An Analysis of Skills and Knowledge in Computer Science

Qustion: Describe about an analysis of skills and knowledge required to undertake degree studies in computer science, and to follow a future career path in this area, after graduation? Answer: Introduction BSc in Computer Science includes an array of theoretical as well as practical usage of computer systems and networks. As we all are aware that businesses operating on a global scale are relying heavily on computers to carry out their day to day activities. In future the requirements for professionals to take care of different divisions within organizations would increase immensely. With the rise in demand, the possibility and career within the industry seems to be bright. However, the competition would also be at its peak and only the talented and experienced would get the best out of the available opportunities. After completing the course there are a range of jobs which could offer the option to grow and develop a career (Extension 2007). Some of the fields which I intend to look forward to include the following areas: Computer Information Systems Manager Computer Systems Analyst Computer Hardware Engineer Computer Programmer Computer Support Specialist Software developer Skills and Knowledge required for succeeding in the field of Computer Science In order to grow and develop a career in the field of Computer Science, the skills as well as knowledge required would include the following: 1. Communication Skills: Information Technology is one of those fields where communication skills are among the most important elements. However, it is also one of the fields where there is an intense lack of communication ability among the staff members. It is very important to have the ability of taking in complex information and explaining it in a language which is easily understood by other members.2. Team performer: Every project in IT is based on the teamwork where each activity is carried out in a collaborated manner. It is very important to have the ability of working in a team to ensure one grows and learns (The SAI 2011). In a scenario where a person works within a team there is a huge variety of talent as well as skills which makes most of the gaps and lags disappear. 3. Presentation ability: Irrespective of the fact that it is a meeting with the MD of the company or a conference with other professionals across departments, it is essential to have the ability of standing in front of a group and speak with confidence. Excelling in this would help in establishing the credibility as an expert and serve as a catalyst towards networking efforts.4. Networking: Besides being a strong team player, an individual would need to have the ability of with other people on difficult projects. One of the reasons for this to be strong is the fact that irrespective of being an excellent programmer or good in a technical domain, there would always be something which one would not know to do. It is this place where one needs to reach out to people and get things done (ACS 2008).5. Innovation and Creativity: In the field of technology which is highly dynamic it is very important to have the ability to innovate. For example if one is a programmer, he or she would not on ly need to have the ability of writing a good code which has been designed by someone else but offer a solution to the specific problem at hand. Hence, only an IT expert having soft skills for taking the problem and coming up with efficient as well as cost effective solutions which could solve the problem and that too in a way which makes others take notice of your efforts (UMICH 2013). Ways of Developing Skills and Knowledge 1. Communication Skills: To develop this skill one would need to speak on various issues and to different individuals. Observing the way people perceive and understand what one speaks is also one of the main elements to understand if the messages are being conveyed in the right manner. Interacting with both seniors and subordinates on same as well as complex issues and listening to their suggestions and views would also help in developing communication ability (RMIT 2015).2. Great Team Player: One way to develop is to accept that there is a gap which exits. Egos and politics should always be avoided. Another way of making and developing as a leader is developing soft skills which would make more and more people want an individual as their leader. It is advisable to improve and develop the skill of empathy and understand what the expectations of the others within the team are. 3. Presentation ability: To develop this skill it is important to properly plan out the materials and be confident about the subject. People usually say that they are nervous during their presentations. However, nervousness is only due to the fact that they are not well equipped or have the right knowledge required to speak over a particular subject. Hence, it is advised to do an in-depth research and read more on a particular subject or report before proceeding to make the presentation (Career Cornerstone n.d.).4. Networking: Here, one needs to make an effort to reach others. It would need activities like attending conferences or attending different company events which one might feel is unrelated or may be unimportant in your career. Even small get-together and a game of golf has the ability of breaking deals and inviting opportunities for a career growth.5. Innovation and Creativity: Innovation and creativity is something which cannot be taught and would only come with talent with in an individual. However, it certainly can be developed by studying ideas and meeting people (ACM 2013). Conclusion In the above study it has been highlighted that in order to develop a career in the field of computer science there are 5 key aspects which needs to be considered. As a student it would be advisable to carry out case studies and offer solutions for particular issues by considering themselves in place of the concerned individual. One of the other key areas to stress upon is the technical aspect. Although, one develops his or her technical abilities with experience and by undergoing particular projects, it is important that basics of the specialization is well studied and understood during the years of education. Having the basic knowledge about the industry and the overall developments happening in global scale would also facilitate in being prepared as well as updated with the trends and demands of the industry in the present as well as the near future (P21 2010). References 1. Extension 2007, Information Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST), accessed on 11th March 2015, https://www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-H/projects/docs/infotech.pdf2. The SAI 2011, Computing knowledge and Skills Demand: A Content Analysis of Job Adverts in Botswana, accessed on 11th March 2015, https://thesai.org/Downloads/Volume2No1/Paper%201-Computing%20knowledge%20and%20Skills%20Demand%20A%20Content%20Analysis%20of%20Job%20Adverts%20in%20Botswana.pdf3. ACS 2008, The ICT Profession Body of Knowledge Professional Standards Board Australia Computer Society, accessed on 11th March 2015, https://www.acs.org.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/7792/The-ICT-Profession-Body-of-Knowledge.pdf4. RMIT 2015, Computer Science and Information Technology, accessed on 11th March 2015, https://www2.rmit.edu.au/Courses/pdf/mc061.pdf5. Career Cornerstone, Computer Science Overview, accessed on 11th March 2015, https://www.careercornerstone.org/pdf/compsci/compsci.pdf6. ACM 2013, Curr iculum Guidelines for Undergraduate Degree Programs in Computer Science, accessed on 11th March 2015, https://www.acm.org/education/CS2013-final-report.pdf7. P21 2010, The Role of Career and Technical Education and 21st Century Skills in College and Career Readiness, accessed on 11th March 2015, https://www.p21.org/storage/documents/CTE_Oct2010.pdf8. UMICH 2013, Engineering Career Resource Center, accessed on 11th March 2015, https://career.engin.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2013/08/Career-Manual.pdf