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Computer and Information Scientists
Overview » Industry Pathways » Telecommunications Technologies 
Computer and information scientists are workers who can be involved in a wide variety of interesting and fun jobs! They work as theorists, researchers, or inventors. Their jobs are distinguished by the high level of theoretical expertise and innovation they apply to complex problems and the creation or application of new technology. Those employed by academic institutions work in areas ranging from complexity theory to hardware to programming-language design.
Some work on multidisciplinary projects such as developing and advancing uses of virtual reality, extending human-computer interaction, or designing robots. Their counterparts in private industry work in areas such as applying theory, developing specialized languages or information technologies, or designing programming tools, knowledge-based systems, or even computer games.
Computer and information scientists held 25,000 jobs in 2006. Although they are increasingly employed in every sector of the economy, the greatest concentration of these workers is in the computer systems design and related services industry. Firms in this industry provide services related to the commercial use of computers on a contract basis, including custom computer programming services; computer systems integration design services; computer facilities management services; and other computer-related services, such as disaster recovery services and software installation.
Many computer scientists are employed by Internet service providers, Web search portals, and data-processing, hosting, and related services firms. Others work for government, manufacturers of computer and electronic products, insurance companies, financial institutions, and universities.
This exciting and challenging line of work has plenty of variety. Computer and information scientists are expected to be among the fastest growing occupations through 2016.
Job increases will be driven by very rapid growth in computer system design and related services, which is projected to be one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. economy. In addition, many job openings will arise annually from the need to replace workers who move into managerial positions or other occupations or who leave the labor force. Job growth will not be as rapid as during the previous decade, however, as the information technology sector begins to mature and as routine work is increasingly outsourced overseas.
A doctoral degree is generally required due to the highly technical nature of the work. The educational requirements of these workers reflect the higher level of theoretical expertise and innovation they apply to complex problems and the creation or application of new technology. Additionally, rapidly changing technology requires an increasing level of skill and education on the part of employees. Companies look for professionals with an increasingly broad background and range of skills, including not only technical knowledge, but also communication and other interpersonal skills.
Computer scientists must be able to think logically and have good communication skills. Because they often deal with a number of tasks simultaneously, the ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail is important. Although these computer specialists sometimes work independently, they frequently work in teams on large projects. They must be able to communicate effectively with computer personnel, such as programmers and managers, as well as with users or other staff who may have no technical computer background.
Computer scientists employed in private industry may advance into managerial or project leadership positions. Those employed in academic institutions can become heads of research departments or published authorities in their field. Systems analysts may be promoted to senior or lead systems analyst. Those who show leadership ability also can become project managers or advance into management positions.
Typical annual earnings of computer and information scientists, research, were $97,970 in 2007.
If you are interested in this occupation or are wondering about related occupations, use the links below to continue your exploration. Always remember, the more effort you put into exploring possible careers, the easier it will be for you to discover the best career choices for you!
For career information and links to employment resources contact:
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Occupational Information Network, O*NET Online: http://online.onetcenter.org/
Further information about computer careers is available from any of the following organizations:
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM): http://www.acm.org
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society: http://www.computer.org
National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies: http://www.nwcet.org
For information about planning and paying for college, visit Junior Achievement’s Financial Aid Center .
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