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Computer programming

What are some good career choices if I major in computer science and can I live a comfortable life with that job?

college-major computer-science computer major computer-programming computerscience
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David’s Answer

These days computer science encompasses a broad range of programming languages and hardware. Having software skills means you can work anywhere you have an internet connection. I would say to become a specialist in a field you enjoy and ride the wave for 5-10 years until the technology moves on. Then you will find yourself doing some retooling to a similar field and riding the next wave. For the foreseeable future careers in cyber security (white hat) and data analytics are the hottest markets now. If you get some training in these fields and some experience you will be able to write your own ticket and live very comfortably for a long time. These fields demand knowledge in various programming languages and operating systems i.e Java, PHP, SQL, C#, C++ and Unix etc.

Here are a couple of good links to get you started....

https://skilldeck.org/learning/best-programming-language-to-learn/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA37KbBhDgARIsAIzce14H6GILcabnFXFNjE6yv79-jYiNbSo5B9jF6a3sZxsSAlTZn9gye8QaAqXeEALw_wcB

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/highest-paying-computer-science-jobs

Good luck!
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Elliot’s Answer

Why are you asking about CS for a "good life"? I know why, but first, are you interested and passionate about CS? I think you are asking things in the wrong order. Don't look for something to give you a good life. Pursue work that you find personally interesting and rewarding. Work that you can make significant contributions in. The specific work that is RIGHT for YOU. Work you might do for free because you love it and it has some MEANING for you. THEN you might if lucky find a good job in it that may be somewhat comfortable. WARNING: you'll need to really work hard regardless of what it is because these days, its HARD to find a "comfortable" gig. In fact, if you want to ever get to the land of comfort, I'd probably say work OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE for quite a while to get there the quickest. I'm not sure CS is so "comfortable". It might be if you work your tail off and find a great job which is possible. Studying CS is hard work and its a competitive job market out there. Make sure you know these things and are clear-eyed about going into it. As long as you know that CS is truly what you want because you love it, it is possible.
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Mikki’s Answer

I'd take time to digest what a "comfortable life" means to you. A job is something you (usually) devote 40+ hours a week to. You could find yourself burned out if you don't enjoy the work that you are doing.

For example, when I was faced with a crossroad during a mass exodus at a previous company I had two options ahead of me-- A Fortune 500 company where I could make a significant amount of money and work as a small gear in a massive machine OR a scrappy startup where I could help build the platform into something great.

While the dollar signs of the fortune 500 company were sure alluring, it wasn't even a competition. I'm much happier working at smaller, private companies where you can be on a first-name basis with the executive staff where I could work on a variety of different projects. I'm still there almost 5 years later. Most of my colleagues who went to the larger company have since moved on to other opportunities.

There are people though who *do* prefer those larger companies, so that's not to say that my answer is the correct one.

Since you have tagged your post with computer programming, I'm going to go off of the basis that that is what you want to do. Software engineering is a pretty lucrative field. You could easily find yourself financially "comfortable" at almost any level, with any type of engineering.

I'd find the type of programming that makes you happy to do for 8 hours a day and go from there (frontend vs backend, SASS, Web Design, data engineer, cloud ops, etc). The list is endless.

Best of luck!
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Jimil’s Answer

Hi Emily! Women in tech are eligible for many grants and scholarships because companies need diversity in the workplace. Regardless of your gender, software engineering is one of the most profitable industries that you could get involved in that does not require a master's degree. you can support a family, with the average salary around 100k per year. Other positions in other fields pay closer to 50-70k for a similar amount of experience. Senior software engineers with 3-5 years of experience can make upwards of 200-400k if you are knowledgeable and good at your job.

A degree in computer science can open up a wide range of career opportunities, some of which have the potential to be quite well-paying and provide a comfortable standard of living. Here are a few examples of popular career paths for computer science majors:

Software Developer: These professionals design and develop software applications and systems, using a variety of programming languages. Software developers can work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and more.

Data Scientist: Data scientists use statistical methods, machine learning, and other techniques to extract insights from large data sets. They are often responsible for developing predictive models and data-driven solutions to business problems.

Network/Systems Administrator: Network and systems administrators are responsible for maintaining an organization's computer systems and networks. They ensure that systems are secure, reliable, and running efficiently.

Cybersecurity Analyst: Cybersecurity analysts work to protect organizations from cyber threats by monitoring network security, identifying vulnerabilities, and developing security protocols.

Database Administrator: Database administrators are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining an organization's databases. They ensure that data is accurate, secure, and easily accessible.

Keep in mind that the above listed are just examples and there are many other fields and career choices you can find with Computer Science major. Salaries and benefits can be very different depending on the field, the company and location. But generally speaking, many careers in computer science have the potential to be well-paying and provide a comfortable standard of living. It's always a good idea to do research on specific jobs and companies that interest you to get a better sense of what they might offer in terms of salary and benefits.
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Joseph’s Answer

Most definitely have a great career in IT. Especially with the AI and Data Analytics ventures coming into focus. I suggest once you get a job to bounce around 2yrs here and there to get the best experience until your ready to settle down at one work place. By 2025 about 99% of companies will be in the Cloud. Make sure you'r not only interested in Computer programming but all 3 Cloud providers, AWS, Azure and Google. In addition Data Analytics. Study the fundamentals and have a basic view of these subjects.
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