Computer Scientist

Job opportunities:

Computer scientist jobs are expected to be among the fastest growing jobs, increasing by 27 percent or more through 2014, according to the U.S. Department of Labor:

• Those with an advanced degree in computer science or computer engineering or with an MBA with a concentration in information systems should enjoy very good job opportunities.
• College graduates with a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, information science, or MIS also should enjoy very good job opportunities, especially if they practical experience too.
• Employers look for computer specialists who can combine strong technical skills with good interpersonal and business skills. So, graduates with degrees in fields other than computer science who have had courses in computer programming, systems analysis, and other information technology areas should also enjoy very good job opportunities.
• Major factors in the rising demand for a database administrator include:
  • the demand for networking to facilitate the sharing of information
  • the expansion of client–server environments
• to maintain a competitive edge, companies will keep demanding computer specialists who are knowledgeable about the latest technologies.
• the expansion of doing business on the internet creates the need to build and maintain databases that store critical information on customers, inventory, and projects and increases demand for database administrators.
• the increasing need for cyber security— the protection of electronic information— will increase demand for workers skilled in information security.
• there is a high demand for workers skilled in wireless technologies as wireless networks and applications have spread into many businesses.

Work Environment:

A Computer Scientist:

• usually work in an office or a laboratory.
• typically work about 40 hours a week.
• can work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines or solve specific problems.
• may telecommute and work from remote locations through modems, laptops, electronic mail, and the internet.
• are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort, and hand and wrist problems.

Computer Scientist

A computer scientist works in the computer systems design industry including:

• custom computer programming services
• computer systems integration design services
• computer facilities management services
• disaster recovery services
• software installation

A computer scientist is mainly employed by:

• internet service providers
• web search portals
• data processing and hosting firms

A computer scientists may work for:

• government
• manufacturers of computer and electronic products
• insurance companies
• financial institutions
• universities

Other information technology careers include:

• computer programmer
• computer software engineer
• computer systems managers, information systems manager
• computer support specialist, systems administrator
• computer systems analyst

A Computer Scientist —

• must be able to think logically and have good communication skills.
• should have the ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail.
• must be able to communicate effectively with computer personnel, such as programmers and managers, and with staff who may have no technical computer background.
• works as a theorist, researcher or inventor.
• has a higher level of theoretical expertise and innovation as they apply to complex problems and the creation or application of new technology.
• in private industry, work sin areas such as applying theory; developing specialized languages or information technologies; or designing programming tools, knowledge-based systems, or even computer games.
• in academic institutions may work in areas such as complexity theory, programming-language design, virtual reality and designing robots.

Requirements

There is no universally accepted way to prepare for a job as a computer scientist but most employers place a premium on some formal college education:

• A bachelor's degree in an Information Technology program is a prerequisite for many jobs; however, some jobs may require only a 2-year, associate's degree.
• For more technically complex jobs, a database administrator with a graduate degree is preferred.

Many employers require a computer scientist to have:

• a bachelor's degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems (MIS).
• a master's degree in business administration (MBA), with a concentration in information systems, as more firms move their business to the internet.
• an associate's degree in computer science or a related information technology field that is more occupation-specific than a 4-year degree program. Some jobs may be better suited to the level of training that such programs offer.
• certificate programs to keep one's skills up to date due to changing technology and to show a specialized skill in a certain area.