what do I do with a compsci degree? -- Virtually Advising Q+A

The Q: I decided to enter a career in the computer field, but I don't know where to look. My school provides us with a book that has different courses for different fields, but I don't know where I'll end up. I thought I could major in Computer Science, but what's going to happen when I graduate? Will I be a consultant? Computer Technician?

The A: In a lot of ways, what you do in the computer field, and for what type of company you do it, is largely up to you. In general, computer-related jobs will fall into one of two categories.

One group of computer professionals, called programmers, systems engineers, or program analysts, will be tasked with writing and researching new software, or maintaining existing software. These positions will draw heavily on a traditional computer science education, including computer programming, finite mathematics and problem solving. The opportunities for individuals excelling in this field are limitless, and the demand for creative and intelligent engineers is very high.

The other main group of computer professionals is grouped under the label of information systems. The people who make up this category do a great variety of work, like installing and testing hardware and software, organizing computer networks, troubleshooting computer problems of all types, and administering databases and company wide computer systems.

Either one of these career paths will provide opportunities for full-time, part-time and consulting work. Consulting is an attractive situation for its high pay and flexibility, but offers little of the job security and benefits that come with a full-time job. As you are new to the industry, I would recommend the following. Take a variety of courses to see what fits you best: When you think you have more direction in terms of where within the field you want to work, get an internship. This internship will not only provide you with the insight you need to make a career choice, but many companies will help out with education expenses for valuable members of their team.

Essentially, it boils down to this: Companies are looking for hard-working, motivated folks who are eager to put in long hours and learn new technologies. They are not looking for a specific course of study, although technical certification could make or break a candidate, especially if she has no experience in the industry. This is where the internship comes in. It provides the experience you'll need to nail that first job. Getting an IT job is all about what skills you can stand behind.

I guess I should add a tidbit I thought was a little crass, but summed up the Comp. Sci. program at the school I graduated from a few years ago: Try to get through the programming courses, and if you can't hack it (no pun intended), go IT. Software engineering is, by and large, more desirable. The work is creative, the pay is better, and the hours are generally less manic. As for you screwing yourself by taking the wrong Comp. Sci. courses, not likely. Interviews are going to be more about what you know and what you can learn, rather than what you took.

Hope this helps,

—Ian Richards, Compsci Advisor