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What are some examples of career paths/jobs that can be achieved with a computer science/engineering degree?
I'm a high school senior, and I'm planning on majoring in computer science and/or engineering, but I still struggle to look for what I want to do with my degree once I graduate. Can anyone give me examples of real-world, attainable jobs that computer science graduates can get?
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4 answers
Updated
Hemant’s Answer
That’s a great question, Chimdinma! A degree in Computer Science (CS) or Engineering opens up many career paths, and it's okay if you’re still exploring what excites you. Here are some real-world jobs that CS graduates can pursue, along with how you can prepare for them:
Common Career Paths in Computer Science & Engineering
1. Software Engineer / Developer – Build applications, websites, or backend systems. Companies like Salesforce, Infosys, and Genesys have a strong presence in Indianapolis.
2. Cloud Engineer – Work with platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud to deploy and manage applications. Pluralsight has great courses on cloud technologies to help you get started.
3. Cybersecurity Analyst – Protect data and networks from cyber threats. Anthem (healthcare tech) and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security often hire cybersecurity professionals.
4. Data Scientist / Analyst – Use data to solve problems and make decisions. Eli Lilly and Cummins hire data experts in Indy.
5. Game Developer – Create video games and simulations. You can start learning game development through Pluralsight’s Unity and Unreal Engine courses.
6. DevOps Engineer – Automate software deployment and infrastructure. This is a high-demand role, and you can explore DevOps courses to get hands-on skills.
7. AI/ML Engineer – Work with artificial intelligence and machine learning. Many industries, including healthcare and finance, are hiring AI specialists.
8. IT Support / System Administrator – Manage computer networks and systems for businesses and schools.
How to Explore and Prepare for These Roles
- Use Online Learning Platforms Like Pluralsight – You can explore courses in software development, cloud computing, data science, and more.
- Look for Local Opportunities – Indianapolis has a growing tech scene with startups, large enterprises, and innovation hubs like TechPoint.
- Try Out Personal Projects or Open Source – Building real-world projects will help you discover what you enjoy.
- Internships & Networking – Look for tech internships at Indiana-based companies and join meetups to connect with professionals.
If you’re still figuring things out, that’s totally fine! The key is to explore different fields and gain hands-on experience to see what excites you the most.
Common Career Paths in Computer Science & Engineering
1. Software Engineer / Developer – Build applications, websites, or backend systems. Companies like Salesforce, Infosys, and Genesys have a strong presence in Indianapolis.
2. Cloud Engineer – Work with platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud to deploy and manage applications. Pluralsight has great courses on cloud technologies to help you get started.
3. Cybersecurity Analyst – Protect data and networks from cyber threats. Anthem (healthcare tech) and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security often hire cybersecurity professionals.
4. Data Scientist / Analyst – Use data to solve problems and make decisions. Eli Lilly and Cummins hire data experts in Indy.
5. Game Developer – Create video games and simulations. You can start learning game development through Pluralsight’s Unity and Unreal Engine courses.
6. DevOps Engineer – Automate software deployment and infrastructure. This is a high-demand role, and you can explore DevOps courses to get hands-on skills.
7. AI/ML Engineer – Work with artificial intelligence and machine learning. Many industries, including healthcare and finance, are hiring AI specialists.
8. IT Support / System Administrator – Manage computer networks and systems for businesses and schools.
How to Explore and Prepare for These Roles
- Use Online Learning Platforms Like Pluralsight – You can explore courses in software development, cloud computing, data science, and more.
- Look for Local Opportunities – Indianapolis has a growing tech scene with startups, large enterprises, and innovation hubs like TechPoint.
- Try Out Personal Projects or Open Source – Building real-world projects will help you discover what you enjoy.
- Internships & Networking – Look for tech internships at Indiana-based companies and join meetups to connect with professionals.
If you’re still figuring things out, that’s totally fine! The key is to explore different fields and gain hands-on experience to see what excites you the most.
Updated
Carlos’s Answer
Hi Chimdinma,
There are many professions where you can apply your computer degree, and being involded in the IT world since many years ago, I can tell you that you should focus your learning efforts on everything related to AI/ML and particularly Generative AI, as is changing the IT landscape already in a very accelerated pace. Also, you should learn Cloud computing to learn how to use services like AWS, GCP or Azure as many companies use those cloud resources to run their AI work, so getting perhaps a certification can be beneficial.
Right now profesions like AI Engineering, Machine Learning Engineering and AI Product Management are in high demand. Not sure how the landscape will look like when you graduate, but surely many professions will evolve derived from AI, so is advisable to focus in that area.
There are many professions where you can apply your computer degree, and being involded in the IT world since many years ago, I can tell you that you should focus your learning efforts on everything related to AI/ML and particularly Generative AI, as is changing the IT landscape already in a very accelerated pace. Also, you should learn Cloud computing to learn how to use services like AWS, GCP or Azure as many companies use those cloud resources to run their AI work, so getting perhaps a certification can be beneficial.
Right now profesions like AI Engineering, Machine Learning Engineering and AI Product Management are in high demand. Not sure how the landscape will look like when you graduate, but surely many professions will evolve derived from AI, so is advisable to focus in that area.
Updated
Elsa’s Answer
I'm thrilled that you're interested in computer science and engineering! As you know, 2025 is being called the first year of the AI Era. In the next 5-10 years, AI will become a big part of our daily lives, work, and studies. I encourage you to put effort into learning about AI and try designing AI solutions for everyday problems. I wish you the best of luck and hope you achieve great success after graduation!
Updated
Sneha’s Answer
Hi Chimdinma! That’s a great question and it’s totally normal to feel unsure right now! A Computer Science or Engineering degree opens doors to a wide range of real-world jobs. Some popular and attainable roles include Software Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Data Scientist, Web Developer, Game Developer, Systems Engineer, AI/Machine Learning Engineer, and IT Support Specialist. You can also go into mobile app development, cloud computing, or robotics, depending on what interests you most. Good luck!