Preparing for the Computer Science Trip

By

Emi Kato

For

Professor Howard Fish

Course

CSIS 1030 Foundations of Computer Science

Dated

August 4 t h , 2017

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 Computer Science (CS) is a degree that is a hot commodity and very competitive. It requires not
only the knowledge of theories, it also requires practical skills. Many skills that are required for a
Computer Science degree might come as a surprise to some. There are also different steps, or degrees,
that employers will view from different angles. Luckily there are steps for the preparation of a Computer
Science degree and gaining skills that will help when entering the workforce. To really know if a student
wants to continue with a degree in Computer Science, the student first needs to understand the
foundations and fundamentals of a computer and computer science. Understanding a computer and
how it works is an excellent place to start. After understanding computers, choosing an emphasis is
intriguing to the student and is employable is the next step. There are many different types of emphases
that a student can focus on when getting their degree. Developing other skills besides programing is also
essential, if looking for work outside the academic setting. The workforce consists of many different
types of people with many different skills, many skills that a programmer lacks. Lastly, a future
programmer needs to gain practical experience and learn to be competitive. Being able to have a
portfolio to show an employer or even a professor to advance a career is an easy task if done properly.

First step to prepping is to develop an excellent understanding of computer systems, operating

systems, computer architecture, and computer networks, starting with focusing on specialization.
Having a clear idea of the area of Computer Science, a student wants to specialize in can be tempting to
dive straight into a highly specialized course. Students should start with an introduction to the core
computer science topics, before deciding on a specialized pathway (7 Ways to Prepare for Computer
Science Careers, 2016). Students who are interested in programming can start with an Associates
degree. When in the process of obtaining an Associates degree, learning fundamental programming are
skills that associates with a Computer Science at any level. Receiving practical preparation for entry-level
information technology (IT) positions as computer programmers, Web developers, and database
designers is what an Associates degree will grant. By the end of the program students should be able to
analyze what end users need, design, and code programs to fit these needs. During this timeframe,
students will learn to test and debug applications to make them more efficient and functional, and to
match appropriate programming languages with project specifications. A few skilled that students will
gain are computing, programming fundamentals, JAVA programming, computer programming.
Computing is the understating the history of computers, use software for word processing,
spreadsheets, databases, and presentations. Programming fundamentals is the usage of commands to
manage operating system files and design and implement basic algorithms. JAVA programming is a
general-purpose computer programming language that is concurrent, class-based, object-oriented, and
specifically designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible. Students will build JAVA
programs, test and debug programs written in JAVA. Computer programming, C++, is a general-purpose
programming language. It has imperative, object-oriented and generic programming features, while also
providing facilities for low-level memory manipulation. Students will design and code basic programs
using C++ while testing and debugging (Learn How to Become, n.d.).

When preparing for a Computer Science degree, a student must choose an emphasis that
focuses on employability. Unless planning to follow an academic career path, merely having good grades
is not enough to get job offers that lead to career growth. Grades are important, as many employers will
not consider hiring someone with a GPA below 3.0, but grades alone are not enough (Preparing for a
Career, n.d.). Choosing Computer Science degree with a strong focus on practical and applied
approaches to learning is something that should be considered if the plan is the join the workforce.

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While working on the Associates degree, students will get a sense of what aspect of computer science
interest them the most. During this stage, students will get a strong foundation of computers and
computer science in its entirety. This is when students will start focusing and enjoying systems or
applications, become interested in networks or databases, and get a feel for what extent they wish to
work with hardware. Thus, figuring out which emphasis they enjoy the most and want to continue to
further their education in.

Technology is constantly evolving and it is essential that students are up to date with the latest
innovations. To remain competitive and knowledgeable, computer programmers often head back to
school to start learning any emerging languages and updated versions of existing ones. Reading
technology magazines and reading articles is a must to keep updated with up and coming technologies.
At times reading is not enough to get ahead in the technology world. This leads to earning an advanced
degree can qualify programmers that certain edge to promote or get hired into more advanced roles in
the workforce. Earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree requires students to learn the fundamentals of
computer programming as well as the mathematical and scientific principles that provide foundations of
computer science. Educational gain during the processing of getting a Bachelors are algorithms, discrete
math, computer architecture, and computer networks. With algorithms, students will learn to create
algorithms that sort lists and search databases for specific criteria, use algorithms to break down
problems and find optimal objects, create graphs using algorithms, and structure data efficiently.
Computer Science requires the ability to think abstractly, often using the tools of mathematics. Unlike
much of engineering, however, computer science depends heavily on discrete mathematics (as opposed
to the continuous mathematics where a student studies in calculus courses) (Considering CS?, n.d.).
Students will use math and inductive reasoning to solve problems, determine the size of complex
objects through advanced counting techniques, create and communicate math proofs, and apply
algorithms to problems. With computer architecture, students will use digital representation and digital
logic, understand how computers are internally structured and organized, use machine, assembly and
programming languages in tandem. With computer networks, students will design network protocols,
scale up and secure communication networks (Learn How to Become, n.d.).

Writing, testing, and debugging a program are not the only skills needed for a CS degree.
Developing good verbal and written communication skills is also needed. Courses in communication and
English can help improve communication skills; however, that is not enough to make a student become
a highly skilled employee with a CS degree. Communication and understanding with others must be
practice daily. Joining an organization, doing volunteer work, and being aware of recent trends in
society, economics, and politics are some examples that can help to solidify the communication skills
needed. Acknowledging that most engineers and programmers speak a different language than a
normal office worker is highly recommended. Communications is a huge key to keep the user and the
programmer happy and stress free. The ability to communicate information accurately, clearly and as
intended, is a vital life skill and something that should not be overlooked. Professionally, if one is
applying for jobs or looking for a promotion with their current employer, they will almost certainly need
to demonstrate good communication skills. Communication skills are needed to speak appropriately
with a wide variety of people while maintaining good eye contact, demonstrate a varied vocabulary and
tailor the language to the audience, listen effectively, present ideas appropriately, write clearly and
concisely, and work well in a group (Communication Skills, n.d.).

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 Another key to be successful in a Computer Science degree is to gain practical experience
through a co-op or intern position and keep informed of these kinds of opportunities through frequent
use of the Internship and Career enter, and by contacting people that may know in the industry (Learn
How to Become, n.d.). This is one of the most important tasks that should be done. Many employers will
not consider the recent graduate for a technical position without some practical experience. One way to
avoid being overlooked by the workforce is by joining competitions that displays work. Not only does it
look good on a rsum, it also gives the future programmer an advantage on how to be competitive and
understanding what is needed for the users. An addition to competitions, advancing programming skills
by getting a Masters degree in Computer Science is another way to ahead of the workforce
competition. Masters degree students will be thoroughly trained in additional skills that will intrigue an
employer. If in a Masters program, a student will utilize software development tools to design, code,
test, and debug programs. Courses in computer architecture, operating systems and computer
networking will provide students with an understanding of how computer systems work. In addition to
utilizing software development tools, students will design and implement algorithms. Computers can
perform tasks at a pace that far outpaces humansbut only if they are programmed correctly. That is
where complex algorithms come in. Masters students will work on learning to apply mathematical
methods to compute results. Lastly, the Masters program will help students leverage existing software
to develop new software systems. Seldom do programmers want or need to spend the time, effort, and
money building a program from scratch when an existing one will do the job. Students will be well-
versed in established software and systems and are expected to use their proficiency to build large
systems that can run multiple applications (Learn How to Become, n.d.).

Preparing for a degree is Computer Science can be scary and exciting all at the same time.
Following simple steps to prepare for progressing in the Computer Science world helps ease the nerves.
Understanding the fundamentals and foundations of computers and computer systems is the first step
to preparing ones self to dive into the Computer Science world. By understanding computing, it makes
it easier to know if one is heading on the right path. No one wants to be in a field that they completely
dislike and wonder why they chose it in the first place. Once understanding computing and agreeing that
Computer Science is the degree, figuring out the emphasis to apply in. Like most degrees, there are
different fields one can chose from. Example, at University of California Santa Barbara there are two
different emphases for the Anthropology major. One is Cultural and the other is Physical; both emphasis
require the same prerequisites. However, the upper division classes start to diverge into different topics.
Next, one needs to be aware that technology is always evolving. Being updated with the newest
technologies and languages is a must. Think about cellphones and how during the past fifty (50) years
they have evolved greatly. A cellphone used to be a large device and could only make calls. Now there
are smart phones with cameras and the ability to be submerged underwater. Gaining other skills,
besides what is learned during a Computer Science degree program, is essential if planning to join the
workforce. Communication is the main skill that one should learn and keep practicing every day.
Communication not only helps in the workforce, but it will also help during the Computer Science
program. Being able to clearly articulate to a professor when struggling on a program will help student
and professor. Not only will the student be able to finish their program, the student will also build a
relationship with the professor that will benefit them in the future.

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 Work Cited

1. 7 Ways to Prepare for Computer Science Careers. (2016, April 11). Retrieved August 04, 2017,
from https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/careers-advice/7-ways-prepare-computer-
science-careers
2. How to Become a Computer Programmer | Computer Programming Degrees & Careers (n.d.).
Retrieved August 04, 2017, from http://www.learnhowtobecome.org/computer-programmer/
3. Considering CS? (n.d.). Retrieved August 04, 2017, from
http://csmajor.stanford.edu/Considering.shtml
4. Preparing for a Career. (n.d.). Retrieved August 04, 2017, from
http://www.cs.ucdavis.edu/undergraduate/career/

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