Computer science is one of the most lucrative and rewarding careers. It includes a range of exciting and diverse occupation opportunities, such as web development, software development, artificial intelligence and database administration. Earning a degree is the first step towards success in this career.
The second and most critical step is securing employment. Your success requires you to have an enhanced computer science resume that showcases your talent. Your resume should include all the skills employers yearn for and are looking to bring on board into their companies.
You should include the following top skills in your resume to stand out from the competition:
Hard computer science skills
Hard skills are technical skills that will help you succeed in your IT career. However, it is easier to attain these skills with proper training. By taking a Master’s in Computer Science online from a reputable institution such as Baylor University Online, you give yourself a golden chance to impress employers with your solid skills.
This course prepares you for software engineering and data science career paths, as it emphasizes innovative thinking and technical proficiency. Here are the in-demand hard skills the course teaches you:
- Programming languages
Programming is an absolute necessity for a computer science career. It helps you understand the basics of designing and developing tech solutions that resonate well with the end user.
There are many programming languages, some of which are specific to certain sectors, while others are common across industries. To get your career off to the right start, you should familiarize yourself with multiple programming languages, such as Java, C, Python, Swift, C++, Go, JavaScript and PHP.
- Software development
Employment in information technology and computer science is expected to grow by 15% from 2021 to 2031. The statistics predict a much faster rate than the average growth in other occupations. So, having software development on your resume is an excellent way to prepare for these opportunities.
Software development skills help you showcase your expertise in writing code and programs. The best part is that it demonstrates your ability to develop, test and troubleshoot software programs for employers. Employers want a computer scientist capable of producing fully functional programs and updating them to meet evolving company needs.
- Data analysis
Employers are moved by your ability to program and develop usable software. However, your ability to interpret and analyze complex data attracts them to your resume. Data analysis demonstrates your ability to analyze data to understand better which strategic decisions should be made and why they matter. Data interpretation is vital for company success, as it helps inform future decisions and explains what a project means to a company.
- Mathematics
A solid grasp of mathematics is vital to your computer science career. Mathematics offers the basic concepts of computer science algorithms. Statistics and calculus are the most prominent mathematics subjects you need to solve problems and run formulas during coding and development. Including mathematics skills on your resume demonstrates your capability to solve complex problems and is a great way to interest employers in your resume.
- Technical writing
Technical writing is handy when starting or building a computer science career. The IT world requires software developers to provide technical documentation offering direction. Employers look for a developer who can create an excellent project and has the skills to explain and take other employees through a detailed technical article.
Soft computer science skills
Soft computer science skills, also known as people skills, are the intangible qualities you bring to the workforce that demonstrate your productivity, efficiency and ability to interact with others. They demonstrate your strong work ethic and ability to bring positive energy to the work environment. Whether you learn them in a classroom or online, these skills should appear on your resume.
- Creativity
In addition to requiring logic, computer science also requires creativity, especially when solving problems. Creativity is crucial in programming and website development, as it aids in developing an excellent user interface. Creativity in the job market shows your ability to go out of your comfort zone to deliver a well-designed, easy to navigate project that fully serves the users.
- Time management
Including time management on your resume is an excellent way to show employers you can work under tight deadlines and juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. It speaks to your productivity and effectiveness in your duties.
Computer science jobs require strict deadlines and effective time management. This skill helps you swiftly transition from one task to another, prioritize projects and work according to a budget.
- Teamwork
Teamwork is vital in your computer science career, as a group of minds is often required to develop ideas, design a functional project and solve problems.
Executing a project from start to finish is not a walk in the park, as challenges will appear along the way. Your teamwork skills come into play at this point. Employers expect you to collaborate with different groups in the organization to find solutions. Once you put your teamwork skills into practice, you will find it easier to meet timelines and fulfill expectations.
- Attention to detail
Successful computer scientists pay keen attention to detail. A slight mistake in coding may result in program failure. Being attentive to small details means you can identify issues and save yourself and your group a lot of headaches debugging numerous lines of code.
Including attention to detail as a skill on your resume demonstrates to a potential employer your clear understanding of how small elements impact a complex project and your commitment to handle any project.
- Communication
Communicating concisely with your coworkers, managers and clients about projects is vital in a computer science career. Communication breakdown means passing on incorrect information, needing help to meet deadlines, unfruitful work-related relationships and failing projects.
When a potential employer sees communication skills in your resume, they see your willingness to build relationships, engage your coworkers and participate towards a common company goal.
You must develop plenty of skills to succeed in your computer science career. Showcasing these skills on your resume demonstrates to potential employers your ability to deliver complex projects and fully contribute towards the overall company goals.
