Diverse Opportunities in Computer Science for Everyone

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Computer Science has become an inevitable part of everything we do. So much so that if you look hard enough, you’ll find a job in the field even if you don’t have a background in computer science.

Here’s what we’ll dive into today

  • Is Computer Science for Everyone?
  • Diverse Opportunities in Computer Science for Those Looking

Is Computer Science for everyone?

The short answer is yes.

Computer science has almost become synonymous with advancement today and is a part of almost everything that we do! From e-commerce to telemedicine to even ordering staples from your local store, computer science has taken over many roles and has managed to simplify most of these processes. However, the question that remains is whether or not a background in computer science is required to foray into a career in tech. Surprisingly, one does not need to have a degree in computer science to start a career in tech and that is something we should all capitalize on!

According to LinkedIn’s special edition yearly report on emerging jobs – “Jobs on the Rise“, 6 of the top 15 job opportunities that are in great demand this year were based on computer science. This is no mean feat, considering how even during the pandemic where other jobs related to fields such as medical care, logistics, and finance are the focal points, jobs related to the field of computer science managed to maintain a strong footing. This was made possible due to the advent of artificial intelligence, data science, and cloud computing technologies. With employment opportunities set to grow by up to 13 percent over the next decade, a career in the field of computer science is set to become all the more desirable.

But where does one start and what opportunities await those from a non-computer science background in the IT sector? Well, we have curated a list of career options for those interested in making the switch. Have a look.

Diverse opportunities in Computer Science

The first step to getting into the tech industry is to try and understand what role would suit you best. One would have to try learning how to program to get a hang of how real tech works and to understand what happens underneath all of the processes that we see every day. Then, it is important to see where you stand and choose a job that might fit you and your interests the best. This job could be anything – from a machine learning engineer to a data analyst. There are thousands of opportunities and roles in the IT industry so it might get a little overwhelming if you think you can choose your role as you go. The best thing you can do is to pick one that suits you best and try to work towards it.

Some of the most popular career opportunities for those without a degree or a background in computer science are discussed below.

  • Systems Analyst

Systems analysts do not have to focus on developing software but rather on maintaining them. This software may be at an organizational level, individual level or can sometimes even be a way in which a company might communicate with its clientele. One would also have to take care of hardware, business applications, servers, and databases. A system analyst would require skills such as hardware and software knowledge, great communication skills, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. The average salary of a systems analyst is around $93,000 a year.

  • Network Engineer

Networking and communication is one of the most important aspects of any organization and it is made possible through well-established and fine-tuned networks. However, networks require a lot of specialists to work on them to keep up and running at all times. This is where network engineers come into the picture. They take care of maintaining all hardware and software related to networks, implement policies that improve existing networks and provide troubleshooting support whenever required. Network engineers have a median salary of around $84,000 a year.

  • Graphic Designer

Graphic designers create virtual illustrations and designs that become part of art, advertising campaigns, films, poster designing, and other mediums of communication and entertainment. Graphic designers have a median salary of around $53,000 and one would need to be creative, good with illustrations, adept at designing and developing models, creating logos, good at using graphic design software (photoshop, etc), and have an innate ability to design.

  • Digital Marketing

Most products and services today have a propensity to largely depend on the Internet’s popularity to promote themselves. The ability to catch someone’s eye is a trait that is important for a digital marketing specialist. The median salary for a digital marketing specialist ranges from $48,000 – $96,000 and is a highly competitive area with hiring rates at an all-time high this year. Becoming a digital marketing specialist requires a diploma, bachelor’s degree, or higher.

  • Content Creator

In today’s digital era, most of our entertainment comes from social media platforms rather than books or movies, although they still are part of our daily lives. In fact, social media platforms are so powerful today that anything that happens in one corner of the world is instantly shared with everyone else. In this age where information is king, content creators are true game-changers. Content creation includes writings, blogs, videos, podcasts, interactive designs, digital content, and illustrations, among others. The average salary of a content creator lies anywhere between $46,000 to $65,000! The skills required to be a content creator include great writing skills, creativity, video producing and editing skills, presentation skills, and the ability to communicate efficiently.

  • Game Developers

Requires a bachelor’s degree or higher but most people are selected based on their skills and experience so even a diploma in game design and development might just go the distance. The average salary is around $92,000 and the skills required to be a game designer or a developer include creativity and imagination, game development, designing 2D and 3D models, and gameplay design, among others.

  • Cyber Security Experts

Cyber security experts work on improving the security aspects of an organization’s networks. They are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining security protocols and for thwarting any attempts at attacking the distributed systems and networks of an organization. It is possible to become a cybersecurity expert without having a relevant degree in computer science. One only requires certifications and experience in the area to become a highly sought-after security expert. The average salary of a cyber security expert is around $103,000 a year.

  • UX Researcher

User experience (UX) researchers try to understand how well a design works, from the perspectives of the users. The role requires a bachelor’s degree or higher and has a median salary of around $90,000. The skills required to become a UX researcher include a keen eye for detail, understanding design, web designing, and user experience testing, among others.

In order to have an edge over your competitors, you could begin by tapping into machine learning and artificial intelligence since they seem to be the underlying technologies for any and every automated mechanism based on computing. Attending online courses or getting certified in any particular technical courses will work wonders in the long run. Take up opportunities that come your way and learn skills that can improve your reputation and reliability.

The Future

Having realistic goals is just as important as having dedication and hard work. It is quite impossible to become an overnight success in the field of computer science. Even dedicated scientists take years to learn about problems and to identify solutions. Is computer science for everyone? With the right kind of hands-on experience, certifications and online training, it is possible to become a part of the technology industry. Working on independent projects outside of your degree or work would be your best bet at landing a great career in the industry.

Read also about in-demand skills for 2022.

Date added
22.05.2022

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