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What career paths could I take in Computer Science?
My name is Nathaniel and I am a senior at Galileo High School. I wanted to major in computer science but I haven't decided which field to major in, so I wanted some insight on the fields.
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Karen’s Answer
The field of Computer Science prepares you for so many different careers. There are traditional programming jobs, but our entire world is based on technology that is based in computer science. I began my career at a defense contractor, moved to a relational database programming job, then to an IVR vendor, a telecommunications company and now at an AI-powered experience orchestration company! There are also a ton of opportunities once you are in the technology field, training, consulting, project and program management, product management, etc.
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Jeff’s Answer
Hi Nathaniel,
Good question with a huge answer! Computer science is a field that touches almost every single possible career path! If you look around, you will computers in various forms everywhere. For example, your fitness tracker has software as does the associated application. Automotive industry has tools that require development and coding as well as computers onboard vehicles.
Within direct software and computer development, you can focus on application, operating system, driver development, architecture design, firmware development or hardware support, to name a few areas. There's also manufacturing support for the build lines which are all computer controlled.
Beyond direct computer build and development, there's bio-medical programming, CAD/CAM design, web development, database, cyber security. The number of options is absolutely unlimited.
If you are heading into college, the first set of classes provides you with the basics, programming concepts and the tools you need to create a program. After that, you will be exposed to many areas within computer science. You can get an idea of which direction you prefer and head down that path. However, you should remember that, in the computer field, you are never locked into one specific area. I began my career as a main-frame application developer supporting manufacturing. From there, I transitioned into a test development area creating code to test PC circuit boards. Next, I transitioned into firmware development, creating BIOS code for PCs. Finally, I headed into academia and began teaching at different universities.
Enjoy your journey and the challenges ahead!
Good question with a huge answer! Computer science is a field that touches almost every single possible career path! If you look around, you will computers in various forms everywhere. For example, your fitness tracker has software as does the associated application. Automotive industry has tools that require development and coding as well as computers onboard vehicles.
Within direct software and computer development, you can focus on application, operating system, driver development, architecture design, firmware development or hardware support, to name a few areas. There's also manufacturing support for the build lines which are all computer controlled.
Beyond direct computer build and development, there's bio-medical programming, CAD/CAM design, web development, database, cyber security. The number of options is absolutely unlimited.
If you are heading into college, the first set of classes provides you with the basics, programming concepts and the tools you need to create a program. After that, you will be exposed to many areas within computer science. You can get an idea of which direction you prefer and head down that path. However, you should remember that, in the computer field, you are never locked into one specific area. I began my career as a main-frame application developer supporting manufacturing. From there, I transitioned into a test development area creating code to test PC circuit boards. Next, I transitioned into firmware development, creating BIOS code for PCs. Finally, I headed into academia and began teaching at different universities.
Enjoy your journey and the challenges ahead!
Updated
Aman’s Answer
Hi Nathaniel,
It's great to hear that you're interested in majoring in computer science! There are so many exciting paths you can take once you dive into this field. One of the most popular areas is software development. This includes roles like a software engineer or mobile app developer. For instance, companies like Google or Facebook always look for talented individuals who can build user-friendly applications or innovative software. It’s a great fit if you enjoy problem-solving and want to create tools that millions use.
Another interesting route is data science, which focuses on analyzing data to help businesses make smart decisions. Data scientists work with big data tools and databases, and they need a solid understanding of statistics and programming languages like Python or R. Companies like Uber and Netflix hire data scientists to analyze user behavior, improve their services, and predict trends. If you enjoy mathematics and have a knack for storytelling through data, this could be a terrific option.
Cybersecurity is another rapidly growing field that’s crucial in today’s digital landscape. As cyber threats continue to rise, organizations need professionals who can safeguard information and networks. Positions like cybersecurity analyst or ethical hacker are prevalent, and companies like Palo Alto Networks in Silicon Valley are always on the hunt for skilled individuals. If you’re someone who enjoys puzzles and figuring out how things work, this field may be right up your alley.
Lastly, if you’re inclined towards a blend of technology and creativity, consider exploring user experience (UX) or user interface (UI) design. This involves designing interactive systems that provide a great user experience. Companies like Apple are known for their extraordinary attention to UX/UI design. You might work closely with software developers and product managers to craft an engaging digital experience for users.
I hope this gives you a clearer picture of what lies ahead in the world of computer science!
It's great to hear that you're interested in majoring in computer science! There are so many exciting paths you can take once you dive into this field. One of the most popular areas is software development. This includes roles like a software engineer or mobile app developer. For instance, companies like Google or Facebook always look for talented individuals who can build user-friendly applications or innovative software. It’s a great fit if you enjoy problem-solving and want to create tools that millions use.
Another interesting route is data science, which focuses on analyzing data to help businesses make smart decisions. Data scientists work with big data tools and databases, and they need a solid understanding of statistics and programming languages like Python or R. Companies like Uber and Netflix hire data scientists to analyze user behavior, improve their services, and predict trends. If you enjoy mathematics and have a knack for storytelling through data, this could be a terrific option.
Cybersecurity is another rapidly growing field that’s crucial in today’s digital landscape. As cyber threats continue to rise, organizations need professionals who can safeguard information and networks. Positions like cybersecurity analyst or ethical hacker are prevalent, and companies like Palo Alto Networks in Silicon Valley are always on the hunt for skilled individuals. If you’re someone who enjoys puzzles and figuring out how things work, this field may be right up your alley.
Lastly, if you’re inclined towards a blend of technology and creativity, consider exploring user experience (UX) or user interface (UI) design. This involves designing interactive systems that provide a great user experience. Companies like Apple are known for their extraordinary attention to UX/UI design. You might work closely with software developers and product managers to craft an engaging digital experience for users.
I hope this gives you a clearer picture of what lies ahead in the world of computer science!