Computer science is becoming a very popular degree. It is one of the most chosen STEM disciplines because it is so pervasive. Every business in the world needs tech experts who can help them better understand their data, or who can help improve their cyber security, or who have skills in software development.

 

It will allow you to work in any industry you choose. You can follow your passions and be incredibly well paid for your efforts. There is still, to this day, a huge gap in the workforce, meaning you will find it easy to get a job, especially if you follow this guide to further your career.

 

Be Aware of the State of the Industry

 

The best way to further your degree is to know where you want to go with it. If you keep changing your mind it will be harder to get the qualifications and experience that you will need to really make your way up the career ladder.

 

Because IT specialists are so expensive, employers typically start by asking for the world from their hires. You don’t need to have the experience that they are looking for, and should always apply regardless of whether the role is something you are interested in, because unlike other positions IT roles tend to read more like a wish list than an actual list of requirements.

The only time you will need that full list of requirements is for very well paid, senior roles. You cannot apply and hope for the best because the companies that offer these jobs need the best of the best, and you can only be the best if you are very good at what you do. If you try to be a jack-of-all trades, you’ll never reach that level of expertise.

 

To help you decide what you want to specialize in, consider:

 

Type of Work

 

The first thing you need to consider is what you enjoy doing. If you are a natural statistician, then your skillset could naturally lend itself to the #1 job in the United States – that of a Data Scientist. If you enjoy creating, software development is perfect. If you want the big bucks, then cyber-security is the perfect position.

Each branch in IT requires vastly different tasks that you will be expected to do hour after hour, so make sure you enjoy the work and find it interesting.

 

Job Pay

 

All IT positions are very well paid, with the average income ranging between $98,350 to $142,530 per year. This high pay is simply because there is a massive lack in specialists available. Cybersecurity alone saw a 94% increase in jobs in the last few years, and there are not enough experts available to fill them all. If you want to be paid very well for what you do, choose a position that has little competition, so you naturally position yourself at the top tier of candidates.

 

Work Life

 

Your ideal work/life balance should also come into play. IT work can be done in an office, freelance, or remotely. Most can be customized to suit your needs and specifics will be hashed out with each individual employer, but each role does have its own expectations. If you work in cyber security, for example, a hacking attempt cannot wait until you are back in office. You need to be able to fix issues as they come, which could mean long nights and odd hours.

 

Achieve a Higher Qualification

 

The most important thing you can do for your career when using a higher qualification is to choose the right degree. The higher up you go in education the more you will need to be specific about what you want to specialize in.

 

In 2020, that degree also has to be 100% online, and not just converted at the last second. It needs to have been designed to be completed online, otherwise you simply won’t get the same quality of education that you need to learn and understand the concepts presented to you.

If you can, try to choose a degree that allows you to specialize down the line. This way you can build up a larger skillset and give yourself time to work out specifically what you want to do if you don’t already know.

 

Finding such an online Masters in Computer Science will do so much for your career, and can be completed at your own pace, meaning you could even continue to work while you study and really make strides forward in your career.

 

Shadow and Take on Work

 

Once you know where you want to take your career, start seeking out opportunities. The best place to start is in your current workplace. See if you can shadow or be mentored by someone in the position or department you want to work in. You’ll learn on the job and, most importantly, know the right people for the future.

 

Complete Workshops and Short-Courses

 

Everything in the tech industry moves fast. Knowing basics means that you can brush up on the changes by taking certifications and workshops online. This way you can become familiar with a new tech or update, and if there is a certification you will have proof that you know your stuff.

This should be done always. It doesn’t matter if you are the best in your field. It doesn’t matter if you have a Masters or a PhD. Times will change and you must change with them.

 

Build a Strong Network

The best way to further your career, of course, is to build up a strong network. Stay in touch with the staff in your Masters. Build up connections through your job. Try to meet people and stay in touch at any workshop or conference you attend. This is how you will become the ideal candidate for jobs they may not even advertise for, because they immediately think of you when they are starting to hire. Never underestimate the power of the right connections, just be sure to have the skills to back them up.