In the modern business world, careers involving computers are some of the fastest growing around. This is because computers lie at the heart of most businesses now and play an integral role in how companies across all sectors operate. When you also take into account how important IT, cloud-based platforms, big data and cybersecurity are to modern firms, it is clear why people with excellent computing skills are sought after.
As a result, people with high-level skills in this area have a range of exciting career paths to choose from. One of the most popular is computer scientist. But what do these skilled professionals do exactly, and how do you become one?
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What is a computer scientist?
Computer scientists are individuals who use their expert technical knowledge to create solutions to computing problems for organizations. People working in this role usually focus on areas such as computer systems, computer applications, theoretical computer science and software engineering professionally. This can extend to computer scientists using their knowledge to research new ideas, conduct experiments and create more effective computer applications.
How do you become a computer scientist?
Working as a computer scientist has some amazing benefits. To begin with, it is an exciting field that offers an array of interesting career paths and specializations for anyone who has a passion for computers. It is also a role that typically offers a competitive salary and good chances for career progression.
But what are the skills you need to acquire to become a computer scientist? Below, we look at various learning criteria and knowledge essential to accessing this professional path and evolving within it.
Build a strong mathematical foundation
The first thing that anyone thinking of embarking on this career path should do is establish a strong mathematical foundation. This is because excellent math skills are central to computer science roles and essential if you are to excel in them. These skills are widely used in computer science to describe complex systems, solve problems, apply math to computer science research, and understand algorithms.
Pursue a formal education
To become a qualified computer scientist, it is important to obtain a formal education. This is essential to build a strong foundation of knowledge, understand technical terms and theories, and gain the formal qualifications required by many employers within the sector. Choosing a suitable program at a recognized school is, therefore, essential. A Computer Science degree program, such as the Master’s in Computer Science – Software Engineering program by Baylor University, could be a great choice for those looking to continue their study in this field. As well as providing advanced knowledge on core subjects, such as discrete structures and programming languages, it presents a flexible and accessible route into the industry, offering a 100% online coursework model.
Master programming languages
There is no doubt that coding and programming are key aspects of any computer science role. This is because computer programming is the backbone of being able to create new software or tweaking existing systems to solve problems.
It is therefore essential for anyone aspiring to work in this role to master a few of the most widely used programming languages. These include:
- Python
- Java
- MATLAB
- C
- C++
- JavaScript
- PHP
- HTML
Engage in practical projects
Practical projects are a good way to move into computer science as a career for a few reasons. One of the most obvious is that it gives you the chance to practice what you have learned theoretically and refine your skills in the real world. You can also list these projects on your resume, and they show potential employers that you know how to apply your skills in a practical setting.
Stay informed about industry trends
As with the world of computing/IT in general, computer science is a fast-moving niche that often sees new trends emerge. These trends can redefine how computer scientists approach their roles or how the sector operates. It is therefore crucial to keep up with industry trends so that you can impress employers with your knowledge of them when applying for jobs, and also so that you will have a firm base of the latest topics when you begin working.
Participate in coding competitions
Coding competitions involve competitors writing computer science programs that solve specific problems over a set time period. As well as helping you get used to working under pressure and solving complex problems in a timely fashion, these competitions can enable you to get noticed within the industry. Any success you have at coding competitions is certainly worth putting on your resume and can help you stand out to employers.
Internships and work experience
For anyone looking for the best career tips to follow, both internships and work experience have long been useful. This is certainly true for anyone looking to move into a computer science career who is finding that a lack of experience is holding them back.
Both internships and work experience show potential employers that you have real-world experience of working in the industry and have shown good initiative to kick-start your career. They will also allow you to see what working in computer science is really like.
Networking with industry professionals
Networking is important in the corporate world and helps to connect those looking for the best opportunities with those who can provide access to them. This is also the case in computer science, and this means that networking with industry professionals is a good way to break into it.
LinkedIn is a popular way to do this online and makes it very easy to connect with computer science professionals/companies for networking purposes. Real-world networking events in the sector (such as local networking meetings or larger national conferences) are also worth focusing on when trying to get into computer science.
Build a portfolio
The last important tip on how to become a computer scientist is to build your own portfolio of work. As with undertaking practical projects, this helps to show potential employers what you can do and looks great on your resume. Taking the time to build your own project portfolio also enables you to hone your computer science skills as you go and get practice of the core tasks of the job.
A role in great demand
Computer scientists are in great demand currently, and this should only grow as computers become more central to how business operates. This makes moving into computer science a good choice and one that offers excellent employment prospects. If you like working with computers and want to become a computer scientist, why not look into enrolling in a course?
