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You Don't Have to Be a Techie to Have a Computer Career

by Mary Hobson
mary.hobson@hqpublications.com
Technology Schools Columnist

In today's high-tech climate, computing involves so many different areas, applications, and technologies that there is demand for an almost infinite skill set.

Computer education covers topics ranging from designing and engineering individual microelectronics components, to designing attractive and artistic graphics for games and applications; from coding programs, to helping people use computer applications more effectively.

A Computer Science Degree – Your Gateway to Technology

If you elect to start your computer education with a computer science degree, you will spend time looking at the array of technologies. A computer science degree will give you grounding in the physics and math of the engineering side of hardware, plus knowledge of the principles of computing that underlie computer programming and the design of computing applications.

A computer science degree is an excellent beginning to a technical career, and can lead to jobs in a whole variety of technical, system administration and security areas, but the computer careers that arise from this computer education are only a part of the range of computer jobs on the job market.

Computer Jobs for Graphic Designers

There is a whole other array of computer jobs that need artistic talent and a basis of graphic design, mostly involving applications such as games and the internet. In fact, many computer applications require good design to make their interface with the user more effective. If you have artistic talents and an interest in computing technology, then you need to look at the kinds of computer education that deal with these areas, such as website design and games design.


These areas are going to become both more important and in more demand in the computer jobs market, so you will find that your computer career opportunities are likely to increase in the years ahead.

A Computer Education for Application Services

Another area of computer jobs that you may be interested in is that of training and similar computer services. There is an enormous demand for training in applications that people use on computers and for help lines, consultancy and similar services that make it easier for computer applications to be used effectively, particularly in business and industry.

Building a computer career in this area requires skills that are technical, but you will also need good people and communications skills and the ability to teach applications and explain their workings to users in detail.

Computing is growing and changing rapidly; as computer applications become increasingly part of the fabric of everyday life, computer jobs are diversifying, and you have the opportunity to find a computer career that will allow you to take best advantage of your particular skills and qualities.

So look beyond a computer science degree when you think of your career in computing. You will be surprised at the possibilities.

About the Author

Mary Hobson is a consultant for technology start-ups in Russia. She has also worked as an executive officer in a defense facility and as a university lecturer in computer science and management information. Mary earned her first degree in textile marketing and subsequently studied education and computer science at a Master's degree level.

Sources

• http://www.computer.org/careers
• http://www.inforingpress.com
• http://www.bellaonline.com/site/computercareers