Computing Careers: A Guide to Computer Science

At present, computers are utilized in nearly every factor of people’s lives: inside cars, inside microwaves, in video games, inside telephones and watches, in mainframe computers working in industry or government, in personal computer desktops either at work or in the home, and, finally, in supercomputers that broaden the horizons of technology and science. One of the quickest growing sectors of the economy, the computer industry promises to continue its growth well into the forthcoming century. To keep an edge that is competitive, both commerce and industry have to create engineering and scientific breakthroughs that are creative in addition to making products that are high-quality. Never before has there been such a demand for a well-equipped workforce that possesses the needed technical and scientific training to function effectively at their duties. Now is the time to plan a future in the computer world. The road to a career in the computing field starts as early as possible. Individuals who are seriously interested and committed to pursuing a computing career should begin while they are young and in high school and college. After college, the study of computers may even become a lifelong endeavor. Here are the following ways that you can prepare for a computing career.

COLLEGE PREPARATION:

High School Academics

Most of the people working professionally in the computer industry possess an undergraduate degree at the very least. These degrees encompass math, computer engineering or science, electrical engineering, information systems, or software engineering. Still others hold advanced degrees. The degree holders all have one trait in common: They all started preparing for their careers a long time before beginning their undergraduate studies. If you are ambitious, try looking into a career in computing as early as up to four years before the start of freshman year in college. It is advised not to wait until only a year before freshman year before researching a career in computing. The various degrees in the preceding paragraph all feature differing requirements, and you will get a head start by exploring what they really are. For example, because so many of the aforementioned degrees mandate a lot of science and math, it is advantageous to enroll in as much as four years of math and two years of science before getting into college. Programming courses would help even more. Certain secondary or prep schools might even permit students to take college courses, provided that there is a college located nearby during the senior year of the students. This way, ambitious students may even complete some college-course hours before graduating high school! Students truly interested in computing careers should formulate a plan to apply to colleges that feature computing degrees of interest and locations that are convenient. Students ought to investigate factors such as financial aid, the competitiveness of admissions, entrance exam requirements, the cost of student housing, degree criteria, tuition, and the availability of courses. If prospective students can afford it and can free up time, it is always recommended to make a visit to the campus in person to meet fellow students and professors.

Taking Learning One Step Further

An effective way to increase the understanding of what a computer career involves is by getting students to work together with industry professionals. Technical and career education can be fostered by picking any of the activities below for either class or individual development. The exposure to working with computing professionals should provide students with precious insight into computing careers as well as invaluable life experience. Get in touch with the school’s career education office or to learn about starting such a program.
  • Presentations and Demonstrations in the Classroom – Industry professionals talk about topics of a technical nature and their careers.
  • Club Sponsorship – Find a computer science club, or become a member of an existing club.
  • Field Trips – Plan field trips to job sites.
  • Programs in Mentoring – Connect students with professionals who are working, and plan to visit work sites, career advice sessions, and personal advice sessions.
  • Internships – Look for work experience (either volunteer or paid) at employment sites or observations during school breaks
  • Student Fairs – Participate in local student fairs and other competitions in computer science categories

Consider Pre College Programs

Pre-university programs increase a student’s technical know how and supplement educational experience prior to the start of a full-time computing curriculum. Many cities feature pre-university education programs as well as activities. Get in touch with the sponsors of these activities and programs for information on local-area activities. Here are some examples.

DURING COLLEGE:

Curriculum

A variety of programs in computing are offered by colleges. Based on the country in which you live, programs might be three years of work in the field of your major, or, alternately, four years that includes only 35 percent of work that is in your major field of engineering or science, 25 percent in science or math beyond the major field, another 25 percent in humanities and the arts, and, finally, the remaining 15 percent in elective courses. The computer studies coursework will commonly involve abstract components and exercises or engineering labs that are hands-on in nature.

Accreditation

A lot of the undergraduate computing programs receive accreditation in their respective countries. In the United States, the body that hands out accreditation is the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, or the ABET. The purpose of accreditation makes sure that programs satisfy a defined criterion in physical facilities and instruction. It is advisable to proceed to your country’s own accreditation website for a listing of accredited undergraduate computing programs.

Join Organizations

Students should join organizations like the IEEE in order to get more work experience and develop a familiarity with computer careers. The IEEE is committed to providing a platform that specifically helps young people get introduced to technology careers. Students who join organizations like the IEEE get a number of perks upon obtaining membership. These include access to state-of-the-art information, membership benefits, and all-important networking chances that allow students to make contacts with professionals in the industry.

AFTER COLLEGE:

Computing Careers

Professionals in the computing industry may see themselves in a host of environments including industry, research, academia, and business and private organizations. This includes situations where they may be asked to analyze problems, test and formulate, utilize multimedia tools or sophisticated communications, or use teamwork for product development purposes. The following is a listing of vocational areas and research in computing. ? Artificial Intelligence – Invent computers that mimic a person’s reasoning and learning aptitude. ? Engineering and Computer Design – Build new computer circuits, electronic parts, and microchips. ? Computer Architecture – Invent new instruction sets for computers; mix optical or electronic parts to create strong and powerful-yet-affordable computing. ? Information Technology – Develop and control information systems, which provide support to organizations and businesses ? Software Engineering – Come up with strategies that create software systems on time, with few or no flaws, and within a specified budget constraint. ? Computer Theory – Examine the basic theories of computer problem-solving, then apply the outcome to other aspects of computer science. ? Operating Systems and Networks – Create fundamental software that computers employ to supervise themselves and or to talk with other computers. ? Software Applications – Use technology and computing to address dilemmas outside of the field of computers.

LIFELONG LEARNING

One of the quickest growing parts of industry is the computing field. It is also an area that changes very speedily in comparison with other technological fields. A professional who works in the computer field does not see his education end when he receives his college degree. To the contrary, education continues with advanced courses, further training, conferences and also seminars. Original ideas are thought up every day in the field of computer applications and theory. A continuous dedication to skills, maintaining know how, and finding career opportunities is what success in this field demands.