Computer Scientist Career Path

Computer science is an evolving and exciting career path that is a great way to showcase your technical skills. You will typically need a solid foundation in computer science principles, which may include specializing in data science, machine learning, cybersecurity, software development, or another skill. You can receive your education from an accredited university or a reputable training center, both of which have advantages and disadvantages. Once you complete your training, you can search for entry-level positions and work your way up through the ranks until you reach your goals. The path to becoming a Computer Scientist is challenging yet rewarding and is possible with the right training and mindset. 

Getting Started

Exploring the computer science field is the best way to get started with your future career. Below are a few key ways to learn more about the field, prepare yourself for educational ventures, and feel equipped to handle the many lessons and responsibilities to come.

Review Free Computer Science Resources

One of the most widely accessible ways to learn more about your intended career path is to explore various free resources. You can start with books from a local library or brochures from a nearby career center, but there are also websites hosted by organizations, training centers, and companies that share more about the field. For example, you can read an article from an official computer science organization or review the Learn Hub on Noble Desktop. You can also explore video tutorials, free seminars, and other digital spaces for more information.

Interview Computer Scientists Working in the Field

Another way to learn more about computer science and the field would be to interview a professional. You can request a one-on-one interview with a Computer Scientist and ask about their day-to-day work, the skills and tools they use the most, and the trajectory of their career path. It’s important to prepare your questions ahead of time and ask for specifics. You can gain valuable insight into the field through this method and perhaps have an opportunity to learn about different specializations, industries, and tasks depending on how many professionals you can interview.

Attend Free Classes and Informational Sessions

Lastly, you can attend free classes and informational sessions either in-person or online. Reach out to a local library or educational institution (such as a community college or continuing education department at a university) to see if there are any upcoming lectures on computer science-related subjects. You could also explore networking events where professionals frequently provide workshops or lectures on their recent accomplishments. Otherwise, you can explore free lectures on online platforms such as Coursera and find free pre-recorded lectures on Noble Desktop’s free seminar page.

Do I Need a Degree to Become a Computer Scientist?

If you are curious about the different ways to become a Computer Scientist, you have a few options to choose from. You can earn a degree in computer science at a community college or university, which is incredibly worthwhile but costly and time-consuming. Degree programs provide a comprehensive education in skills related to computer science and then some, but this is not as easily accessible for someone with limited funds or time. A degree from an accredited university will bode well in the long run, it is a privilege and not necessarily suited for everyone.

Luckily, you don’t necessarily need a traditional degree to become a Computer Scientist. You can also search for certificate programs, bootcamps, and classes at a reputable training center that focuses on tech education and career development. These types of programs provide specialized training in subjects related to computer science, such as cybersecurity, machine learning, data science, and web development. The curriculum is structured but offers hands-on projects and gives students the skills to apply their skills in the workplace. They’re typically fast-paced and far less costly than a degree program. Plus, they’re typically offered in part-time or full-time formats. While you’re unlikely to go in-depth on theoretical concepts, you will still obtain a well-rounded education and be able to find a job as a Computer Scientist.

Internships

You can learn new skills and prepare for a career during a computer science internship. An internship is a hands-on way to explore the field in more depth and gain a little experience along the way. You’ll learn and apply real-world skills in an internship and work alongside a professional who can provide feedback, answers to questions, and new perspectives on computer science concepts. This gives you the chance to work directly with relevant technology and tools while sharpening your practical skills. Additionally, an internship you an ideal way to develop your professional portfolio. Computer science internships can be paid or volunteer-based and are relatively competitive.

Entry-Level Computer Scientist Jobs

Those who recently completed their education or have a year or two of experience will qualify for entry-level Computer Scientist jobs. An entry-level employee will go through a more rigorous review process with mid-level and senior-level colleagues. Additionally, they often collaborate with other entry-level colleagues. Below are some insights into this job role.

Junior Software Engineer

A Junior Software Engineer will frequently spend their time writing and debugging code and maintaining different software applications. They will work with other entry-level colleagues and turn to senior-level Developers for feedback and guidance on ways to complete the projects and meet the company goals. This position also requires consistent documentation to keep track of the behavior and functionality of the system.

Data Analyst

Most newly graduated Data Analysts will be given basic data extraction, analysis, management, and reporting tasks. Specifically, an entry-level Data Analyst will collect data from various sources, prepare it for analysis, uncover trends and patterns, and then create dashboards and other visualizations. They will also deliver reports to higher-level colleagues to gain feedback and direction on the next steps.

IT Security Specialist

Beginner IT Security Specialists will monitor different networks and be on the lookout for security breaches. Even at the entry level, they will respond to hacking attempts and put in place preventative measures to ensure that breaches or leaks do not happen in the future. They will work with security standards and regulations for that specific company and will report any incidents to higher-ups.

Mid-Level Computer Scientist Jobs

A mid-level Computer Scientist job requires several years of experience. Additionally, these employees are trusted to complete their work with less feedback or review. They have slightly more autonomy and authority than an entry-level employee. Here are a few examples of a mid-level computer science job.

Associate Software Engineer

At the mid-level, a Software Engineer will contribute more heavily to the design and development of software. An Associate Software Engineer will review code, troubleshoot any issues, and document changes in the development process. They work both collaboratively and independently since they are given more agency during the decision-making process.

Mid-Level .Net Developer

In this mid-level position, you would be expected to take on more responsibility during the development process. A mid-level .Net Developer will test and debug previously developed applications as well as enhance existing code to maintain its performance. They will also use more complex tools and techniques and work closely with other developers and designers with the same level of expertise.

Cybersecurity Engineer

A Cybersecurity Engineer has more agency when it comes to designing and integrating security measures and will develop firewalls, encryption methods, and fraud detection systems. They typically respond to security breaches and will instruct others on ways to respond to incidents and ensure that any vulnerabilities are mitigated.

Senior Computer Scientist Jobs

Once you have substantial experience in the computer science field, you can strive for a senior-level position. Senior employees are given far more autonomy and authority during the decision-making and problem-solving process. In addition, they often oversee multiple teams and serve as mentors. These are some examples of what senior-level computer science positions might entail. 

Senior Software Engineer

At the highest level, a Software Engineer takes on much more responsibility in the software’s architectural design and the quality of the code. They will oversee large portions of the project or the entire development process, such as the code standards, scalability, and problem-solving tactics. In addition, they typically guide junior-level Software Engineers and make collaborative decisions with other senior colleagues.

Computer Science Project Manager

One of the most important roles in any organization is that of a Project Manager. In the computer science world, a Project Manager is responsible for the entire planning period, including timelines, budget, resources, and delegated tasks. They will oversee and handle various departments and communicate with stakeholders and clients to ensure that the project is running smoothly and according to the preferred standards. Senior Project Managers are also tasked with identifying risks, fixing problems, and addressing any concerns.

Security Analyst

A Senior Security Analyst will monitor the system activities consistently and diligently looking out for breaches, leaks, and suspicious behavior. They will manage a team, delegate tasks when responding to incidents, and conduct regular testing for any weaknesses within the software or system. Plus, they are tasked with ensuring that every professional in the IT department is following policies and procedures. In addition, they analyze the impact of certain responses to see how security measures can be improved in the future.

Another Path: Freelancing

Freelancing is an option for most computer science careers, which involves working independently on a contract basis. As a freelance professional, you will work with one or more companies on different projects. You can also work as a consultant and offer your expertise to various clients. Each job can differ, with some requiring you to develop and manage software and others tasking you with managing databases and visualizing your insights. Freelancing requires you to function as both a computer science and business professional since you will handle your own marketing, finances, project management, and client acquisition. You can explore freelance positions on traditional job search websites like Indeed or explore freelance-specific websites like Upwork. If you have a knack for business operations and want a way to diversify your professional portfolio, becoming a freelance Computer Scientist may be the right path for you.

How Do I Find A Computer Scientist Job?

If you don’t know where to start in your search for a Computer Scientist job, you have plenty of options both in-person and across the internet. Depending on your location, you could visit a career center where you can learn more about the computer science field, attend job fairs, and talk with a career service assistant. This is a useful way to get your foot in the door for opportunities in your local area, but a career center may be less common or accessible if you live in a very small town. Likewise, this could also lead to finding only very limited job openings.

However, you have plenty of online options to assist in the job search. For instance, you can visit tech company websites and explore their careers page. Many companies across all industries have a section of their website where they share job openings and go into detail about what the applicant would need to land the position and what they could expect once they obtain the role. This is a highly specific way to find job openings, which will vary from company to company. However, this method provides you with a lot of insight into the company, the specific job roles, and the added benefits attached to the role.

To expand your horizons, consider visiting job search websites such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. This is a broader approach to the job search as you can search for in-person and hybrid positions in your area as well as remote opportunities. Using a job search website gives you more variety to choose from and a relatively unbiased account of the company and its operations. While these websites perhaps offer slightly less information on the posting or company, they are still eye-opening accounts of what you can expect at each company. You can also search for freelance jobs through freelance-specific websites, like Upwork and Freelancer. These websites provide freelance openings from all around the country, which is a viable option for virtually any computer science professional.

Learn the Skills to Become a Computer Scientist at Noble Desktop

You can learn a variety of computer science skills at reputable training centers such as Noble Desktop. For instance, they offer a Full-Stack Web Development Certificate that spans 420 hours and gives you all the skills necessary to become a Full Stack Developer. Specifically, you will learn from an expert instructor in a hands-on setting. Students will explore coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for both front and back end programming. Likewise, you will use various frameworks and libraries, such as Node.js and Express.js, and use Visual Studio Code, a code editor. You’ll create programming projects like scrolling animations, interactive content, webpage layouts, and mobile applications. In addition to the certificate course material, you will have the chance to take an additional SQL or WordPress class at no cost.

For a more specific learning experience, you can explore the JavaScript Programming Bootcamp. In this interactive and immersive bootcamp, students will learn the fundamentals of JavaScript programming and explore the higher-level functions. Over 120 hours, the instructor will assign portfolio projects that require you to use array and string methods or new ES6 and ES7 features such as Arrow Functions. Students will also practice object-oriented programming and explore JavaScript 3D Libraries for data visualization and 3D browser development. By the end of the bootcamp, you will feel prepared to use JavaScript in a professional setting or perhaps take the next step in your current career.

The Python for Data Science Masterclass is also a focused course that shows students the foundational and advanced ways to use Python for data science. Throughout 60 hours of instruction, students will learn data types, variables, Python libraries, numerous complex functions, data visualization, and object-oriented programming. In particular, the instructor will guide students through advanced techniques like using lambda functions, querying with Jupyter Notebooks, animating data visualizations, and performing data analytics. This masterclass intends to equip students with the most relevant Python skills so they can easily transfer their abilities from the classroom to the workplace.