From games developer to manager of IT and communications services, you'll have a range of opportunities open to you as a computer science graduate

Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

• Application analyst
• Applications developer
• Cyber security analyst
• Data analyst
• Database administrator
• Forensic computer analyst
• Game designer
• Games developer
• Information systems manager
• IT consultant
• Software engineer
• Systems analyst
• UX designer
• Web designer
• Web developer

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• IT sales professional
• IT trainer
• Nanotechnologist
• Network engineer
• Supply chain manager
• Telecommunications researcher

Work experience

Your computer science course may include a year in industry, which will give you the opportunity to develop commercial skills and build up a network of contacts.

It's useful to develop a personal portfolio of your own projects, such as those involving programming, building a website or carrying out tasks online as a moderator. Evidence of, for example, your initiative and ability in fixing bugs, improving functionality or building an app will help show your skills and interest in the subject.

Joining a university club or society that gives you the opportunity to develop your computing, web design or multimedia skills also helps when applying for graduate jobs.

Typical employers

Common employers are IT consultancies and IT service providers. However, as most businesses rely on computers to function effectively, there are also opportunities within the IT departments of major organisations in sectors such as:

• aerospace and defence
• agricultural
• financial services
• healthcare
• manufacturing
• public and third sectors
• retail
• telecommunications.

You can also find opportunities with a range of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Another option is to set up your own business, providing IT services such as web design and consultancy.

Skills for your CV

Computing degrees combine theoretical study and practical projects, teaching you subject-specific skills including:

• programming languages
• hardware architecture and construction
• network design and engineering
• software engineering
• multimedia design
• software tools and packages.

You'll learn how to specify, design and construct computer-based systems, evaluate and recognise potential risks and design creative solutions.

More generic skills include:

• teamwork and leadership
• communication
• problem-solving
• negotiation
• time management and organisation
• report writing
• numeracy
• commercial awareness.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is especially important when you're working with computers as technology and software develops at such a rapid pace.