Employment in computer science and technology is expected to grow by 11 per cent in the next ten years - much faster than the average for all other professions (US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021). From high salaries to career longevity, computer science graduates are in a good position when it comes to finding work. So, whether you’ve finished your computer science degree or you’re just starting to think about what you want to study, you can use this guide to explore popular career options after computer science at university.
Employment options
If you’re new to this field, make sure you check out our other article on what to expect from studying computer science.
Computer science graduates are particularly sought after by employers and so the subject remains increasingly popular among students. In fact, 77.6 per cent of computer science graduates in the UK are employed within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Prospects 2020). Half of these graduate’s work as programmers and software developers after university.
Let’s run through some of the most common careers to follow a computer science degree:
Data analyst
To study computer science, you need strong mathematical and analytical skills. These will be developed and harnessed throughout your degree, but you will also need to demonstrate your strength in this area when applying.
Essentially, data analysts scrutinize information, interpreting the meaning and significance of the numbers. To perform this analysis, data analysts use advanced computerized modelling to gather data. These skills are highly valuable across a wide range of sectors such as:
- Banking
- Universities
- Consultancies
- Insurance
- Marketing
- Pharmaceutical companies
- IT firms
- Media
Average salary* (per year) for a data analyst:
Entry level: GBP 23,000-25,000
Graduate schemes: GBP 25,000-30,000
A few years’ experience: GBP 30,000-35,000
Consulting positions: GBP 60,000+
*UK Graduate Prospects 2020
Game designer
Combine your analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills with your creativity and innovation as a game designer. In this role, you will be responsible for bringing a game to life, either based on your own idea or someone else’s. It is recommended that you gain a degree in computer science for this occupation as you need advanced programming and analytical skills.
As a graduate, you will also need to build a portfolio of work to show future employers. You can gain this experience through internships, graduate schemes and temporary placements at design studios. Popular game designers include:
- Nintendo
- Sony
- Microsoft
- Electronic arts
- Epic games
Average salary* (per year) for game designers:
Entry level: GBP 20,000-35,000
With experience: GBP 30,000-45,000
Senior game designer: GBP 65,000
*UK Graduate Prospects 2020
Interested in studying computer science in the UK? Check out these universities:
- University of East London
- Swansea University
- Oxford Brookes University
- Queen Mary University of London
- University of Nottingham
Web developer
As web developers are in high demand in many parts of the world, you won’t struggle to find work once you get some experience under your belt. In the most basic sense, web developers create and maintain websites. They are also responsible for the functionality and usability of a site. These skills are highly sought after by many employers today due to the continual popularity of the internet, apps, and mobile devices.
To work as a web developer, you need knowledge of scripting languages such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript which are used to design the structure and interactivity of web pages. Web developers can work for individual companies across a range of sectors, web development agencies or there is also the option of being self-employed.
To start working in web development, it is a good idea to get some work experience before you leave university. Some degrees even offer year-long placements so you can develop your skills in a professional environment before graduating.
Average salary* (per year) for a web developer:
Entry level: GBP 19,000-25,000
With experience: GBP 25,000-35,000
Senior developers: GBP 35,000-75,000
*UK Graduate Prospects 2019
Check out the following universities in the USA for computer science degrees:
- University of Alabama
- Virginia Tech
- University of North Texas
- Syracuse University
- Iowa State University
Information security analyst
Ensuring the safety of our data has become an ever-growing area concern over the last few years and so businesses need experts to protect their sites from viruses and hackers. This is where information security analysts come in. These professionals manage software, hardware, and networks to prevent security breaches before they even occur.
There have been several incidents of serious, large-scale data breaches in many leading companies such as Facebook, Yahoo, LinkedIn and so on. The responsibilities and scope of this work continues to evolve as cyberattacks are becoming more prevalent. This therefore reflects the increasing demand for people with the relevant skills in this area.
To succeed in this field, you need strong analytical abilities and problem-solving skills as this is what employers are looking for. While a computer science degree is not always required, it will equip you with a wide range of relevant knowledge and skills.
Average salary (per year) for information security analysts:
Entry level: GBP 25,000-35,000
With experience: GBP 35,000-60,000
Senior positions: GBP 70,000+
*UK Graduate Prospects 2019
Want to find out which universities rank best for computer science degrees in Canada?
No matter what stage you’re currently at, you should now have a few ideas about what to do after a computer science degree. If you’re feeling stuck, check out our other article on mapping out your career and study path.
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