Centre for Career and Personal Development Degree Profiles

These degree profiles look at potential jobs, key skills & atributes, associations & professional development and great books which relate to each degree and its potential career path.

Computer Science

We use computers today in almost everything we do. You are using a computer when you are texting your friends, listening to your iPod, googling for information, taking a quiz on Facebook, using a debit or credit card to buy a movie ticket, or driving your car.

Key Skills & Knowledge

Problem-solving - Defining and solving problems; Approaching topics and problems from various perspectives; Analyzing multiple dimensions of a problem; Decision making skills; Advanced quantitative abilities; Trouble shooting

Research - Collection, analysis and interpretation of data; Organizing vast amounts of data and research results; Creative and logical thinking

Verbal and written communication - Ability to summarize, condense and organize ideas and information; Ability to articulate, explain, and teach technical information to others; Ability to question and probe to solve computer problems; Communicating process details

Organizational - Organization and classification of data; Multi-tasking; Time management; Attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines

Interpersonal - Work independently and as a part of a team classifying/systemizing efficiency

Technical - Aptitude for computer languages and programming; Database management; Design and develop computer systems; Computer programming; Install software and hardware; Mathematical skills

Sample Job Titles

Please note some of these positions may require further training, certification or education. Check out the occupational profiles to review the full details for the occupations that interest you at alis.alberta.ca/occinfo

Air Traffic Controller
Bio-informatician
Biomedical Software Developer
Computer Game Designer
Communication Software Specialist
Data Processing Manager
Database Administrator/Analyst
Developer
Digital Designer
Equipment Analyst

Electronic Commerce Specialist
Games Developer
Multimedia Applications Specialist
Network Architect
Network Security Analyst
Programmer
Quality Assurance
Software Analyst
Software Engineer
Software Support/R & D Specialist

Systems Analyst
Systems Architect
Tech Support
Technical Writer
Telecommunications Specialist
Video Game Tester
Web Designer
Webmaster

Potential Industries

Advertising
Applications Development
Artificial Intelligence
Bioinformatics
Communications
Computer & Programming Services
Computer Consulting

Education
Gaming and Graphic Design
Government
Information Security
Information Technologies
Manufacturing
Oil & Gas

Project Management
Public Administration
Research & Development
Robotics
Software Engineering
Telecommunication

Associations & Professional Development

Job Sites

Additional Resources

Computer Science - More Resources

Aligned Majors

Mathematics

Philosophy

Software Engineering

Did you know?

Formal Career Assessments like the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers Briggs Type Indicator can be helpful tools for your career development. These assessments have been used for decades to help individuals choose a major, explore career options during and upon completion of a degree and to further understand yourself in relationship to the world of work. Inquire with Career Services if you are interested in these formal assessments.

Publications

Top 100 Computer and Technical Careers by Michael Farr
ISBN: 1593573200
Publication Date: 2006-11-01
The WetFeet Insider Guide to Careers in Information Technology by WetFeet.com (Firm) Staff (Contribution by)
ISBN: 9781582073286
Publication Date: 2003-09-01