Computer Science Job Demand: Which field of Computer Science is in demand?

The computer science job demand is already great in Canada and over the next few years, it’s only expected to improve even more. The technology industry as a whole is booming with opportunity as it has been growing immensely over the past decade. It is predicted that this industry will continue to grow and become one of the highest paying sectors over the next ten years.

The computer science job demand is abundant in Canada. Studying computer science nearly guarantees your ability to obtain a job quickly after completing your degree. Many don’t need to attend additional post-secondary schooling or further training which is another great advantage. 

If you are interested in working in computer science, read along! We’ve gathered the most commonly asked questions such as:

• What is the computer science job demand like?
• How to get into computer science?
• How much you make in computer science?
• What types of jobs you can get in computer science?
• And more!

 

Computer Science Job Demand

According to the Canada Job Bank website, job opportunities are in good standing across almost every province for computer science. Alberta and Manitoba are the only provinces that are not ranked as good, but they still have a fair amount of job opportunities according to jobbank.gc.ca. 

 

How to become a Computer Scientist?

To become a computer scientist, you must complete a degree in computer science at the very least. Upon completing an accredited university program with a computer science major, there will be 

In many cases, computer science students will also need to complete a master’s program. Once completing your undergraduate degree at an accredited university, you then need to apply to a master’s program at an accredited university. You will be more likely to get a job if you have your master’s as it makes you a better applicant for more jobs in the field. When you have obtained your master’s, you are more knowledgeable and experienced. There are even some jobs that require a master’s to even be considered for the position, which is why you become a stronger applicant by obtaining more education. It is not impossible to get a good job with just your degree but to keep your options open, a master’s degree may be beneficial to you!

 

What do Computer Scientists do?

Computer scientists work in several industries if they relate to technology. Since almost every field we know of uses technology in some way or another it makes it easy for them to find jobs across so many industries. However, typically computer scientists find the field they enjoy most and stick with it. If a computer scientist loves working on video games and is interested in the gaming field, then they are more likely to work in game development if they are given the opportunity.   

Some of the tasks that computer scientists typically perform are: 

• Software engineering and support
• Developing programs
• Medical imaging
• Teaching
• Game development 
• More! 

Options and jobs are abundant for computer scientists to choose from. We will get more into the specifics of jobs that are available to computer scientists and what you can expect the job to look like in the section below.

 

Is Computer Science Hard?

Yes, computer science is considered to be a hard discipline to study. If you are weak in math, likely, you will also struggle with programming which is a key part of computer science. 

Another reason why computer science can be so hard for students to learn is that it’s very different to learn from what we’ve grown up learning such as math, science, English and social studies that have the specific right and wrong answers and ways to achieve the right answer. Computer science involves logical and methodical thinking which is not something that can necessarily be taught. 

 

What are the chances of getting a job in computer science?

We already know that there is a job demand in computer science, so what are the chances of getting a job in computer science? The great thing about computer science being a “hard” discipline is that there are fewer people who are studying it. This means that there are also fewer competitors who may be interested in the same jobs you might be applying for as a computer scientist. 

If you want to improve your chances of getting a job even further, the best thing you can do to set yourself apart from other candidates is to work on growing your experience and portfolio. Although your degree can help to get you noticed, companies also look for experience and having some will improve your chances immensely. 

 

Should I study IT or Computer Science?

Choosing between information technology (IT) and computer science is truly a personal choice one has to make. The good news is that you can’t really go wrong with either and both will lead you down a path to a successful career. 

Overall they are very similar studies since they both are in the tech industry. The main difference between the two is that IT deals more with hardware, software and storage, while computer science looks much deeper than the hardware and has a significant focus on software and software development. 

Which one sounds more interesting to you? Once you can answer this question you have your answer to if you should study IT or computer science. 

 

 

Which pays more, Computer Science or Engineering?

The short answer is that computer scientists make more with an average salary of $118,370 than computer engineers who have a salary of $114,600.Computer science and computer engineering are extremely well-paid jobs. Both offer great salaries as well as great stability and potential for advancement and growth. 

This is such a small difference and depending on the job you get, you’re likely to be making very similar amounts in either position. We recommend choosing the career that you believe you will enjoy most because of this reason.

 

Is Computer Science stressful?

Students that study computer science have reported that it can be extremely stressful at times. The reason for this is the workload can be heavy, and with the other extracurriculars that computer science students also take part in, it can feel like there is too much going on at times. If you’re good at time management or willing to work on improving this skill, then studying computer science won’t be too stressful. 

Professionals that work in computer science may have a stressful experience working as a computer scientist if they don’t enjoy working with computers or coding. However, if you are passionate about the work you do, it’s less likely that you will find the job stressful.

 

Computer Science Careers – What can you do with a computer science degree?

Information Technology Specialists

As an information technology specialist, you will work to provide networking, hardware and software support. Some other tasks they may be responsible for are:

• 24/7 Support
• Updating the Systems
• Keep Track of Data
• Taking ownership of all IT issues
• Coordination at multiple levels
• Extensive knowledge of systems

 

Computer Programmers

Computer programmers typically develop computer and web applications. They work to connect systems and develop programs to assist with data analysis. Computer programmers may also:

• Take designs developed by software developers and turn them into instructions a computer can follow.
• Figures out the process of designing, writing, testing, debugging/troubleshooting and maintaining the source code of computer programs.
• Review programs frequently to update or make changes if necessary.

 

Computer Science Researchers

There is a high demand for computer science researchers all over the world. These individuals get to decide which area they wish to do their work in and then get the opportunity to learn more about that specific field and make discoveries. You might find these people working in the medical field creating innovative technology for doctors, or you might find them working in the government. The opportunities are abundant for computer science researchers.

 

Professors and High School Teachers

Of course, there is a need to help individuals become the next generation of computer scientists. This is where the job demand for computer science teachers comes into the realm of options for you. As a professor or high school teacher, you will be responsible for teaching and enabling students with the skills and knowledge needed to keep up with discoveries. They are raising the future of computer science, which makes this one of the most important and rewarding jobs.

 

Computer Science Salary Canada – how much do computer engineers make in Canada?

Computer science is one of the highest paying sectors. The average base salary of computer scientists is $69,942 per year. The work that computer scientists do is valuable to so many people, it only makes sense that they’re paid accordingly. Not just anyone can be a computer scientist – it does require the proper skills, training and knowledge.

 

Other Options at Robertson

Whether you’re not entirely sure you want to spend the next six years in school, or you just don’t know if you are interested in working directly in computer science, Robertson has options for you! 

We offer a variety of programs within the technology sector that may be a great fit for you. We’ve outlined the best options for you below if you’re interested in diving into the field of technology. 

 

Full Stack Web Developer

Full Stack Web Developers have expert knowledge in both the front and back end of websites. This essentially means you’ll be learning how to build websites or applications from start to finish. You will also be learning how to test these programs across a variety of websites. 

 

Network Security Technician 

Perhaps one of the less commonly known jobs is a Network Security Technician. However, the people who work as Network Security Technicians are very well paid and very important in the current world we live in. In our program, you’ll gain an understanding of a variety of tactics: network operation, internet security, cybercrime and ways to fight it.

 

Cyber & Cloud Security

The Cyber and Cloud Security program, much like the last program we discussed, will give you the skills to keep programs secure – in this case, the cloud customers and organizations. You will be able to help the organization with a variety of tasks such as understanding what needs to stay confidential. You will also learn how to provide security guidance and will get to work with IT to help create management procedures. 

 

Network System Administrator

Attending the Network System Administrator program will give you knowledge of computer hardware, troubleshooting, common operating systems and more.

 

Computer Support Technician

The Computer Support Technician program teaches you how to become a valued member of an IT team. You will build your skills in troubleshooting, simple repairs, administrative tasks, system operations, installation and more. 

 

Time to Apply

So there you have it! All the details you need to know before applying for a computer science program, plus the knowledge you need to know about the current job demand in the computer science field. If you are interested in computer science, we have programs to offer that will help you get a well-paying, meaningful career in the technology field. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to helping you kick start your career today!