Computer Science Job Descriptions – The Ultimate Guide
The vast field of computer science offers a wide variety of job roles and responsibilities. From working explicitly for an organization, such as a business, school, or hospital, to independently contracting your services, you can find the computer science job that matches your needs and interests. As the field of computer science continues to grow in the digital age, it is a great time to wade into your first or a new position in the field.
Computer Science Key Responsibilities
Despite the fact that there are a wide variety of jobs in the field of computer science, the majority of the key responsibilities required across the field are similar. Here are some of the most crucial skills needed for a job in computer science.
Problem Solving Skills
Regardless of the position, you accept within the field of computer science, critical thinking will be a big part of your job. If you provide technical support for an organization, your colleagues and employer will largely seek you out to handle problems with software, hardware, or network issues. Additionally, you are likely to be tasked often with developing solutions to a variety of issues that the organization faces, such as bandwidth or security concerns, so the ability to assess the circumstances and develop a plan will be crucial.
As a self-employed or contracted computer scientist, you will also encounter many scenarios that require you to apply your knowledge through critical thinking. If you are working in web or app development as part of your position, you may run into roadblocks with coding and graphics that need to be worked around. In the role of a research scientist, you will need to help identify the problems that need to be investigated and addressed as well as work to determine possible solutions.
Collaboration
Although the idea of computer science may evoke images of a person working alone at a desktop, those in the field know that it is rarely a solo endeavor. Regardless of your employer or specific job title, the ability to collaborate and work well with others will be an essential requirement for the position.
In some cases, you may be working together with other computer scientists in order to reach a common goal, such as developing new software or creating a new system. In other situations, you may be the only computer scientist on staff but you need to collaborate with employers or colleagues in order to address a concern or troubleshoot a problem.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, your collaboration skills are especially essential when you contract independently. Since you will be working with a variety of clients with different needs and understanding of technology, the ability to work cooperatively with anyone is incredibly important.
Effective Communication
A crucial component to collaborating with others is the ability to communicate your thoughts, experiences, and expertise in a way that is clearly understood by others. Whether you communicate most frequently with other computer scientists, employers, or colleagues, your job will require you to engage in some form of presentation or training as you work toward your occupational objectives.
If you work in a technology support role, effectively explaining how to use hardware and software to colleagues or clients is an essential skill and likely the crux of your job responsibilities. Likewise, if you work in development, research, or creating designs and methodology for an organization, being able to help others understand your findings and ideas will be crucial to moving your ideas forward. Finally, if you work directly for a client in addressing a specific need for their organization, effectively understanding and fulfilling their requests will be necessary in order to complete the task and secure future employment.
Computer Science Job Location
Computer scientists can work in almost any location around the world. While most of the available positions will be concentrated in cities within larger states, such as Texas, New York, and California, the need for jobs in the field exists nearly anywhere.
Additionally, computer science jobs are available in nearly any setting. You can work as part of a technology team through an organization or as a consultant or independent contractor working with many different clients. Given the nature of the work in the field, you may even be able to work remotely from your home.
Computer Science Experience and Education
Depending on the type of position you want to hold within the field of computer science, the level of education and experience necessary will vary. In order to secure a computer science position, you will need to have a foundational skill set in programming, algorithms, and mathematics. While work experience is not necessary for entry-level positions, a more advanced role in computer science will require previous employment and/or internships.
Education Requirements
An Associate’s degree can allow you to get yourself into the field in certain positions, including technical support or app or web development. Beginning with a two-year degree and gaining experience in the field through one of these positions can be beneficial to building a resume and determining your interests and long-term professional aspirations within the field.
For a wider range of employment opportunities, you will want to obtain a Bachelor’s degree. Your undergraduate major should be in the area of computer science or a related field. Additionally, you will want to ensure that the coursework for your major provides you with foundational skills to ensure that you can create and navigate programming and algorithms. You will also want your classwork to familiarize you with common hardware and software, as well as provide you with hands-on experience with the content.
For a few select jobs, including those of a computer research scientist or a lead technology specialist, you will need to secure a Master’s degree or Ph.D. Depending on your occupational goals, this may be a path that will help you advance your career as you gain more experience.
Experience Requirements
While prior work in the field is not required for entry-level positions, you will need to demonstrate competency for positions that require more responsibility and skills. You can acquire work experience through internship opportunities or taking on a position that requires little to no experience.
Computer Science Salary
Although computer science jobs can be found nearly anywhere in the country, they are most widely available in Texas, California, and New York. These states also offer among the highest median salaries in the country, making them attractive locations for aspiring computer scientists.
Computer Science Resume Tips
As you put together your computer science resume, it is important to include your education, skills, and work experience in order to show your qualifications for the specific position. You will want to be sure to highlight the crucial skills needed to succeed at a job in your field, including your technological knowledge, critical thinking, and soft skills.
When outlining your work experience, list your jobs in reverse chronological order beginning with the most recent employment. If you have an extensive work history, highlight the most recent and relevant experiences. At the conclusion of the resume, you should also make sure to list all of your educational experiences so that potential employers can determine whether you are qualified for the position.