What Most Graduates of Computer Science Actually Do in Their Career

Graduating with a degree in computer science (CS) opens a world of diverse opportunities, indicating that graduates do not necessarily become what one might think, such as developing the ARPANET or retiring to raise sheep. Itrsquo;s not uncommon to find computer science graduates making a living in IT-related fields, ranging from web development to backend engineering and QA analysis. Some students venture into research, contributing to advancing computing tools, while others fill roles in information technology or security analysis. This article aims to explore the real-world career paths that computer science graduates often pursue.

The Reality of Computer Science Careers

The day-to-day activities of many computer science graduates revolve around IT and software development roles. Individuals can be web developers, full-stack or backend engineers, QA analysts, system administrators, or desktop support specialists. These roles, while varying in their focus and complexity, all share a common goal: to build, maintain, or improve software and IT systems. Many of these graduates find steady employment, earning anywhere from an average annual salary in the tens of thousands to over $100,000, depending on their specific role and experience.

Specialization and Salary Potential

For some, the path of specialization leads to high-paying industries with notable differences in salary potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top 5 types of jobs for computer science majors include:

Computer and Information Research Scientist (Salary: Around $126,830) Computer Network Architect (Salary: Around $116,780) Software Developer (Salary: Around $110,140) Information Security Analyst (Salary: Around $103,590) Database Administrator (Salary: Around $98,860)

While these are the higher-paying roles, graduates often choose to stay in web development, IT project management, and other roles that may not offer as high a salary but provide more personal fulfillment. According to data from various online sources, the top 10 jobs for computer science majors are as follows:

Developer: Salary: Around $105,000 Web Developer: Salary: Around $69,000 UX Designer: Salary: Around $74,000 Mobile App Developer: Salary: Around $69,000 IT Project Manager: Salary: Around $142,000 Information Security Analyst: Salary: Around $98,000 Systems Architect: Salary: Around $109,000 AI Engineer: Salary: Around $144,000 Computer Hardware Engineer: Salary: Around $114,000 Video Game Developer: Salary: Around $65,000

Exploring the Research and Professional Sectors

There are two primary career directions for computer science graduates: research and professional application. The research path involves creating new and more advanced computing tools in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Professionals in this sector often work in academia, government agencies, or research institutions.

The professional direction involves creating informational technology applications for the private and public sectors. This includes developing and maintaining website systems used for tasks like managing investments or facilitating financial transactions. These roles require a combination of technical skills and problem-solving abilities, ensuring that the technology behind these systems is secure, efficient, and user-friendly.

Conclusion

The variety of career paths available to computer science graduates showcases the versatility and demand for their skills. Web development, IT roles, research positions, and more all offer unique challenges and opportunities. While some graduates find success in high-paying roles, many others find satisfaction in roles that offer personal and professional development. The career choices of computer science graduates can vary widely and are influenced by individual interests, skills, and aspirations.