Do you want to get a good start in computer science? There’s a lot to think about, from selecting a computer science degree that will help you develop a variety of technical and soft skills to gain professional experience and build your CV. Here are seven considerations to help you get started in your computer science career on a solid footing. Here are some tips on how to choose a career in computer science.
Choose a wise degree
Unless you intend to pursue an academic career, you should look for computer science degrees that place a strong emphasis on practical and applied approaches to learning. All computer science students at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in the United Kingdom, for example, complete a series of practical projects, including opportunities to work on real-life briefs for clients. This emphasis on applied learning ensures that students graduate prepared for the workplace, having gained valuable hands-on experience and employer feedback.
Complete placements as a part of your studies
There is no better way to prepare for computer science careers than to gain relevant work experience in addition to completing practical projects. At UCLan, all computer science students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, have the opportunity to complete a one-year paid and assessed work placement as part of their course. The majority of placements are with local employers, but there is also the option to finish this year in industry with an English-speaking employer somewhere else in Europe.Â
Get a foundation before specialization
You may already know what area of computer science you want to specialize in, and it can be tempting to jump right into a highly specialized course. However, don’t go too fast! You don’t want to waste time pursuing a specialization that you later decide to abandon or risk missing out on some of the fundamental elements that underpin all computer science careers. All undergraduate students at UCLan begin with an overview of core computer science topics before deciding on a specialized pathway.Â
Check the credibility of your courses
Before deciding on a computer science degree, you should check to see if it is accredited by any professional bodies. The British Computer Society, for example, has accredited UCLan’s computer science programs. This ensures that high standards of course development and delivery are met, with the department subjected to regular external evaluation. It’s also an effective way for graduates to demonstrate to employers that they’re ready for the workforce.
As many employers will want to know students studied a program with professional accreditation.
Learn the soft skills for computer science
You may believe that technical skills are all that is required for computer science careers, but interpersonal skills are equally important.
With this in mind, ensure that your degree program provides opportunities to develop communication and teamwork skills, as well as related knowledge.
In high demand among employers, such as agile project management.
In general, being a part of a welcoming and supportive community will help you develop and succeed during your studies and beyond. This was in brief about careers in computer science, click here to know more about how to get a data science job as a fresher.
