According to Seed Scientific, the volume of data stored on devices ranging from smartphones to server farms is astronomically vast and continues growing by approximately 10% daily.
It estimated that “at the beginning of 2020, the number of bytes in the digital universe was 40 times bigger than the number of stars in the visible universe.”
Along with that growth, the demand for computer scientists who collect, organize and analyze data and create visualizations is accelerating.
As the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes, emerging technologies — artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, robotics and machine learning, for instance — are driving the expansion of the digital universe. It reports: “Computer occupations are projected to be in such high demand over the next 10 years due to continued growth in the digital economy.”
What Career Opportunities Are Open to Computer Science Professionals?
Data analytics are “the oil,” as Forbes calls it, that lubricates operations in businesses in all sectors of the economy, including non-profits and governments, resulting in high demand for experts who can manage digital technology and information systems.
- Data scientists have “the sexiest job of the 21st century,” according to the Harvard Business Review (HBR). They are on the leading edge of artificial intelligence and other processes that automate workflows, optimize logistics and mine data. These technologies enable organizations to make decisions faster and with higher degrees of confidence.
- Network architects design and deploy networks that range in size from connecting computers in an office to enterprise-wide LANs, WANs and intranets. In addition to technical expertise, network architects typically have a firm grasp of business principles to ensure their work product aligns with and supports the organization’s objectives.
- Systems analysts maintain information technology systems, analyze end-user and database practices and innovate solutions to increase network efficiencies. Because they work closely with system users, successful analysts possess soft communication and interpersonal skills as well as the technical expertise to stay abreast of emerging network infrastructure and information management technologies.
- Web developers ensure that the organization’s online presence conforms to its brand standards and achieves metrics for success in website performance, search engine optimization (SEO), traffic and conversion statistics. Because they often work in cross-functional team situations, developers also possess interpersonal skills and business understanding.
- Software engineers typically analyze end-user requirements to create, innovate and deploy applications (application engineers) or manage inter-departmental needs to ensure the efficient implementation and effective scaling for an organization’s information technology systems (systems engineers).
What Expertise Benefits Careers in Computer Science?
Successful candidates for careers in digital disciplines understand and stay abreast of emerging trends in software design, computing languages and integrating hardware and software to help gain efficiencies, enable faster decision-making, manage risk and reduce costs.
Graduates of the Lamar University Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Sciences program are eligible for high-demand positions that require expertise in computer systems architecture, database design and network system administration.
Learn more about Lamar University’s B.S. in Computer Information Science program.
