A computer scientist is a highly skilled individual who creates solutions related to computer programs by combining technology, technical skills, and analytical thinking. They ensure that a company’s computer systems continue to function by troubleshooting for potential issues. Computer scientists often gather analytical insights to drive business decisions. Whatever the company’s needs, computer scientists will use their programming and network management skills to create solutions for them.

The responsibilities of computer scientists will vary depending on their position. Generally speaking, a computer scientist’s responsibilities include:

• Developing and designing software, hardware, and networks
• Writing new programming languages or code
• Analyzing and understanding computer algorithms
• Conducting research experiments to test new theories
• Upgrading or updating computer systems or programs
• Collaborating with software developers and computer engineers to create new technology

Computer science careers
Thanks to a computer scientist’s wide skill set, they aren’t limited to positions solely with computer science in the job title. Common computer science careers include:

• Computer programmer
• Software engineer
• Web developer
• Systems analyst
• Data scientist
• Information technology specialist

Computer scientists have technical skills that involve specialized knowledge to complete specific tasks. Some necessary technical skills include:

• Computer programming is a fundamental part of computer science. Aim to have a functional working knowledge of multiple languages to maximize the number of opportunities available to you based on your abilities. Popular languages include Python, C++, PHP, SQL, and more.
• Data analysis and interpretation are key parts of computer science. Insights gained from data analysis allow companies to make informed decisions.
• Technical writing is an important skill because you’ll need to write documents explaining and detailing your work and findings. Oftentimes, these documents are for those with less technical experience than computer scientists. Therefore information is best presented in a manner that can be understood by audiences without the same expertise.

Workplace skills represent how you approach your work. As a computer scientist, here are some important workplace skills to have:

• Attention to detail allows computer scientists to spot programming errors that may arise when writing code. Being able to identify and correct these issues quickly can be a tremendous time saver and allow for projects to be completed more efficiently.
• Communication is a valuable skill as a computer scientist because you will often be part of a team. This means you’ll be discussing your work and thought processes with team members to ensure everyone is aware of the objective and working towards the same goal.
• Time management is crucial when balancing multiple projects at the same time. Computer scientists must be able to prioritize important tasks to complete everything in a timely manner.