However, the important steps to complete a computer science degree are not as technically oriented as you might think. Many of them simply involve taking a minute mid-decision to take your bearings. Explore our step-by-step guide on how to tackle a computer science degree and what professional skills can benefit you most.
1. Decide which degree level is necessary for your career path.
Different degree levels serve different learners. In the case of computer science degrees, the higher the degree level, the more qualified you become for theory-intensive careers involving special topics such as machine learning.
2. Develop computer science skills in your courses.
Computer science courses develop core skills in programming languages, software development, systems architecture, and information system. But sometimes students get caught up in checking off tasks rather than building skills. Instead of obsessing about grades or cramming to pass exams, focus on developing career-ready skills. Stay engaged in class and devote more energy to learning relevant skills than worrying about grades. Focusing on core skills will help majors specialize in their upper-division classes.
4. Learn skills outside of your degree program.
Computer science majors need strong programming, quality assurance testing, and technical problem-solving skills. In addition to strengthening these abilities in school, students should take advantage of outside resources. Plan to tackle the math requirements early in a computer science degree to gain the skills necessary for advanced computer science courses. Programming apps, computer science blogs, and dev podcasts help learners add skills outside of class. If your school doesn’t offer courses in a particular programming language, you should look for resources outside of school. Learning how to identify valuable resources serves computer science professionals well throughout their careers.
6. Consider which industries interest you.
Computer science majors work in a variety of industries. While many major tech companies hire computer science graduates, the degree also leads to opportunities in business, finance, healthcare, engineering, and other sectors. First-year computer science students often take a variety of classes to determine their concentration. Courses in programming, software design, computer engineering, game development, and front-end design introduce majors to potential specializations. Computer science concentrations include:
Artificial intelligence and machine learningData science and analyticsInformation securityComputer networkingNetwork architectureSoftware developmentGame designSoftware engineeringBioinformaticsCloud infrastructure
Computer science professionals interested in the arts may work for advertising agencies, gaming companies, or graphic design companies. Health and medical careers offer possibilities in bioinformatics, laboratory science, or healthcare information management. Students should consider each industry’s earning potential, job duties, and work-life balance. SEE: Your step-by-step guide on networking your way into a tech company Many computer science programs incorporate an internship in their graduation requirements. Students may take an internship during the school year or over the summer. Reach out to your computer science department first to ask about internship opportunities. Students can also seek out internship postings in their target industries. That can mean creating a calendar with every deadline for the semester, writing a weekly to-do list, or implementing a system of alerts to stay on top of projects. Particularly with longer-term assignments, managing deadlines can mean the difference between a passing or failing grade. Some students feel energized and creative in the morning, while others work best at night. Plan to complete your most taxing work, whether that’s coding, studying for exams, or working on projects, during those times. Talking to professors can mean better letters of recommendation for job applications for grad school. Plus, professors offer useful advice for completing a computer science degree. As a first step, plan to go to office hours at least once a semester. That might mean building a custom website, linking to GitHub projects, or designing a digital portfolio. By cataloging projects during school, graduates will hit the job market ready to show off their skills. Learning requires practice, whether you’re studying a new programming language or building up your dev skills. So make it a priority to practice. Attend departmental networking events and meet up with students outside of class. Join computer science clubs, ask people questions, and build a network that will last even after graduation. Having a life outside of school staves off burnout and improves mental health. So make friends with a humanities major, join a fencing club, write a novel, and go on family vacations. Life is about more than school. Make time for your life outside of it. Between completing projects and applying for computer science scholarships, remember why you chose a computer science major. Stay focused on your goals and keep making progress.
