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The most common career path for computer science graduates is to become a software developer. Our high school computer science summer course students are always interested in what career options they have available for them.
What career options are open for a computer scientist?
What A-levels requirements are needed for computer science?
What are the top universities for computer science?
But you’d be surprised to know that there are many other career choices you can choose from. You may not expect some of them!
Software Developer
Programmers working on computer in IT office typing data coding in software
Software developers create new computer programs to solve customers’ problems. Software development is a lucrative career in this age of technology.
So it’s no surprise that in 2020 there were over 408,000 employed software developers in the UK, and the demand is still increasing! It is one of the most in-demand in the market. It’s becoming one of the more increasingly studied modules and degrees at the top computer science universities.
Here are the responsibilities of software developers:
Interact with clients to assess what their needs are.
Design a plan on how to use computer applications to meet clients’ needs
Make sure each piece of the system works well together
Suggest what software upgrades are necessary to improve existing programs.
Show computer programmers what codes are essential to build the application
Ensures the program functions properly, especially during the testing stages
Document each step of the project for future reference during updates and maintenance
What can you do with a computer science degree? If you thrive in managing a full-scale project and leading a team, you will make an excellent software developer!
Systems Analyst
Side view of information security analyst pointing at the computer monitor to a colleague in the office
Systems analysts improve existing systems and programs. They usually travel to places because they need to be where the clients’ systems are. The usual employers of systems analysts include software firms, retailers, financial institutions, and more.
Here are the responsibilities of systems analysts:
Talk with clients to understand their business model
Assess clients’ current IT systems and figure out how to improve it
Take note of clients’ needs and craft them into detailed project briefs
Present plans to clients for further discussion
Take into consideration budget costs, technical considerations, and business suitability
Create a timeline for milestones, testing schedules, maintenance, and more
Work together with the team, usually consisting of testers, programmers, designers, and others.
Ensure user satisfaction
Do you have comprehensive knowledge and experience with computer software and hardware? What about a keen business awareness? If so, maybe you’d enjoy the work of a system analyst.
Web Developer
Web developers make websites. Building a website requires attention to detail, especially when traffic is pouring in. Without proper maintenance, it could crash, and the business will lose revenue. That’s why web developers are essential for online companies and organizations.
Here are the responsibilities of web developers:
Meet up with clients and listen to their business needs.
Discuss the designs, functionality, and other specifications for the website
Use programming languages to write code for website building.
Work with writers, designers, and other members of the team to complete the website
Create mockups for client approval
Monitor website health as traffic grows
Ensure the website is easy to navigate and visually pleasing
Incorporate multimedia content into the site
What can you do with a computer science degree? Create websites! If you love programming and helping clients have a beautiful website they can be proud of, consider becoming a web developer!
User Interface Designer
A user interface (UI) designer creates the look of a website, video game, application, software, and more. The goal is to make the interview beautiful and easy to navigate. All while staying true to the brand.
Here are the responsibilities of a User Interface Designer
Collaborate with the User Experience (UX) designer and client to come up with a common visual expectation
Understand the brand and decide which elements best express the brand’s message
Get to know the target market and how best to reach out to them
Use consistent styling to design scrollbars, texts, buttons, and more
Design prototypes
Go through testing phases
Check-in with developers to make sure the implementation is according to the plan
Are you a creative person who loves to connect with others through art? Then, becoming a UI designer may be enjoyable for you!
Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts protect an organization’s computer systems against cyberattacks. Information protection is vital for companies that hold their customers’ sensitive information. Employers who typically hire information security analysts include the government, insurance companies, universities, and more.
Here are the responsibilities of information security analysts:
Stay updated with the latest technological developments in cybersecurity
Test existing cybersecurity systems the client has
Find the gaps in the system and plug them in with the best protective software the client’s budget can afford
If there are no current cybersecurity measures, set up protection as soon as possible
Create a contingency plan for when security breaches happen
Set up regular backups and recovery
Watch out for attacks and unauthorized, suspicious activity
Continuously test security products to determine which one is best for what situation
What can you do with a computer science degree? Help companies guard against cyberattacks! If you’re skilled in navigating the world of cybersecurity, this job will suit you well.
Computer Science Professor
Portrait of senior professor explaining on whiteboard math formulas. Mature female teacher standing in classroom and talking to her class. Lecturer explaining math formulas written on whiteboard in library.
Computer science professors raise the next generation of computer science graduates. They use their experience and expertise to help prepare students for the real world. Professors also engage in research to help further their field of study.
Here are the responsibilities of computer science professors:
Design lesson plans with teaching aids to maximise students’ learning
Determine which teaching style works best in stimulating students’ critical thinking
Keep records of students’ attendance, grades, behaviour, and more
Prepare exams and activities to test how well the students understood the topic
Evaluate and grade students’ submissions and performance
Advise students in their research work
Attend meetings, conferences, recruitment events, sporting events and more
Make the classroom a safe and conducive place for learning
Are you passionate about handing down knowledge and expertise to the next generation? If so, you’d make a dedicated computer science professor!
Business Analyst
Business analysts use data analysis to advise businesses on improving their processes. They are usually the bridge between IT and business. The typical employers who hire business analysts include technology companies, consulting companies, public sector organisations and more.
Here are the responsibilities of business analysts:
Conduct research about the business. What are its goals, and how do they use their technology to achieve them?
Attend meetings with business top management to find out what they expect from the collaboration
Use data modelling strategies to find out problems the business is experiencing
Using the data gathered, design systems and processes to improve the existing ones
Present plans to stakeholders and educate them on why the company needs new and updated technology or processes
Oversee operations to ensure proper implementation
Maintain and test the new systems to make sure they work well
What can you do with a computer science degree? If you’re business and computer savvy, you’d be a terrific business analyst!
Product Manager
Product managers ensure the product will solve customers’ needs. Companies often employ product managers to build technical, manufactured, or financial products. The goal is to make the product as satisfying to the user as possible.
Here are the responsibilities of product managers:
Find out what the target market needs and how the product can solve their problems
Attend meetings with stakeholders to nail down the vision and product strategy
Create timelines, milestones, and critical stages for product development
Make a budget proposal for decision-makers to approve
Oversee the process to ensure each step goes according to plan
Pivot when necessary and inform stakeholders of the changes
Gather feedback from users
Propose product updates to improve user experience
Do you have an eye for detail and a desire to solve people’s problems? Then, you’ll find product management mentally stimulating!
Wrapping Up
What can you do with a computer science degree? You’re well aware of the answer by now. The most common career path graduates go into is software development. As a result, it’s one of the most in-demand careers in the UK.
But there are many other options you can try aside from software development. If you’re skilled and interested in cybersecurity, you will make an excellent information security analyst. Do you enjoy designing interfaces and making them easy to navigate for maximum customer experience? Then, becoming a user interface designer is the way to go.
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