WHAT TO DO WITH A MAJOR
IN . . .
Computer Science
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Computer Science is the study of
computers and their applications. It is an exciting
field attracting all sorts of people interested in the
roles that computers play in society. In particular, the
program at NMU is attracting people from all spheres of
society, including more women than ever before. A degree
in Computer Science can allow you to work in a large
computing firm (like Microsoft or Intel) or in a
computer division of a smaller company. You can choose
to work designing the next generation of computers
themselves, or you can use your computer expertise to
work in a seemingly unrelated field of interest to you.
The Computer Science major will
train you in computer programming (including graphics
programming and Internet |
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programming), computer theory, and
even some computer hardware design. Many of our
graduates go on to get advanced degrees in Computer
Science and many use their degree to open the door to a
fascinating career. Our majors have the opportunity to
compete in regional programming contests, to at-tend
undergraduate research conferences, to participate in
our student-oriented computing clubs, to earn
substantial income and invaluable experience on
engineering internships at leading corporations, and
even (for our most prepared and dedicated students) to
work on original research projects!
Your education at NMU
will be well-utilized when you enter the job market or
continue your education in graduate school.
Communication skills are absolutely necessary in any
career field today, so be sure to take advantage of
opportunities here to develop strong speaking and
writing skills. More-over, your research skills,
critical thinking and problem-solving ability, and
general analysis skills will be sharpened through your
mathematics and computer science courses, and also
through various elective course offerings.
You should begin the resume-building process as soon as
you can. The Academic and Career Advisement Center can
assist you with career planning, while Career Services
will help you fine tune your resume and look for jobs
related to your field. In the meantime, the more
hands-on experience you have, the better the chances are
that you will find a job. Becoming involved in a
professional related internship is a way to develop your
professional skills and gain experience. (We regularly
place students in local and national internships at
major technology centers, including Intel Corporation,
Amazon.com, and NASA.) Your academic course work is
important as well, so be sure to maintain a high grade
point average.
It is important to make "contacts"
if you are interested in securing governmental
employment.
Some of these positions may require
special certification. A minor or second major in
business may be helpful, as would obtaining an
internship.
Remember to take any
necessary exams early; it can take six weeks for results
to be sent to the schools to which you applied. |
Additional Resources
For hundreds of different types of jobs in areas such as
computer science,
network computing,
mathematics, and
mathematics education,
the Occupational Outlook
Handbook tells you the training and education needs,
earnings, expected job prospects, what workers do on the job, and
working conditions.
Northern Michigan University Career
Information
Career Information with
National
Organizations
Federal Job Opportunities
Other Internet Resources
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Information in . . .
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