How to become A Computer Scientist

Armed with the knowledge that computers can solve a wide range of issues, Computer Scientists integrate technical understanding, creativity and scientific research skills to decode smart solutions.

• Information Research Scientist

What do Computer Scientists do?

A Computer Scientist would typically need to:

• Apply and adapt theoretical principles and computer science-related math skills to develop new hardware or software computing techniques and materials that enhance people’s interactions with computers
• Explore, identify and solve intricate tech-related issues in business, medicine and other significant industries
• Pinpoint and assess practical computing problems; develop theories and models to fix the errors
• Develop new computing languages and software systems; design and conduct experiments to test the operation of software systems, using techniques from data science and machine learning
• Conduct research in artificial intelligence, robotics and virtual reality through study, experimentation, investigation and modelling
• Analyse the results of completed experiments; document and publish critical findings besides presenting them at conferences
• Collaborate with programmers, IT professionals, natural scientists and mechanical, electrical or software engineers to solve complex problems while updating products and creating new ones
• Liaise with end-users, managers and vendors to zero in on essential computing goals and system requirements
• Improve the performance of existing computing technologies and software

The nature of the work mandates a secure office-type environment, although remote work in different locations is necessary, especially when collaborating with other professionals and research scientists.

Computer Scientists work 9 to 5, Monday to Friday. They may have to work nights and weekends beyond the 40-hour work schedule to resolve technical errors and bugs or meet deadlines. Contract work on a freelance basis and part-time work are viable options.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Computer Scientists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Computer Scientists are generally employed by:

• Research Institutes
• Large Computer & Software Companies
• Social Media Companies
• The Government
• Large Manufacturing Entities
• Financial Service Providers
• Computer Systems Design & Related Services
• Educational Institutions
• Software Publishers 

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology, are crucial for Computer Scientists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. 

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• High probability of making errors while analysing and using data; technical bugs and errors that repeatedly occur in the final stages of testing
• Health issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome arising from sitting down at the computer for extended periods; disrupted circadian rhythms and sleep patterns due to frequent overnight work
• Acclimatising to a professional working environment that is quite different from an academic one
• Ensuring the customer and other team members are on the same page regarding one’s role in the project
• Keeping up with the changing trends of technology fuelled by intense competition and globalisation
• Mandatory collection of insignificant everyday data
• Lack of work-life balance along with stresses involved in handling various projects and additional responsibilities

Ideally, post-secondary programs offer a year-long work experience in the industry, allowing you to build contacts and appropriate commercial skills.

If your course does not provide such an option, consider taking up IT-related internships, work placements or shadowing opportunities advertised by your careers service or internship partner companies.

However, since this role is relatively new, focus on gaining closely related experience and desirable qualifications if any of the above options are not forthcoming.

Developing a personal portfolio of your work, such as programming, creating websites or moderating tasks online, also counts towards work experience. Join a school/university club or society to showcase your computing, web design or multimedia skills.

Reading about the profession and interviewing experts working in computer science or IT are additional ways to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Computer Scientists require a master’s degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, robotics, computer science & information technology, information & computer science, computer engineering, mathematics or physics.

Some employers prefer candidates with a PhD for positions that may require an advanced understanding of Computer Science or additional research skills. At the same time, government agencies may consider applicants with a bachelor’s degree in information systems or computer science for entry-level positions. 

An associate degree may also fetch you an entry-level role if your skills in and knowledge of computer-science related math skills such as linear algebra, calculus, statistics and discrete mathematics prove to be adequate.

It would be wise to consider that graduate Computer Scientists have access to a range of opportunities across diverse fields with ample scope for specialisation, higher paycheques and career progression.

However, it would also help to remember that your skill and knowledge carry more weight than your academic qualifications to establish and advance your career in this highly competitive field.

In addition, note that if you wish to work in a specialised field, you may need to acquire additional knowledge of the subject. So, you may need to have studied biology if you wish to work on biomedical applications.

Certification demonstrates a Computer Scientist’s competence in coding, programming languages and information systems security, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination.

Companies that use Cisco or Microsoft products may mandate vendor-specific certification to validate their employees’ skills or qualify them for promotion or higher salary.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of additional professional qualifications drive the career progression of Computer Scientists.

As a rule, they advance to leadership or managerial positions such as Project Manager, Manager of Information Systems or Chief Information Officer.

Sizeable multinational tech firms usually have the best salary potential and career advancement opportunities.

Candidates with a master’s degree in computer science and desirable certifications have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Computer Scientist build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

It also enables the regular renewal of desirable certifications.

CPD allows you to upskill in this constantly evolving field, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge. Take advantage of any in-house training programs which cater to the organisation’s software and business objectives.

Acquire a nanodegree in advanced machine learning to advance your career and a doctoral degree if you wish to pursue an alternate career in research or academics or both. 

Learn new programming languages, specific applications or operating systems to enhance your technical knowledge further. Any training in honing soft skills such as management and leadership will facilitate job success and satisfaction.

Getting Off the Ground

Computer science, as an independent discipline, was born in the early 1960s. Its roots lie among the interdisciplinary branches of mathematics, electrical engineering, physics and management information systems.

Pick One or Maybe Two

Computer Science is home to several influential specialisations. 

The first and foremost is a theoretical computer science that delves into data structures and algorithms, theory of computation, information theory and coding theory, programming language theory, and formal methods.

If you have a knack for coding and advanced computational thinking, this is a great choice for you! 

Then comes the realm of computer systems, which deals with computer architecture and engineering, computer performance analysis, concurrency, distributed computing, computer networks, computer security and cryptography, and databases. 

Computer applications include computer graphics and visualisation, human-computer interaction, scientific computing, and artificial intelligence. Individuals with high creativity and visual-spatial skills will thrive in this area. 

Software Engineering is more distinctly known because of its ingenuity. It covers the application of engineering to software development in a systematic method.

Pioneers of Computer Science

Alan Turing (The Father of Computer Science) formalised the concepts of "algorithm" and "computation" with his Turing Machine and developed the British Bombe machine, which helped crack Germany's Enigma code during WW2. 

Grace Hopper invented the compiler, coined the term ‘debugging’ and created Cobalt, one of the first and widely used programming languages.

Shaun Fanning, who invented the P2P (peer-to-peer) file-sharing, is followed by James Gosling and his team that invented Java in 1995, one of today’s most prolific and powerful coding languages.

With the onset of the twentieth century, geniuses such as Steve Jobs received more recognition worldwide due to his revolutionary approach towards mobile and personal computing.

Computer Scientists - What Do We Owe Them?

With almost all sectors from scientific research to health development to banking to communications relying on data and software programs, we owe the faster, more convenient and more connected digital age we live in today to Computer Scientists.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Computer Scientists have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Computer Scientist has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Computer Science is one of the most commonly studied subjects in the UK, Greece, and Germany because of its internationally attractive study and work opportunities.

Although they haven’t yet received due credit beyond the realms of computer science and IT, it is a matter of time before Computer Scientists are recognised as the driving force behind modern computing and rewarded accordingly.

Take breaks and keep your mind at ease while working to re-energize yourself and ensure productivity. Success for a Computer Scientist rests on consistency rather than productivity and teamwork.