computer science major, I wished I had seek advices
on how to cope with some of my challenges. Also, the above listing are only the top
10 jobs within the computer world. There are limitless numbers of positions through
a wide variety of industry. The work is challenging and the rewards can be very
lucrative.
When I used to work 2nd shift, we never had an IT tech around waiting for
printers or computers to break so when problems do arise I often found myself
pretending to be the IT guy. I have recently discovered that my local college offer a
program in computer networking and align that with my love for networking and
hardware I found myself going back to school to give computer science another try.
I admit, its too early to say whether I will be successful, but I know I will continue to
work hard and take advantage of all the resources on campus so that I can become
successful.
 Bibliography
Profita, Mike. [Link]
majors-2059634, Feb 14, 2017.
[Link] Occupational Outlook Handbook
Goodey, Aisling. [Link]
remember-when-studying-it-how-to-be-a-successful-computer-science-
[Link], Mar 3, 2016