Interview any group of computing folks, and you will find
diverse personalities, interests, priorities, learning styles,
and preferences about work environments.
Ask these people what brought them to computing, and you will
get an equally diverse range of answers. Here are some
common responses, categorized into the areas of problem
solving, contributions to society, and career options.
Problem Solving
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Computer science requires creativity, insights, background, and skill in
problem solving. Each new application, problem, and opportunity presents
an new range of problems, and computer scientists enjoy finding solutions.
Computing folks thrive on the challenge of solving puzzles.
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Computing problems provide intellectual stimulation. Investigations often
start with a high-level vision for a technique or application or system.
Creative exploration and analysis takes computer scientists through various
levels of abstraction and detail. Eventually, this work results in a
working algorithm or system that provides an effective solution.
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Much problem solving in computer science entails a wonderful mixture of
theory and practice. The field of computing includes a rich and deep
theory that provides a framework for thinking about problems and solutions.
In many cases, this theory has direct impact on the development of real
systems.
Contributions to Society
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Since computers support so many parts of contemporary society (e.g.,
in transportation, medicine, engineering, economics, entertainment,
technical theater, record keeping, insurance—the list seems
endless), work in the computing field provides the opportunity to
contribute to many aspects of society. Computing applications
have great potential to help address human needs and improve the
quality of life.
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Computer science is inherently interdisciplinary.
Many computing applications connect computer scientists with professionals
in many disciplines. Complex systems draw upon multiple subjects and
perspectives, so most computing folk work with a diverse range of people.
Long gone are the days when computing was a solitary enterprise. Today,
system developers usually work in teams, and work includes extensive
personal interactions with clients and colleagues.
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By its nature, computer science draws on diverse disciplines as part
of the problem-solving process. For example,
Computing Curricula 2001 identifies at least three major "processes" that
come together in computer science.
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Theory uses the mathematical model of deductive reasoning from axioms to
logical consequences.
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Abstraction uses the scientific method to collect data, create models of
problems and environments, design experiments, and analyze results.
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Design uses the methodology of engineering to clarify requirements of
a problem, design and implement solutions, and develop patterns for testing.
Career Possibilities
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Despite many news reports regarding off shoring, the field of computing has
remarkable potential for long-term careers.
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Within the United States, employment in the IT sector increased 17%
from 1999 to 2004—even with all the news of the dot-com difficulties.
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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that computing is the field
with the greatest potential for growth through 2014.
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Money Magazine and Salary.com identified "software engineer" at the very
top of their listings of the "Best Jobs in America." Further, number 7 on
the listing was "computer/IT analysis". In describing the position of
software engineer, www.salary.com wrote, "The profession's strong growth
prospectives, average pay of $80,500, and potential for creativity put it
at the top of the list."
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"According to a January 2006 article on CNN.com, salaries for computing
professionals are rising extremely fast. Among the top-ten jobs with the
fastest growing salaries, computing represents fully half the list".
"Computing Degrees and
Careers" by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).