What Can I Do With a Major In Computer Science?

CAMPUS STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

• Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)  • Girls.Code()  • Women in Tech (WIT) • Biotechnology Club • UGAHacks  • CodeHub • Game Builders Club  • Society for Cybersecurity • Robotics Club • Society for Business Intelligence• DevDogs
• Find additional clubs and organizations at the Involvement Network 

ONLINE RESOURCES

• Free technical training - access LinkedIn Learning through myUGA
• Github - online portfolio platform. Cannot post code from courses on a public site - must create a private repository
• Hackerrank.com, Pramp.com, & Interviewing.io - free coding interview practice

Potential Career Paths in Computer Science

• Application Analyst - As an application analyst you'll combine the maintenance of IT services with working face-to-face users who need your technical support. Application analysts administrate, monitor, and maintain software infrastructures and applications. 
• Computer Programmer - Computer programmers write the code that allows all computer applications to run. They are responsible for the millions of lines of code it takes to run everything from our phones to satellites to EKG machines. 
• Computer Support Specialist - Support specialists analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption. 
• Data Analyst - Data analysts are in charge of producing and tracking key performance indicators. Additionally, they gather, understand, and document business requirements using a variety of tools and techniques. Additionally, data analysts manipulate, analyze, and interpret complex datasets relating to the business they work for. 
• Data Engineer - Data engineering is the practice of designing and building systems for collecting, storing, and analyzing data at scale. They work in a variety of settings to build systems that collect, manage, and convert raw data into usable information for data scientists and business analysts to interpret. Their ultimate goal is to make data accessible so that organizations can use it to evaluate and optimize their performance.
• Data Scientist- Utilize a combination of analytic, machine learning, data mining, coding, and statistical skills to explain the significance and understanding of large amounts of data. 
• Database Administrator - Database administrators oversee an organization's information, and walk the fine line between optimizing data accessibility for the firm and defending digital property from hackers. Generally speaking, they protect existing databases by backing them up and developing airtight internal security measures. 
• Hardware Engineer - Computer hardware engineers design, implement, and test the hardware and systems that optimize a computer's performance. Through their vision and work, they influence the direction of computer technology development. 
• IT Architect - IT architects are highly skilled developers who envision, design, and provide the foundation for new and improved information management and communication networks. They lead teams and work with designers and developers to create organizational systems that make information retrieval and use simple. 
• IT Consultant- Consultants work with a variety of clients and advise them on how to best use information technology to meet their business objectives and overcome obstacles. Consultants meet with clients, define project scopes, travel to customer sites, analyze IT requirements, and develop solutions to problems. Additionally, consultants help with the implementation of new systems in a business. 
• IT Project Manager - Plan, initiate, and manage information technology (IT) projects. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. Serve as liaison between business and technical aspects of projects. Plan project stages and assess business implications for each stage. Monitor progress to assure deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met.
• Machine Learning Engineer (Artificial Intelligence)- is a method of data analysis that automates analytical model building. A branch of AI, it is based on the idea that systems can learn from code and data, identify patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention.
• Network Administrator - Network administrators act as the chief operating officers of computer networks. They play a pivotal role within companies and organizations, handling day-to-day operations while monitoring both local area networks and wide area networks and their related equipment. 
• Product Manager - Product managers are responsible for managing and guiding a product through its entire life cycle.
• Security Analyst - Security analysts protect an organization's computer network from cyber threats and security breaches through defense planning and incident response. 
• Software Developer/Engineer - Software developers create and maintain computer programs. They are the creative masterminds that give us systems to run devices and computer-related tasks. Software developers specialize in either applications or systems software. 
• Systems Analyst - Systems analysts evaluate an organization's computer systems and processes to help clients operate their businesses more efficiently. Most analysts conduct in-depth system testing, research emerging technologies, and prepare cost analysis reports for clients. 
• Systems Architect - Systems architects design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. 
• Systems Manager - Computer and information systems managers oversee and coordinate an organization's IT operations. Depending on the organization and the individual's specific title, a system manager's duties may range from running a single IT department to overseeing all decision pertaining to a company's use of technology. 
• UX Engineer - A user experience (UX) engineer builds and designs digital products like websites and apps while using UX principles. UX engineers generally deal with the front end of these products—the user-facing parts that people interact with, like the buttons, layouts, and flow of the interfaces. They may work on both engineering teams or design teams, or act as liaisons between the two.
• Web Developer - Web developers design and code the websites we use every day. They are responsible for a site's visual presentation, interactive features, capacity, and backend structure.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

When should I start looking for jobs/internships? The tech industry has two main recruitment seasons- September/October and January/February. May graduates are encouraged to recuit during both seasons, especially fall. To support your search, the UGA Career Center hosts the Engineering & Computer Science fairs in September and January/February every year. To see the specific dates, look on Handshake. 

What skills should I emphasize with employers? Your technical skills are valuable, but don't forget about your soft skills! Remember that programming languages can be taught, but it's much harder to teach someone skills like communication, work ethic, and leadership. Look here to see a list of skills employers and graduate schools value. 

What should a computer science resume look like? A computer science resume typically follows a standard resume formatting. To see a good example, check out the UGA Career Center resume samples.

What are cover letters? Why do I need to write them? A cover letter is a business letter written to the employer that explains why you are qualified and a good fit for their open position. It accompanies your resume when you apply for a job. While your resume is an overview of your experiences, a cover letter directly address how those experiences have qualified you for the role. The cover letter “builds the bridge” between your resume and the position description so that there is no miscommunication regarding your qualifications. For example, “My experience in ____ and ___ have directly prepared me for this role.” Good cover letters are tailored to the job you are applying to. Even if a cover leter is not required for a role, submitting one demonstrates your initiative and excitement about the role. To see a breakdown of a good cover letter, check here. 

Are internships important? Internships are great tools to help you achieve your goals for full-time employment. Computer Science students typically complete an internship the summer before their final year, but you are welcome to search for an internship earlier if you would like. While they are excellent tools, they are not prerequisites for the workforce. You can demonstrate your skills and experiences through other mediums, like class and/or independent projects, part-time jobs, student leadership, and more. 

How can I meet with my career consultant for a one-on-one appointment? You can schedule an appointment with your career consultant by calling 706-254-3375 or logging in to Handshake. On Handshake, click on "Career Center" and then "Appointments." 

O*NET Online – The O*NET database includes information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, and interests associated with over 900 occupations.  

My Next Move – An interactive tool for students and job seekers to learn more about their career options.  

Occupational Outlook Handbook – The OOH is a career resource offering information on the hundreds of occupations that provide most of jobs in the United States.  

Vault – Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work in an industry, company, or profession – and how to position yourself to land that job.  

Candid Career – This resource provides you with access to thousands of informational video interviews with real professionals through an easy-to-use website.  

UGA Mentor Program – Connect with a mentor (alumni, faculty, staff) to research and explore industries and careers. Research industries and careers by connecting with a mentor for a quick chat or formal 16-week mentorship through the UGA Mentor Program.  

Interstride - Interstride is an interactive tool for both international and domestic students to enhance their international experience and employment potential. The platform consists of job-listings, hiring trends, employer information, self-assessments, and up-to-date immigration guidance. 

Glassdoor - Glassdoor is a free jobs and career community that offers an inside look at jobs and companies through "employee generated content" – anonymous salaries, company reviews, interview questions, and more – all posted by employees and job seekers.  

Steppingblocks - Research your future career with real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with career and education searches designed to find your best path based on millions of others. It’s data-powered career exploration for doers like you.

General  

• Handshake (scroll down to the bottom of the page; login with your UGA MyID and password)  
• LinkedIn (this popular networking site also has a job board!) 
• Idealist (non-profit jobs) 
• USAJobs (federal jobs) 

Major/Industry Specific

• General - Computer Jobs • Dice • IT Job Pro • Tech Careers • Association for Computing Machinery
• Gaming - Game Development • GameRecruiter 
• Faculty/Research -  Association for Computing Machinery
• Data - iCrunchData

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS - Association for Computing Machinery • Association for Information Systems • Association for Women in Computing • Information Systems Security Association • Institute for the Certification of Computer Professionals • International Game Developers Association • Internet Society • Mass Technology Leadership Council • Software & Information Industry Association • Storage Networking Industry Association

COMPANY & SALARY RESEARCH - Career Bliss • GlassDoor • Salary.com

LINKEDIN GROUPS - Join LinkedIn groups that are relevant to your career interests.  To search, select "groups" & type in your keywords.  Review the groups that professionals in your field of interest have joined & consider joining those as well. To login, visit the LinkedIn main page.