As a software engineer, you would design, modify, develop, write, implement and test software programming applications to meet specific client needs. Did you know that the world’s most widely used operating system, Microsoft Windows XP, has over 40 million lines of code? Coordinating such projects requires more than just programming. Software engineers possess the teamwork and management skills to get it done.

Most companies today warehouse their data in large applications called databases. As a database administrator, you play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of any business you are employed for. You would administer, maintain, and develop database designs, and implement policies and procedures for ensuring the security and integrity of the data. This is one of the most lucrative areas of computing science.

Business analysts are responsible for analyzing the business needs of clients or stakeholders to help identify business problems and propose viable and cost-effective solutions. As a business analyst, you would have sound understanding of business practices and have the information technology skills to improve how any organization conducts its activities in order to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and better support customers.

Would you enjoy the challenge of working in a team environment where you have to use both your technical and creative skills? Video game developers are individuals who create video games, whether online, for commercial consoles like Xbox, or for mobile devices like cell phones. As a video game developer, you could be responsible for all or part of designing the layout, concept and gameplay, programming, or even testing and debugging of games depending on whether you are self-employed or working for a game publisher. This is a huge market with many possibilities for creative students who are technology-savvy.

Do you want to improve people’s lives by helping in the creation of new ‘smart drugs and vaccines’ that are tailor-made to be more targeted and have fewer side effects? Do you want to help find a cure for diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’ or Parkinson’s or help create tests for the screening of genetic diseases? These are just some of the challenges that Bioinformaticians work on everyday. Bioinformaticians use their knowledge of biology and chemistry with a strong understanding of mathematical and computational models to store, organize, analyze, and visualize medical and other health data.

Web developer is a varied and continually evolving field where you may be engaged in the process of planning, modeling, and delivering electronic content via the World Wide Web. As a web developer, you may be focused on such aspects as page layout, user interface and graphics, site visibility, or with writing the source code, implementing new functionality, integrating database applications, or working with server-side issues to ensure the smooth operation of websites.

As a Cryptographer, you could be employed in either the public or private sectors and concerned with creating programs to encode and decode information to protect the security of computer passwords, sensitive or classified data, electronic commerce transactions and other banking applications such as ATM cards to name but a few potential applications. Cryptography requires a strong background in both computing science and mathematics.

Computing Careers: The Future Is Bright InfoQ (06/29/10) West, Dave A new report from Calvin College professor Joel Adams suggests a bright future for people pursuing computing careers. The report, "The Market for Computing Careers," notes that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that for the foreseeable future, nearly three out of four new science or engineering jobs in the United States will be in computing... Full Story

Want a job? Get a computer science degree - NetworkWorldCanada on Verge of IT Student ShortageComputer science major is cool again

ICT Worforce Development Coalition highlights impact of not filling the estimated 90,000 ITC positions set to open up across the country over the next five years.

The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is a not- for-profit sector council dedicated to creating a strong, prepared and highly educated Canadian ICT industry and workforce.

Employment and Salaries of Recent CS Graduates – Computing Research Association CS graduates earn high salaries. CS graduates are tied for second place with health majors for the highest median salary at the bachelor’s level ($45,000) and tied for first with engineering at the master’s level ($65,000). This compared to median salaries among all science, engineering and health fields of $39,000 at the bachelor’s level and $56,000 at the master’s level.

Canadian government website categorizing job prospects for various occupations. Computing science occupations are found in the good category (as rated on a 3-point scale from poor – fair – good).

Technology: It's Where the Jobs Are – Business Week A new survey shows growth across the country, with higher-than-average pay. And with the number of tech grads falling, demand will only rise.

New Data Show Strong Labor Market for Scientists and Engineers

Bill Gates says that Microsoft needs more skilled workers

Industry feels pinch as numbers of IT grads plummet

Yes, The Tech Skills Shortage Is Real

Canadian government website categorizing job prospects for various occupations. Computing science occupations are found in the good category (as rated on a 3-point scale from poor – fair – good).

Computer industry faces crisis due to shortage of skilled workers.

BC publishes salaries of all government workers, including programmers. Salaries for system administrators are as high as $118k and $57/hour. Click here for the article.

Software Engineer Salaries in Canada by Year/Experience

IT Job Prospects. A US government web site showing projected job demand in several industries. IT is among high growth industries. You can read about industry overview and get a list of highly demanded IT occupations.

IT Job Prospects and Salaries on the Rise - a USA based study.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers reports that average salary offers to Computing Science graduates are up 4.5% over 2006. IT Job Prospects and Salaries on the Rise - a USA based study.

IT Salaries to Rise Twice as Fast as Inflation – CIO Insight

Computer Jobs Hit Record High - CIO Insight

Six IT fields in top 20 recession-proof professions - Computerworld

Surprise! Tech Is a Safe Career Choice Today