What can I do with a computer science degree besides programming?
March 2nd, 2010 | 
Author: I know this is the programming section, but maybe some of you can answer this.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in computer science. What can I do that isn’t strictly programming or software development (it can involve some programming, but not where 100% of your work is coding)? Also what can I do that’s outside of the IT industry? And what would I need to have or learn besides my degree to get there?
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There are lots of people with CS degrees that don’t write code for a living.
Outside of IT, well, I guess there are a bazillion options, from flipping burgers to becoming the CEO of a trillion dollar company. (the CEO thing will probably take some extraordinary effort on your part).
Some options within the tech world:
* Software testing/Quality assurance. Usually requires good tech knowledge, ability to learn complex software systems, good communication skills. May or may not involve some programming.
* Tech support/Help desk. This is a pretty broad field that can range from telling people how to save a file in Word, to talking an IT guru through configuring your companies IPVS router to support VPN connections on IPV6 connections. (The latter probably pays better).
* Technical writing. If you happen to be good at writing (most techies aren’t), and you happen to have good communication skills (most techies don’t), then tech writing might be a viable choice. It’s not an easy job. You have to get a techie to translate IPVS … VPN …IPV6 into something you understand, then write it in English so your grandmother can understand it. You couldn’t pay me enough to do that!!!
* Technical specialist. This is a bit above the tech support/help desk role, but same idea. You need to be able to master some complex bit of technology and troubleshoot problems. You are sort of the middle person between customers and the programmers.
* Sales. Do you think you would be good at sales? Most people who get a CS degree aren’t, but if you happen to be the oddball…I’ve worked with a LOT of people in sales that know ***NOTHING*** about the technology they are selling. I’ve worked with a few that DID know enough to understand what they were selling. They were usually the most successful.
game designer?
professional game tester?
a lot of game testers in blizzard and pro gamers started off programming
* Animator
* Computer Aided Designer
* Computer Programmer
* Database Analyst/Manager
* Educator
* Media Center Worker
* Software Engineer
* Software Developer
* Systems Analyst
* Webmaster
Well you can also help me make a website! (my programmer is bailing on me and I need one) let me know if you’re interested (it’s a big project)
Programming is design, not coding. ("Here’s a problem to solve – design a computer program to do it." That’s logic, not coding.) But you could also teach.