What Can You Do With A Computer Science Degree?

Jennifer Rodgers
CIS 1030 : Foundations of Computer Science
Professor Jeff Stone
April 30, 2017

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 What Can You Do With A Computer Science Degree?

We celebrate the rock stars of the technology industry on global platforms, but do we
really understand how accessible these skills are? The stereotypical Computer Science graduate
seems destined for a career on a Google Campus riding their Segway between meetings and
catered lunches, or in a startup warehouse designing software that designs software. The truth is
that presently there is a growing market for tech jobs, not just inside enormous tech companies,
but also in industries outside of tech. Employers need computer science savvy candidates to join
their workforce if they expect to stay afloat, let alone competitive. Similarly, even English
majors are seeking a well-rounded understanding of computer science. Just as the marketplace is
trending towards digitized alternatives, so are the tools of many trades. The more computer
savvy, the better.

In an effort to demystify the field, early educators are introducing aspects of computer
science, namely coding and the use of digital tools, into their standard curricula. Proponents of
this effort draw a connection between children who take an early interest in technology to adults
who become innovative problem solvers. Linda Moore, president and CEO of TechNet, believes
this strategy will prevent what she calls a global competitiveness crisis facing our nation. As
adults, students considering a Computer Science degree want to know how they can apply it after
college.

Unless you also studied business or have a strong entrepreneurial drive, youll want to
consult the job market for direction to apply your Computer Science degree to a career.
According to Rasmussen College, the highest demand for computer scientists is in the field of
Software Application Development, reporting around 165,000 job openings (see fig. 1). This is
likely because any company with a technology aspect to what they offer customers needs a team
dedicated to developing and maintaining their software. Since the marketplace and tools we use
to operate within it are increasingly digitized, its fair to say almost all companies have a demand
for this position. Even someone selling handmade ceramics on Etsy.com, the peer-to-peer e-
commerce website, relies on the Software Development team of that website. Skills needed for

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this job include hard
skills like programming,
systems analysis, and
knowledge of the
computer hardware and
software. A Software
Developer also needs to
be able to work well as
part of a team. 87% of
respondents in this field
reported that their work
involves face-to-face
discussions every day,
and 82% said working
within a group or team is extremely important. (onetonline.org)

One isnt limited to the obvious careers of writing code and building software all day,
however. As the scope of technology expands into all areas of business, its increasingly
important that new additions to a companys team have a solid understanding of computer
science. Landing a career as a Sales Engineer might be the best fit for someone who is fascinated
by tech, but has the interpersonal skills to be an effective liaison between a customer and a tech
supplier. This person doesnt typically carry a quota and close deals like a salesperson, but rather
supports sales efforts, responds to customers requests for proposals, and sometimes performs
presentations. Other names for this position are Solutions Consultant and Sales Consultant.
As the title suggests this person has a deep technical understanding and can help customers
address their challenges through consultation. According to professional development experts at
Oracle, Sales Engineers usually hold technical degrees, but some are hired with Business and
other degrees with an emphasis in Computer Science. With this strong combination of skills and
an aggressive learning practice the median pay for these professionals currently sits around
$91,830.

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 Finally, it should be addressed that, while its imperative that students develop modern
computing skills to complete a well-rounded education, not everyone can find satisfaction in
programs centered starkly on Computer Science. With this challenge in mind Stanford University
has unrolled an experimental major program informally called CS+X. This new type of major
aims to combine Humanities with Computer Science for an integrated experience, as opposed to
that of a double major. Stanford describes the highlights of this program as engineering
speaking to the imagination while literature, philosophy and language imbue technical challenges
with human significance. For someone who sees the relevance of polished STEM skills, but is
passionate about the humanities, a CS+English major might lead to a capstone project that
includes studies of natural language processing as applied to literary analysis.

Moving forward, degree-seeking students would be wise to incorporate Computer

Science into their academic career plan. The field of study cultivates valuable life skills like
creative problem solving and collaboration, and is the pathway to a variety of lucrative careers.
Those who would naturally gravitate toward careers in the arts and the humanities can find ways
to incorporate a tech focus into their fields of study. Computer Science has proven to be a
discipline that can strengthen both an academic and professional career, and its significance
continues to grow.

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 Works Cited

"15-1132.00 - Software Developers, Applications." O*NET OnLine. Web. 27 Apr. 2017.

Franjione, Grant. "Ask the Oracle Experts." Ask the Oracle Experts | Oracle Academy, 14 May
2014. Web. 25 Apr. 2017.

"Joint Majors: CS X." More Ways Explore Joint Majors: CS X | Majors. Stanford University.
Web. 30 Apr. 2017.

Malvik, Callie. "What You Can Do With A Computer Science Degree." Rasmussen College. 31
Aug. 2015. Web. 26 Apr. 2017.

Moore, Linda. "Computer science is the key to Americas skills crisis." TechCrunch.
TechCrunch, 04 Mar. 2016. Web. 28 Apr. 2017.

Rou-Taylor, Jeanne. "Everything Is Becoming a Branch of Computer Science." Wired. Conde

Nast, 06 Aug. 2015. Web. 24 Apr. 2017.