What can I do with this degree?
COMPUTER SCIENCE

The field of computer science is constantly changing. The areas listed below do not exhaust possible career options.

AREAS

PROGRAMMING

• Systems
• Scientific Applications
• Business Applications: Intelligence, Warehousing, Information Delivery, Maintenance
• Project Management

EMPLOYERS

• Computer vendors
• Software and computer companies
• Any large organization including: Banks, retail chains, manufacturers, universities, and government agencies
• Management consulting firms
• Contract and temporary employers
• Research laboratories

STRATEGIES

• Gain relevant experience through internships or co-ops.
• Develop an attention to detail and a flair for creativity.
• Learn to work well with a team and to meet deadlines.
• Supplement computer degree with courses in business, science, or engineering.
• Stay current on programming languages.
• Earn a master's degree for upper level positions.
• Seek the Certified Computing Professional designation by completing a series of exams and experiential requirements.

SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT

• Analysis
• Design
• Support
• Quality Assurance
• Specialty Systems: Database, Client-Server, Expert

EMPLOYERS

• Banks and financial institutions
• Insurance companies
• Consulting firms
• Manufacturers
• Local, state, and federal government
• Computer companies
• Research institutions

STRATEGIES

• Develop strong interpersonal skills
• Learn to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical colleagues
• Gain programming experience. Many analysts begin their careers as programmers
• Become an effective problem solver
• Take business courses
• Earn an M.B.A. degree for advanced positions
• Plan to continually educate self on new computer languages and technology.

NETWORK TECHNOLOGY

• Installation and Maintenance
• Administration

EMPLOYERS

Variety of organizations and industries

STRATEGIES

• Work in university computer labs
• Develop good communication skills and an interest in helping others
• Gain knowledge in a variety of computer areas including minor programming, software, and hardware
• Stay abreast of the latest technology and software
• Earn certifications in networking and computer security.

INTERNET

• Programming
• Software Design
• Systems Analysis
• Hardware Production
• Web Page Design

EMPLOYERS

• Network access points
• Backbone operators
• Online service providers
• Internet service providers
• Computer/equipment vendors
• Internet-related companies including: Browsers, Search engines, Website design services
• Large businesses

STRATEGIES

• Gain experience as a webmaster through part-time jobs, internships, or volunteering to design web pages for student organizations
• Learn web-related programming languages
• Take graphic design courses to develop creativity
• Learn to communicate and work well with others in a team by participating in group projects or student organizations
• Earn a master's degree in computer science for advanced opportunities in programming, analysis, or hardware/software design.

CONSULTING

• System Installation
• System Implementation
• Training

EMPLOYERS

• Consulting firms
• Self-employed

STRATEGIES

• Obtain a strong technical knowledge of computers, a background in business management, and experience as a systems analyst
• Learn various programming languages and operating systems
• Develop exceptional analytical and interpersonal skills.

EDUCATION

• Teaching
• Instructional Technology

EMPLOYERS

• Public and private schools, K-12
• Colleges and universities

STRATEGIES

• Certification required for public school teaching
• Earn a doctoral degree in computer science for post-secondary teaching
• Earn a graduate degree in information technology or a related field for instructional technology
• Develop a research specialty for university teaching. Gain experience working with other students through tutoring or positions in computer labs.

NON-TECHNICAL

• Customer/Product Support
• Technical Writing
• Sales and Marketing

EMPLOYERS

• Software/hardware manufacturers
• Retail stores
• Software vendors

STRATEGIES

• Develop excellent communication skills and an interest in helping customers solve problems
• Work in university computer labs
• Supplement curriculum with technical writing courses to develop skills
• Seek related work experiences.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Complete informational interviews with current computer science professionals to help establish career goals.
• Having related experience is critical to most employers that hire computer science majors. Obtain an internship, co-op, or part-time job in a relevant area to increase employability.
• Obtain vendor specific certifications or networking certifications to gain a competitive edge.
• Develop strong interpersonal, communication, and other "soft skills." Learn to work well on a team.
• Programming and consulting may go hand-in-hand. Many occupations in these areas have responsibilities that overlap.

Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA Employer