Most of us know someone who has changed careers and gone into a field seemingly unrelated to that of their degree. Sometimes students reach the end of their degree and discover something else they are interested in, and sometimes they just fall into something new. Career changes occur for many reasons, but it is always nice to have options. Although the current recession has not affected computer science graduates the way it has many others, it is still a good plan to have a versatile degree that is valued by employers for its many transferable skills.
A degree in computer science or computer engineering provides a plethora of skills that can be easily transferred into other career paths. According to Stony Brook University, further skills valued by employers include analytical and problem solving skills, abstract and formal reasoning, the ability to identify and rectify problems, clearly explicating concept processes, sorting and prioritizing data, and the ability to perform mathematical analyses. These skills can easily be transferred into careers such as a cartographer, advertising executive, educational administrator, meteorologist, technical writer, naval architect, medical physicist, and as a patent examiner. Below is a summary of some of these careers and the skills required to successfully pursue them.
Technical writer: Employers in this field look for the development of strong writing skills, as well as communicating technical concepts clearly and concisely. Required skills include a strong eye for detail, technical knowledge in your chosen subject, the ability to translate complex technical concepts into simplistic language, and a sense of narrative. Writing experience is preferred by employers for most positions. Similar to the projected growth of positions within CS/CE fields, the field of technical writing is also expected to grow.
Medical physicist: The skills obtained from studying computer science or computer engineering can also be easily transferred to a career as a medical physicist, with a physics minor. The skill set includes a logical and inquisitive way of thinking, as well as strong analytical skills. A medical physicist can expect to undertake mathematical modeling, training staff, managing radiotherapy quality assurance programs, writing reports, teaching, and researching and developing new analytical techniques.
Patent Examiner: A patent examiner is responsible for ensuring that submitted inventions are both appropriately described and ready for use. They are also responsible for investigating the novelty of the idea, which includes researching past papers and documents to ensure that no other party has legal right to the concept. Strong technical skills, good communication skills, a varied and detailed grasp of scientific knowledge, and strong IT skills are required. The prospect of an entry-level position itself is appealing as training is given on the job and weight is placed on the degree and the technical experience obtained during university.
Cartographer: The relation between cartography and CS might not seem obvious at first, but GIS systems and the use of computers in designing maps makes a CS/CE degree relevant to the field. Required skills include an eye for detail, strong IT skills, and a talent for design.
Educational Administrator: Responsibilities vary, but generally include organizing board meetings, managing and training staff, preparing statistics, writing reports, purchasing equipment, overseeing student recruitment and examinations, formulating and implementing policy, and acting as a liaison between the university and campus organizations. Valuable skills for this career path include strong communication, interpersonal, IT, time management, and negotiation skills.
When considering a non-traditional route, the candidate must have a strong grasp of their skill set and be prepared to explain clearly and concisely the transferability of their knowledge to the job for which they are applying. It is important to remember that the candidate must make it clear to the employer why they would be a valuable asset to the company. Luckily, most companies are online and have a clear understanding of the influence of technology in business. Christine Timm, the Associate Director of Career Services at UNL, states, "I think, in general, combining computer science with another major/minor increases marketability. Some of it, however, is just how the student chooses to market himself/herself through the combination of education and experience. For example, a person with a strong interest in education could apply the computer science degree by working in an educational environment. A person with strong interest in the environment could end up working in an environmental organization, or a non-profit. The computer science major recognizes that the field is one that requires ongoing education and curiosity. Those are attractive skills/traits for various employers." It is clear that a computer science or computer engineering degree is a valuable asset to have, no matter what field the graduate chooses to pursue.
Next week, Bits & Bytes will conclude this two-part series with guidance on choosing a major and a minor to ensure the greatest flexibility of career options.