6 answers
Rachael
Student
Miami, Florida
1
Question
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What are the computer science career requirements ?
What are Computer science requirements or the skills required
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6 answers
Russ Efendiyev
7
Answers
Updated
Russ’s Answer
I'd say the options are much more dynamic to just limit it to a list. Jobs and job markets always evolve. Take any software company and go into their careers site for job search. Any time I ever did that, I found so many jobs that exist that I didn't know actually existed. It's fascinating!
Jeff Sloan
Software engineer - firmware Retired
89
Answers
Round Rock, Texas
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Rachael,
Excellent question!
The necessary skills for a computer related career depend on which avenue you want to pursue. For a technical career, programming, architect, designer, developer, you will need problem solving skills. You need to be able to figure out solutions to a problem and implement it. You will need programming skills. With every language you learn, the next language is easier to understand and conquer. Start programming and look into multiple languages.
For all aspects of computer careers, you need soft skills. You need to be able to create documents such as user's guides, executive summaries, well written emails. You also need public speaking skills. I would suggest taking effective writing, technical writing and public speaking classes. It will definitely give you an advantage over your peers and colleagues! Another critical skillset is team work, team building and negotiation. Also, take a related class.
First step, I recommend starting college and taking general computer classes. As you go through your degree program, you can see which areas you enjoy/prefer/like. From there you will see where you want to head. And, remember that computer careers are always evolving so you are not locked in to any specific area. i began my career as an application developer for large manufacturing. I moved to a card test position where we developed hardware and software to test motherboards and adapters built to go in personal computers. From there, I became a firmware/BIOS developer creating low level code that is customized to each computer and ships on a chip in that computer. After that, i went into academia as a professor.
Best of luck!
Take classes on programming, architecture, and other software development
Take classes or seminars on public speaking, team work, team building
Work on your soft skills! They are critical
Excellent question!
The necessary skills for a computer related career depend on which avenue you want to pursue. For a technical career, programming, architect, designer, developer, you will need problem solving skills. You need to be able to figure out solutions to a problem and implement it. You will need programming skills. With every language you learn, the next language is easier to understand and conquer. Start programming and look into multiple languages.
For all aspects of computer careers, you need soft skills. You need to be able to create documents such as user's guides, executive summaries, well written emails. You also need public speaking skills. I would suggest taking effective writing, technical writing and public speaking classes. It will definitely give you an advantage over your peers and colleagues! Another critical skillset is team work, team building and negotiation. Also, take a related class.
First step, I recommend starting college and taking general computer classes. As you go through your degree program, you can see which areas you enjoy/prefer/like. From there you will see where you want to head. And, remember that computer careers are always evolving so you are not locked in to any specific area. i began my career as an application developer for large manufacturing. I moved to a card test position where we developed hardware and software to test motherboards and adapters built to go in personal computers. From there, I became a firmware/BIOS developer creating low level code that is customized to each computer and ships on a chip in that computer. After that, i went into academia as a professor.
Best of luck!
Jeff recommends the following next steps:
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
456
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
You'll need to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering. If you're currently in high school, make sure to excel in Math, Science, and computer language courses. Try to ace your AP exams too, if you can.
Look out for a Robotics program at your school, and join it if it's available.
Don't forget, even if you're a whiz in your studies, you'll likely still need to pass a test before most employers will interview you. This is pretty standard in the software industry, so don't be surprised if you're asked to take one even if you have a high GPA.
Lastly, make sure to flex your analytical muscles by challenging yourself to develop different software applications on your own. This experience will definitely be useful in the future.
Look out for a Robotics program at your school, and join it if it's available.
Don't forget, even if you're a whiz in your studies, you'll likely still need to pass a test before most employers will interview you. This is pretty standard in the software industry, so don't be surprised if you're asked to take one even if you have a high GPA.
Lastly, make sure to flex your analytical muscles by challenging yourself to develop different software applications on your own. This experience will definitely be useful in the future.
Juney Dijkstra
Business Development / Production / Project Management
39
Answers
Hilversum, North Holland, Netherlands
Updated
Juney’s Answer
Hi Rachel! Happy to see you're interested in a career in computer science.
The computer science field is very broad and offers many different roles. Each will have different requirements & benefits from different kinds of skillsets. Some are pure specialist engineering roles, tech lead, or engineering manager focused. Others dive into data science & analytics, or touch on tech design & art. There are many more flavours out there depending on the field.
- Investigate what roles & responsibilities exist in computer science online. What kinds of jobs are there, what skills do you need, and what does the day-to-day look like?
- Explore which universities/colleges & courses exist. What kind of programs do they offer, and what kind of roles would that prepare you for? Do they list specific requirements, and do they give an indication of what kinds of skills they'll help you develop?
- Talk to folks in computer science. Ask your teachers, parents or family & friends if they know anyone with a computer science degree that you could talk to. Ask them a few questions about what it's *really* like!
Investigate what roles & responsibilities exist in computer science online
Explore which universities/colleges & courses exist
Talk to folks in computer science
The computer science field is very broad and offers many different roles. Each will have different requirements & benefits from different kinds of skillsets. Some are pure specialist engineering roles, tech lead, or engineering manager focused. Others dive into data science & analytics, or touch on tech design & art. There are many more flavours out there depending on the field.
- Investigate what roles & responsibilities exist in computer science online. What kinds of jobs are there, what skills do you need, and what does the day-to-day look like?
- Explore which universities/colleges & courses exist. What kind of programs do they offer, and what kind of roles would that prepare you for? Do they list specific requirements, and do they give an indication of what kinds of skills they'll help you develop?
- Talk to folks in computer science. Ask your teachers, parents or family & friends if they know anyone with a computer science degree that you could talk to. Ask them a few questions about what it's *really* like!
Juney recommends the following next steps:
Caryn Conklin
Manage large sales endeavors
2
Answers
Key West, Florida
Updated
Caryn’s Answer
I completely resonate with Jeff's viewpoint and I'd like to add my own unique perspective to it. Jeff rightly points out that computer science opens up a wide range of career paths. For instance, my career path has been centered around softwar. Having pursued a comprehensive computer science program. I chose to focus solely on software, excluding hardware. My studies were enriched with a variety of electives that piqued my interest, such as linguistics and music (related to AI), business (focusing on business process automation diagnostics, opportunities, and solutions), and communications. I would encourage you to seek out degree programs that allow you to delve into your passions and then concentrate on that which interests you.
On the other hand, my husband chose a different path within the computer science field. He became a systems programmer, with a strong emphasis on the foundational elements of technical solutions. My stepson, too, took a different route. He studied networking and desktop support within a college degree program, which provided him with numerous opportunities to earn certifications that would bolster his job prospects; this resulted in a 2-year CS AS degree.
On the other hand, my husband chose a different path within the computer science field. He became a systems programmer, with a strong emphasis on the foundational elements of technical solutions. My stepson, too, took a different route. He studied networking and desktop support within a college degree program, which provided him with numerous opportunities to earn certifications that would bolster his job prospects; this resulted in a 2-year CS AS degree.
Karen Dolphin
IT Manager
6
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Hey Rachael! It's thrilling to hear that you've discovered a potential field of interest! Although I'm not a professional in that area, I can share that when I was pinpointing my career path, I sought out individuals in my chosen field. I engaged them in insightful discussions about their experiences and sought their advice before diving into interviews. I managed to do this with the assistance of my university's career center. My top tip for you would be to never shy away from initiating these conversations. It's uncommon to find someone who wouldn't want to assist a driven young person like you.
In the realm of computer science, besides technical prowess, there are several soft skills that are highly valued. These include Critical Thinking, Attention to Detail, and Creative Problem Solving. Familiarity with various programming languages and an understanding of code structure is also beneficial. Logical thinking and a passion for problem-solving are key. A grounding in Math can also be a significant advantage.
In the realm of computer science, besides technical prowess, there are several soft skills that are highly valued. These include Critical Thinking, Attention to Detail, and Creative Problem Solving. Familiarity with various programming languages and an understanding of code structure is also beneficial. Logical thinking and a passion for problem-solving are key. A grounding in Math can also be a significant advantage.