4 answers
Nigel
Student
Mahikeng, North West, South Africa
1
Question
Asked
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Hi l'm looking for a career path in computer science which could be the best way to follow in this Morden era.
#computer-science
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4 answers
Judi McEachin
Product Management
24
Answers
Midlothian, Virginia
Updated
Judi’s Answer
So you know you enjoy computers and technology but you are not sure how to apply that to a career? I had the same problem!
In my personal experience, taking information systems (IS) classes really helped me find my direction. IS classes start out really general and expose you to the many types of jobs in the industry. They gave me an opportunity to learn about coding, hardware, integration and other topics like testing and project management. They also linked me into an internship that helped confirm my direction. From there I propelled into my specific interest.
Start with a general approach and zoom in from there.
Good luck!
In my personal experience, taking information systems (IS) classes really helped me find my direction. IS classes start out really general and expose you to the many types of jobs in the industry. They gave me an opportunity to learn about coding, hardware, integration and other topics like testing and project management. They also linked me into an internship that helped confirm my direction. From there I propelled into my specific interest.
Start with a general approach and zoom in from there.
Good luck!
Jim Lavine
Engineering Management
2
Answers
Corte Madera, California
Updated
Jim’s Answer
There are so many options - some are already discussed here. Other areas to consider are mobile telephony networks and systems, automative, energy (grid management, optimization, smart meters, solar, etc.). Almost everything today is backed by some level of software or firmware to power its smarts.
Some other broad areas to consider as well include AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning). Both of these are on the cutting edge of computing today with myriad of opportunities in the future.
Some other broad areas to consider as well include AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning). Both of these are on the cutting edge of computing today with myriad of opportunities in the future.
Amanda Usborne
Business Process Analyst
14
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Hey Nigel,
It would be helpful to know more about what you like to do so that those of us who have experience in computer science can help guide you in your pursuit.
- Are you interested in cyber security?
- Are you interested in hardware, or software development?
- Do you like to code, or do you enjoy design more?
- Do you want to work in games, banking, manufacturing, or something else?
Computer science is a really broad concept now that most of the world had been digitalized. Doing some research on what the larger categories of professional roles exist within it, and identifying a handful of them that you most identify with can help you to begin exploring the pros and cons of each so that you can make the best decision for you and the lifestyle you'd like to have.
/Amanda
(Former Game Developer & Current Red Hat Employee)
It would be helpful to know more about what you like to do so that those of us who have experience in computer science can help guide you in your pursuit.
- Are you interested in cyber security?
- Are you interested in hardware, or software development?
- Do you like to code, or do you enjoy design more?
- Do you want to work in games, banking, manufacturing, or something else?
Computer science is a really broad concept now that most of the world had been digitalized. Doing some research on what the larger categories of professional roles exist within it, and identifying a handful of them that you most identify with can help you to begin exploring the pros and cons of each so that you can make the best decision for you and the lifestyle you'd like to have.
/Amanda
(Former Game Developer & Current Red Hat Employee)
Angelo L
Software Engineering
12
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Angelo’s Answer
Hi Nigel!
Lucky for you, there are lots of options! For example:
- Health technology: Lots of people have trouble accessing healthcare or are slowed down by processes that are done by people; we can write software (like an app, for example) to give people access to healthcare and make the process easy for them
- Internet of Things: Houses and buildings are getting "smarter" every day, and it's because of engineers who design and implement devices that can talk to each other, and make your life easier (e.x., Google Home)
- Advanced technology: New technology like vehicle intelligence and machine learning are some examples of tech we've never seen until recently; if we help make these things better, who knows what we can accomplish?
These are just a handful of examples, but let me give you some advice to help you find what you like: computer science is most fun with others! Even though we do a lot of individual work in the field, it's so fun to learn with others, share the struggle, celebrate each others' projects and laugh at things that don't make sense. So I really recommend finding a club to join where you can practice coding as you learn (for example, a Robotics club, or Computer Science club). There are even online options if there isn't one available to you in person!
Good luck!
Lucky for you, there are lots of options! For example:
- Health technology: Lots of people have trouble accessing healthcare or are slowed down by processes that are done by people; we can write software (like an app, for example) to give people access to healthcare and make the process easy for them
- Internet of Things: Houses and buildings are getting "smarter" every day, and it's because of engineers who design and implement devices that can talk to each other, and make your life easier (e.x., Google Home)
- Advanced technology: New technology like vehicle intelligence and machine learning are some examples of tech we've never seen until recently; if we help make these things better, who knows what we can accomplish?
These are just a handful of examples, but let me give you some advice to help you find what you like: computer science is most fun with others! Even though we do a lot of individual work in the field, it's so fun to learn with others, share the struggle, celebrate each others' projects and laugh at things that don't make sense. So I really recommend finding a club to join where you can practice coding as you learn (for example, a Robotics club, or Computer Science club). There are even online options if there isn't one available to you in person!
Good luck!