As the computer science industry grows, so do the job opportunities and career paths. Here are some of the best career options in this field.
New careers in computer science are being discovered regularly thanks to the digital revolution. However, choosing an area to specialize in can be tough for computer science professionals.
Suppose you are looking to start building a career in computer science, but are having a hard time choosing the perfect path. In that case, this article will help you discover some of the best computer science careers with promising futures. Additionally, you will understand each career option to find the best fit.
Machine learning engineering involves designing software or systems that learn from the data received to improve performance or function. It is important to note that Machine Learning (ML) is a subdivision of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and they do not mean the same thing.
Machine learning applications are everywhere we look. Some common examples are search engines, spam alerts, notification alerts, and malware threat detection. Interestingly, these are just the tip of the iceberg, as there is a lot of untapped potential in machine learning.
A career as a machine learning engineer is highly promising as the world moves towards concepts like the metaverse and fully automated processes across many industries. However, you must have strong math, statistics, computer programming, and software engineering background to become a machine learning expert.
A data analyst collects, organizes, and interprets data to help companies make informed decisions. Data analysts are valuable across several industries, including finance, business, health care, and government.
Data analysts must be conversant with common tools in the industry, like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, SQL, Tableau, and Python. Moreover, becoming a data analyst requires you to have good communication skills, analytical skills, and a strong foundation in statistics.
An entry-level role as a data analyst can easily net you over $45,000 in annual income, although the average salary is around the $63,000 mark, according to PayScale. Furthermore, you can work as a freelancer, setting your work schedule and taking gigs you find interesting.
A cloud engineer develops, operates, and maintains systems that safely store large chunks of data and improve the computing capacity of its users. Cloud engineers apply engineering principles in building systems that utilize cloud services to address the computing challenges of companies and consumers.
To become a cloud engineer, you must possess excellent programming and computer networking skills. As the number of cloud service users rapidly increases, the services of cloud engineers are required to ensure that cloud infrastructures perform optimally. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a cloud engineer is $120,000. However, this figure increases the longer you work and progress in your career.
A cybersecurity analyst works to prevent unauthorized access to data and computer network systems. People and organizations worldwide continue to rely heavily on computers and digital platforms for professional and personal activities, so the need to protect their data from malicious threats cannot be overemphasized.
Additionally, the increased volume of data collected and analyzed by organizations worldwide means the need for cybersecurity developers will continue to rise. Therefore, these professionals must always think ahead, developing strong defensive mechanisms that forestall attacks and prevent data breaches.
Cybersecurity analysts in the US typically earn over $75,000 annually, as PayScale figures indicate. So, if you have the skills to pursue a career as one, you'll make good money while flying through various roles.
Web developers are responsible for creating functional websites according to clients' specifications. Companies employ the services of website designers to create stunning websites which house important information for website visitors.
There are two types of website developers: front-end developers and back-end developers. While a front-end developer designs the website's looks and functions, the back-end developer programs the website to function as expected.
To become one, you must command excellent coding skills and be an expert at using languages like Java, PHP, and CSS to execute your projects successfully. Depending on your expertise and location, you can earn anywhere between $40,000 and $90,000 annually, according to PayScale.
A software developer builds, maintains, and improves application software and system processes. These enable computers and other devices to function. Without software, our computers and mobile devices would be empty pieces of junk, unable to perform their functions.
The role also involves conducting complex analyses to develop systems and software products that perform specific tasks based on their intended function in a computer system. As a rule of thumb, software developers must have extensive knowledge of programming languages and software development processes.
The responsibilities can be overwhelming, but the compensation on offer makes it worthwhile most times. Depending on several factors, you can earn an annual salary of $55,000 to $108,000, as PayScale figures show.
Data scientists solve organizations' challenges by generating relevant datasets and developing models that predict future occurrences using the data they brainstorm. However, it is easy to mistake data scientists for data analysts, as their roles bear similarities.
While data analysts can obtain data from other sources by researching, data scientists must formulate their data and develop predictive algorithms based on this data. Furthermore, data science is closely connected with machine learning, and data scientists must have extensive knowledge of programming languages and data analytics tools.
Annual salaries around the $100,000 mark are fairly common for experienced data scientists, and you can earn considerably more over time. Also, PayScale estimates that the bonuses attached to data science jobs can total $20,000 in some cases.
Mobile app developers are responsible for creating application software to perform specific functions on a computer device. They are the engineers behind the cool apps you cannot do without on your mobile devices. Irrespective of the number of applications available on the internet today, companies and end-users still search for creative and innovative application developers who will create the next big deal.
As such, mobile app developers must continually develop their coding skills and ability to create top-notch application software. PayScale figures show that beginner mobile app developers earn around $50,000 yearly, while the median salary is $76,500.
Also known as system designers, computer analysts ensure computer systems' smooth running and operation. To achieve this, a computer systems analyst runs system checks, configures hardware and software components for optimal efficiency, and troubleshoots computer system malfunctions.
To become a computer systems analyst, you must possess strong IT, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and excellent oral and written communication skills. Also, exceptional computer networking skills and staying abreast of new technological trends are essential.
You can earn a salary of $72,000 as a computer systems analyst in the US, according to PayScale. However, there are better deals nowadays with the rising demand for professionals in the field.
Blockchain developers create decentralized autonomous systems that store, replicate, and distribute information in groups called blocks across all the computers connected to the platform (blockchain). They build digital platforms where all participants automatically manage data transactions without needing hierarchy.
The wide adoption of blockchain technology across industries like finance and tech is because it has demonstrated a level of dynamism and security that organizations so desperately need. Based on this, a career as a blockchain developer will be relevant and rewarding, as it has enormous growth potential.
Blockchain developers take home around $113,000 every year, according to Glassdoor data. This figure is nearly double the average for most other occupations, and it signifies how valuable professionals with the skillset are in the current job market.
The opportunities in computer science and tech are tremendous, and they will only grow faster. As a computer science professional, you can play a huge role in building the technologies to power our futures.
Hence, you'd be wise to pick a career in computer science to be a part of this future. Study the areas of specialization listed in this article to find what works for you and secure your place in the future of technology.
Raji Oluwaniyi is a multifaceted content writer with a penchant for research, writing, and editing a wide range of content with minimal oversight. As a Top Rated Freelancer, he has three years of experience writing tech-related and career-focused content for companies like Career Karma and Test Gorilla. Currently, he is a Work and Career section writer at MakeUseOf. As such, he looks forward to impacting a wide audience through his value-oriented and engaging approach to content writing.
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