Looking for a job that’s in-demand? It’s time you cracked the code…
According to 2024 research into the UK cyber security labour market, approximately 637,000 businesses (44%) have a basic technical skills gap, while 390,000 businesses (27%) have gaps in advanced skills, such as penetration testing*. This means jobs in tech are only expected to rise over the next few years – making it a future-proof industry to get qualified in.
Want to fill the technical skills gap? Here are our top tips on how you can get started in a computer science career:
Define your expertise and find the job that suits you
Computer science is a broad field comprising a number of jobs, each requiring similar skill sets but with fairly different responsibilities. Here are a few of the most common jobs, and what they involve:
- Software developer. They create, develop and maintain software programmes, enabling people to carry out tasks on multiple devices.
- Computer systems analyst. They assess an organisation’s computer systems, and make informed suggestions that help improve their efficiency.
- Computer hardware engineer. They focus on the physical components of a computer, and design, develop, and test things like circuit boards and routers.
- Information security analyst. They create and maintain systems that protect an organisation’s data from cyber attacks and security breaches.
- IT project manager. They manage, organise, and coordinate a team of tech professionals working towards a shared goal.
- Web developer. They build the technical structure of a website, making sure they’re easily accessible and optimised for search engines.
But this is by no means a comprehensive list. There are countless opportunities in computer science; you just need to do your research to figure out which one suits you best.
Are you interested in building websites? Or would you rather protect the data that’s on them? Or, is the physical structure of a computer what piques your interest?
Whatever it is, it’s important to find your direction before you get started. Not only to make sure the job is right for you, but also to ensure you’re learning the relevant skills and gaining the right experience to get you there.
Shout about your relevant experience and hobbies
A good portfolio of work is extremely vital in proving your aptitude and proficiency in many jobs – and tech is one of them.
Because of this, gaining experience in the field of computer science – whether it’s through work, study, or both – is essential. You can then compile your most impressive achievements to show to prospective employers.
Don’t have much work experience? Don’t panic. Since tech is a hobby for most people looking to pursue this kind of career, building websites, coding, and general IT wizardry is likely to be something you do for fun. You just knew those MySpace HTML skills would come in handy one day.
From your hobbies, freelance work, or volunteering, to participating in a programming club or attending a hackathon; there are a number of ways to both practice your expertise and put your knowledge on paper.
In an ever-evolving industry like this, recruiters will also be looking for someone who keeps up-to-date with recent news and developments.
So in addition, even something as simple as attending conferences or seminars related to the field, or becoming part of an online community could be all you need to demonstrate your passion.
Gain the skills computer science employers are looking for
OK, so you know you want a job in computer science – but what skills are employers actually looking for? Luckily, everybody has transferable skills (AKA soft skills). You just need to figure out which ones to draw attention to.
Here are a few of the key soft skills that all computer science candidates should have:
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Organisation
- Project management
- Analytical abilities
- Resourcefulness
- Patience
- Curiosity
Other essential skills are more job-specific, and may refer to technical ability. They’re often a prerequisite for certain roles (especially in fields like computer science), and you can gain them through study or on-the-job training.
For example, an aspiring programmer will need to have knowledge of the most popular programming languages, someone focused on analysis will need to learn about databases and cloud, and a career in artificial intelligence calls for an understanding of intelligent control and cognitive systems.
You might also be required to gain skills in a particular specialism, such as cyber security.
Take a computer science course
The world’s reliance on technology is only going to rise with time, meaning people who are capable of building and maintaining it are increasingly in-demand.
That step tracker you have on your phone, the candy based game you’re unashamedly addicted to, or the multitudes of online shopping options; they’re all built by someone. Someone who most likely has a degree in tech.
And it’s never too late to become one of them.
In addition to enabling you to gain core computer science skills and understand the fundamentals of the field, the right computer science course also teaches you how to think critically, contributing towards industry knowledge and pushing the boundaries with code. So whether you want to be a software developer or a technical analyst, a course like this is the perfect way to progress your career in computer science.
Not only will a course teach you the core skills needed to thrive in this industry, as well as help you stand out to employers in a competitive area – it will also always be valuable. Think of it as future-proofing your career.
Still not convinced? Just ask the likes of Facebook’s creator Mark Zuckerberg or Google’s CEO Larry Page, who both studied computer science before going on to work on their tech giants. Honestly, Google it.
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* Source: Cyber security skills in the UK labour market research, September 2024.
