If you have been out of education for a long time, and have a lot of other responsibilities to balance it can be difficult to decide whether it is worth going back to education to get a degree. It can be a source of stress and worry to work out how you are going to balance everything and make it work. Yet, there is some security that comes with some positions as we continue to advance as a society, and security and stability are two things every employee desires.
The IT field is a broad field but the skill set is highly sought after. With apps and more reliance on the Internet, companies require individuals well versed in computer technology and software management.
What kinds of jobs could you apply for?
- IT Consultancy – As an IT consultant, you will help businesses to reach their objectives by advising them on the types of IT systems they should be installing and using. You will also work out how to overcome any problems a business may be having or help them to improve the efficiency of the IT systems that they already have in place.
- Games developer – As a game developer, you could be working on the programming side of things, or you could be dealing more with the animation and story of the game. Both require you to have some experience during your degree and a portfolio of work that you have completed.
- Systems analyst – You will try to find solutions to problems in current computer systems and software to improve the efficiency and productivity of businesses.
- Web Developer – As a web developer, you will be well versed on how to write web design programs and will ensure that a website looks great and has a variety of graphics and applications integrated into it.
- Cybersecurity consultant – This career may require you to complete some more specialized modules during your degree, but it is a job that has increasing importance in the modern world. As a cybersecurity consultant, you will need to do what you can to help your employers ensure that their IT systems have the right security systems in place to protect confidential data and other systems from being hacked.
How do you break into the field of IT?
The first requirement for most positions is a degree in computer science. The specifics of what you learn when you are studying for a computer science degree can vary from university to university. However, there are some things that you can expect to cover in most places. You will learn a range of programming languages that you will be able to improve on and adapt in the future. You should also gain some knowledge about the different computer science theories, methods, strategies and practices. There will be a chance to increase your understanding of computer software and their engineering and design, amongst other things.
As well as many skills specific to computer science, you will also find yourself becoming equipped with many transferable skills that will help you in many aspects of your life. These include the ability to work as a team, leadership skills, time management and communication.
What are the requirements needed to study a computer science degree?
As a degree in computer science involves the use of calculations and algorithms and is considered by some to be a foundational science, it is usually required by many universities that students have some background in mathematics. Some universities will also require you to have good physics qualifications, but there is typically no requirement for you to have studied computer science at school or college. This may be because some schools and colleges still do not offer it as an option that you can study. If you have a background in math and physics, however, this can give universities the confidence that you will be able to handle the work that you need to do.
Is there a difference between computer science and information technology?
Sometimes ‘computer science’ and ‘information technology’ are used interchangeably in degree titles for degree content that is essentially the same. Other times they are used to indicate that the focus of the degree is different. It is essential to check as there has been no universal distinction made between the two.
When you are looking and applying for a course, you should try to find out more about the course content so that you know it is what you want to be studying and you are getting everything that you want out of the degree.
If you are looking for a difference between the two, computer science tends to focus on the more technical aspects of technology. In contrast, information technology will be a mixture of both business and technology. Deciding which is the right course for you will depend on the job or career that you want to go into.
Other reasons you should consider studying computer science
As technology continues to grow and develop, the job opportunities in every sector for people with computer science degrees will continue to grow. Computer science is one of the subjects with the highest rate of people finding employment or going into further study within six months of finishing their degree, so it shows that job opportunities are there.
Additionally, IT and computer science work often allows the flexibility that other jobs lack. There are more opportunities for telecommuting and/or flexible hours, which means more time with your children.
With technology always changing, and opportunities in most industries, it also means that it will be difficult for you to get bored in your line of work. There is always something new to learn, and a different industry to find IT work in if you need a change of scenery.
