Guide to CS Career Paths
Written by: Brillina Wang
Computer science is the comprehensive study of computers, encompassing both the hardware and software sides. It comprises many aspects of computing but can be grouped into two main subsets: theoretical and practical computer science.
As a current undergraduate computer science student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, there is still plenty of time to explore and decide what interests you. In this article, we will highlight some of the different disciplines within the field of computer science, but the possibilities are not limited to these! We’ll also discuss related coursework, potential career paths, and additional avenues for involvement if any of these fields capture your interest.
1. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the study and design of systems that can function independently from human input. Examples of AI include platforms such as Spotify’s Discover Weekly feature, which offers music recommendations based on your previous listening habits, and programs like the Stockfish chess engine, which can play complex games against a human opponent. Machine learning is a theoretical branch of AI that focuses on utilizing data and algorithms to develop machines capable of emulating the processes of the human mind, gradually improving their accuracy over time.
If you are innovative, possess strong mathematical skills, and aspire to contribute to one of the fastest-growing technologies in the world, you might find a rewarding career path in AI! Potential career options in this field include machine learning engineers, data scientists, business intelligence developers, big data engineers and architects, robotics engineers, and natural language processing (NLP) engineers. AI is widely regarded as a promising career path due to its substantial job growth, with hiring increasing by 32% in recent years. Additionally, a notable talent gap suggests a high demand for qualified professionals in this field.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a large variety of coursework and research opportunities in AI and machine learning. Some courses that are available for undergraduates include Artificial Intelligence (CS 440), Applied Machine Learning (CS 441), Reinforcement Learning (CS 443), Deep Learning for Computer Vision (CS 444), Computational Photography (CS 445), and Machine Learning (CS 446). Many universities typically reserve AI courses for graduate students, but at Illinois, these courses are open to undergraduates as well! This presents a perfect opportunity to jumpstart your knowledge in these fields during your time at Illinois.
For AI research and development, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been at the forefront for decades. The AI group at Illinois is robust, diverse, and continuously expanding, blending expertise in core areas with promising new research directions. Research endeavors and groups here encompass the Center for Artificial Intelligence Innovation (NCSA), Natural Language Processing Group, Speech and Language Engineering Group, Center for Autonomy, and the Robotics Group. With its strong foundation, Illinois is shaping the future of the field and sharing its innovations with the nation and the world.
2. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. It seeks to protect individual and organizational systems, computing devices, sensitive data, and more against computer viruses and sophisticated ransomware attacks. In today’s digital world, we are all dependent on the internet and technology in some manner. Cybersecurity plays a part in our everyday lives by protecting us from internet and email phishing, credit card information theft, and device hacking.
If you are detail-oriented, analytical, and interested in fighting cybercrime without necessarily working in law enforcement, cybersecurity might be for you! Possible career options in this field include information security specialists, digital forensic analysts, security systems administrators, penetration testers, security engineers, and cryptography engineers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that cybersecurity jobs will grow by 32% from 2022 to 2032, which equates to 16,800 annual job openings. This growth projection reflects an ongoing labor shortage reported by CyberSeek, with over 572,000 cybersecurity openings between September 2022 and August 2023.
There is a wide selection of cybersecurity-related coursework at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign! Some courses include Cryptography (CS 407), Real-Time Systems (CS 424), Cloud Networking (CS 435), Computer Networking Laboratory (CS 436), and Communication Networks (CS 438).
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers many programs for students interested in cybersecurity as well. For example, the Illinois Cyber Security Scholars Program (ICSSP) grants scholarships to qualified Grainger College of Engineering and School of Information Science students who are planning on specializing in cybersecurity and privacy. Additionally, the Information Trust Institute (ITI), located within the Coordinated Science Laboratory (CSL) at Illinois, leads nationally in establishing trustworthy critical applications and cyber infrastructures. ITI aims to develop computer systems, software, and networks that society can rely on for security, dependability (reliability and availability), correctness, safety, privacy, and survivability. Its goal is to design trustworthy systems from inception and verify systems intended to be trustworthy.
3. Game Development
Game development is the intricate process of creating video games by using technical knowledge and skills to turn game concepts and ideas into reality. It is a broad field that encompasses coding, art design, project management, and more. The gaming industry has now surpassed the revenues of both the music and movie industries combined, generating income from diverse platforms including console games, PC games, mobile games, and esports.
If you are both creative and logical and enjoy playing video games, game development might be the right career for you! Potential careers include game designers, systems designers, game programmers, audio engineers, game testers, and Android developers. Game developers are in high demand all over the world and are projected to grow by 21% from 2018 to 2028.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, relevant courses include Game Development (CS 415), Interactive Computer Graphics (CS 418), Production Computer Graphics (CS 419), and Virtual Reality (CS 498). You can also take on a minor in Game Studies and Design, which can diversify your educational portfolio and train you to become a better creator and user of games and gaming technologies. This minor is open to students from any major!
There are several game development Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) offered on campus as well, including GameBuilders of ACM @ UIUC, Virtual Reality (VR) Club, Illinois Esports, Innovation Studio, and the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) Champaign-Urbana chapter.
4. Robotics
Robotics integrates three fields of computer science: engineering, computer science, and technology, to develop machines known as robots. These robots are designed to replicate or substitute human actions and can be found in various environments, such as homes, industries, and medical settings, among others. Robots can be found serving as staff in the service industry, functioning as automatic vacuum cleaners, assisting in surgical procedures, and contributing to various tasks in the manufacturing industry.
If you are interested in hardware and innovative thinking and want to make a tangible real-world impact, a career path in robotics might be an ideal fit for you! Common roles in robotics include robotics engineers, robotic system engineers, computer vision engineers, natural language processing (NLP) developers, and machine learning engineers. As robots continue to play increasingly vital roles across various industries, the global market for robotics surged to USD 59.7 billion in 2022.
Some relevant courses you can take are Mobile Robotics for CS (CS 498), Machine Learning (CS 446), Introduction to Robotics (ECE 470), Multimedia Signal Processing (ECE 417), and Control Systems (ECE 486). Additionally, there are numerous robotics-related Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) available on campus! Some of these include iRobotics, which is UIUC’s largest robotics student organization, Illini VEX Robotics, Illini Solar Car, and Illinois Robotics in Space.
These are just a few examples of pathways you can pursue in computer science. Besides these options, there are countless other careers you can explore with a computer science degree. It might seem overwhelming to make a decision now, but university presents the perfect opportunity to experiment and discover your interests while having fun in the process. Take classes, join clubs and organizations, and connect with like-minded peers who can support your goals!
