Centre for Career and Personal Development Degree Profiles
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
Aligned Majors
Associations & Professional Development
- Alberta Women's Science Network (AWSN)
- Association of Computing Machinery
- Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET)
- Canada’s Association of Information Technology Professionals
- Canadian Association of Science Centres
- Information Technology Association of America
- Information Technology Association of Canada
Additional Resources
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.
Key Contacts
Faculty Contact
Undergraduate Science Centre
Science B 149 (SB 149)
T: 403.220.8600
E: science.advising@ucalgary.ca
W: science.ucalgary.ca
Clubs on Campus
Women in Computer Science Club
Women in Science and Engineering (WISE)
Centre for Career and Personal Development
MacEwan Student Centre, Room 188
T: 403.220.8020
E: csstdnt@ucalgary.ca
W: ucalgary.ca/career-personal-development
