Career Tracks for Computer Science Graduates

Career opportunities for a computer science graduate.

Intro.

As a computer science graduate, you can choose from various careers, ranging from Software Engineering, and cyber security to data analysis. The technology industry offers an exciting and diverse range of career paths.

In this guide you will delve deep into 10 different careers you can pursue with your degree, providing insight into the roles, responsibilities, and growth potential within each field.

1. Software Engineering

Software Engineering is a broad field that includes various specializations. Here are some of the areas you can major in:

• Mobile Application Developer
  Mobile app development focuses on creating applications for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
  Requires knowledge of Swift or Objective-C for iOS and Java or Kotlin for Android.
  Entry level salary range: $30,000 – $60000 a year.
  Average Salary: $65,000 – $75,775/year.
• Video Game Developer
  Game developers focus on creating interactive games for various platforms such as PCs, mobile devices, virtual reality systems, etc.
  Requires proficiency in languages like C++, C#, and game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine.
  Expected junior/entry-level salary: $40, 000 – $60,000 a year
  Average Salary: $60, 000 – $66,949/year.
• Software Development Engineer in Test(SDET)
  SDET involves ensuring software quality through the creation and implementation of tools.
  Requires proficiency in programming languages and testing frameworks like Selenium, JUnit, Jest, etc.
  Expected junior/entry-level salary: $40, 000 – $50, 000 per year.
  Average Salary: $100,000 – 124,200/year.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Engineer
  AI and ML Engineers Develop, implement, and test AI and ML algorithms and models. Requires proficiency in Python, R, C, and C++ and frameworks like TensorFlow, and Keras.
  Expected junior/entry-level salary: $100, 000 – $118, 000 per year
  Average Salary: $160,768/year.
• FrontEnd Development: Involves creating the visual elements of software that users interact with.
  It requires knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and various frameworks.
  Expected junior/entry-level salary: $50, 000 – $70, 000 per year.
  Average Salary: $70,000 to $110,000 per year
• BackEnd Development: Handles the server side of applications. It involves databases, scripting, and the architecture of websites.
  Expected junior/entry-level salary: $63, 000 – $70, 000 per year.
  Average Salary: $75,000 to $120,000 per year
• FullStack Development: Encompasses both FrontEnd and BackEnd development. 
  Expected junior/entry-level salary: $60, 000 – $70, 000 per year.
  Average Salary: $80,000 to $130,000 per year

These are just a few examples of the many areas within Software Engineering. Each has its own unique set of skills and requirements you can take.

2. Program Manager

This field oversees the planning, execution, and implementation of technology projects within an organization.

Key skills for IT Project Managers include proficiency in project management methodologies such as Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall, as well as expertise in using project management tools like Jira, Asana, or Microsoft Project.
Expected junior/entry-level salary: $60, 000 – $80, 000 per year.
Expected Average Salary: $100, 000 – $159,078 per year.

3. Computer and Information Research Scientists

Computer and Information Research Scientists are responsible for conducting research to address complex problems in the computing and information technology field.
They do innovations and use existing technology to design new approaches for computing technology.

The skills required: Strong background in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Data Analysis. Expertise in algorithms, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data mining is crucial.
Expected junior/entry-level salary: $60, 000 – $90, 000 per year.
Expected Average salary: $100, 000 – $136,620 per year.

4. Content Developer

Content developers research, prepare, write, and edit online content for marketing and front-end web development. 
They are involved in writing blog posts, static copy, video content, and technical aspects, such as SEO and HTML formatting.
Requires skills in content creation, editing, and digital marketing.
Expected junior/entry-level salary: $50, 000 – $70, 000 per year.
Expected Salary: $60, 000 – $ 82, 000 per year.

5. Product Design (UX)

UX designers are responsible for creating meaningful and seamless experiences for users interacting with digital products or services. They involve understanding users’ needs, and their behavior and designing intuitive and user-friendly interfaces that we interact with.

Key skills required for this role include proficiency in user research, information architecture, interaction design, prototyping, and usability testing. Strong communication skills and creativity are also crucial for this role.
Expected junior/entry-level salary: $30, 000 – $50, 000 per year.
Expected Average Salary: $60, 000 – $78,178 per year.

6. Network Engineer:

A Network Engineer is a professional responsible for setting up and maintaining networks within an organization or between organizations.
Knowledge of network monitoring tools, proficiency in scripting and automation, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are also important for success in this role
Expected junior/entry-level salary: $50, 000 – $70, 000 per year.
Average Salary: $80, 000 – $96, 300 per year.

7.DevOps Engineer:

A DevOps engineer is responsible for the smooth operation of a company’s IT infrastructure. They work with developers to deploy and manage code changes, and with operations staff to ensure that systems are running smoothly.

Some of the skills required for DevOps Engineering include CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery) pipelines and experience with version control systems such as Git.
Expected junior/entry-level salary: $60, 000 – $70, 000 per year.
Average Salary: $80, 000 – $110,000 per year.

8. Cloud Solution Architect

A Cloud Solution Architect is responsible for designing and implementing cloud-based solutions to meet the organization’s business and technical requirements, leveraging the capabilities of various cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
This role involves deeply understanding system architecture principles, proficiency in system integration techniques with cloud services, expertise in software and hardware technologies, excellent knowledge of network infrastructure, as well as strong problem-solving abilities.
Expected junior/entry-level salary: $60, 000 – $90, 000 per year.
Average Salary: $ 130,500 per year.

9. Hardware Engineer

Hardware engineers or computer hardware engineers are responsible for developing, designing, and examining computer hardware. They help speed up new computer technology by creating enhancements in computer hardware.

Required skills in computer hardware design, testing, troubleshooting, etc.
Expected junior/entry-level salary: $40, 000 – $60, 000 per year.
Average Salary: $80, 000 –$ 112,668 a year.

10. Security Engineer (Cyber Expert)

Security engineers, alternatively known as cybersecurity engineers and information security engineers, are an essential part of any organization as they keep the organization’s information and systems safe from cyber threats.
Skills required for cyber experts include having the knowledge of networking and network security, understanding of operating systems and software, proficiency in risk assessment and management, expertise in security tools and technologies
Expected junior/entry-level salary: $60, 000 – $80, 000 per year.
Average Salary: $ 112, 723 a year.

Please note that these are averages and actual salaries can vary based on factors such as location, years of experience, skills, and the specific company. You can always research salaries for specific roles and companies in your area.

Last words.

These careers are among the many options available to computer science graduates. However, they stand out as the top 10 most popular and prominent roles in the job market.
Have you found a course of interest? Contact us, and we can help you secure your career.