It is true beyond the shadow of a doubt that the modern world would stop all of a sudden if technology stops playing its role and which reveals our dependence on it. The most important part is that it has become a very essential part of any business and that is why, certain fields and professions that are related to technology are in extremely high demand.
The question arises at this point is that how to enter the industries that make the most of technology and the simple answer would be to attain specialized skills essential in the technology field.
Nowadays, there are a wide variety of degrees that are offered to help you with specializing in a particular area. It may happen that you can get confused as to which degree is right for you.
Let’s us take the test case of computer science (CS) and information technology (IT) where it becomes extremely important for us to comprehend the difference between both. As far as these degrees are concerned, both of the two are majors that offer you with the knowledge and skills to attain success in the technology field.
What is Computer Science?
Computer science is an extremely vast field that mainly focuses on comprehending and using algorithmic and mathematical techniques that are useful to computer systems.
For someone who wants to choose among the sub-fields of computer science, he/she will have to choose from amazingly large fields such as artificial intelligence, computer engineering, software engineering, programming language theory, computer security and computer graphics to name a few.
As far as computer science majors are concerned, they may work in various fields including software engineering, R & D, scientific computing as well as software development.
The basic job of a computer scientist is to design and develop software for end users as well as embedded systems along-with IT professionals. Moreover, they also work in close coordination with computer architectures and operating systems, and are completely passionate about writing computer programs.
Students who end up having a computer science degree get valuable knowledge about the basic principles of computation as well as the problem-solving technique.
What is Information Technology?
Those who get an IT degree basically aim to meet the technology demands of companies. In so many ways, information technologies meet the business side of computer science.
IT mainly focuses on computers and software to store, save, process, transmit and retrieve data. Furthermore, technology infrastructures like networks, servers as well as databases are also main focuses of IT.
Information technology majors study to identify, establish, build and configure complicated computing systems and platforms to find answers to human and business problems.
IT majors study network and database design in detail, and get an introduction to fundamental theory and applied mathematics. Successful IT candidates have a strong command on critical thinking; IT professionals are basically tasked with practically and cost-effectively make the most of the tools.
Owing to the nature of the work, IT professionals are likely to keep up with clients and co-workers out of their department. They may also help explain to a client as how to solve problems relating to technology or work with executives and business owners for constructing a technology plan that will have the answer to their business needs.
Careers in Computer Science (CS)
Computer science is a speedily growing field and is likely to see huge increases in employment opportunities. High salaries are associated with computer science careers generally. If you want to pursue a computer science degree or currently continuing to do so, the following career paths are wide open to you:
1. Web Development
Web developers mainly program the code that creates a website function. While integrating the graphics, audio, and video into the site, the web developers monitor the site’s traffic, performance as well as capacity.
2. Applications Software Developer:
While being the creative minds behind applications and programs, the basic job of software developers is to design and build programs as well as applications for computers as well as technological devices.
3. Systems Engineer:
Operating systems offer the foundation for computers as well as devices to function. Microsoft Windows, Linux, and iOS are some of the examples of types of operating systems.
Systems engineers design and establish those kinds of systems for use in personal computers, phones, and even cars.
Careers in Information Technology (IT)
The demand for IT experts can be analyzed from the fact that at every level, from small shops to multinational corporations, all kinds of businesses need IT.
In the upcoming decade, career opportunities for IT experts are expected to flourish faster than average. While depending upon your level of education, any kind of degree in IT would provide a handsome paycheck.
1. Information Security Analyst:
IT security analysts mostly work to prevent cyber-attacks by monitoring their business’ network for any kind of breaches and weak spots and to establish emergency plans in the case of an attack.
2. Network Architect:
Sometimes called network engineers, the basic job of these IT professionals is to design and build communication networks like local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and also intranets.
3. Computer Support Specialist:
The basic job of support specialists is to advice and troubleshooting help to individuals and entrepreneurs that have questions regarding their software.
4. Database administrator:
Database administrators use software and programs to mainly organize and save data for businesses that vary from financial firms to shipping companies.
5. Systems administrator:
The main job of system administrators is to conduct the daily maintenance and operation of a business’ networks, such as LANs, WANs, intranets, and several other communication systems.
Computer Scientist Responsibilities VS IT Expert Responsibilities
| Computer Science | Information Technology |
| To update existing hardware and software for effectiveness and ease. | To work closely with the business they support to comprehend their goals and implement the systems that are needed to achieve the goals. |
| To write code for brand new computer programs, websites, mobile devices applications, and several other industry-specific systems like databases, cloud-based storage, AI products, and more. | Integrating several systems while ensuring they function in close coordination within an organization and may include databases, networks, clouds, storage drives, and many more. |
| Deploying systems such as the installation, configuration, testing as well as adaptation of those within a brand new environment. | Maintenance of the function of those systems through time while keeping up with updates, enhancements, and certain new products as needed. |
| Presenting established programs to businesses as the sales process part of a new product. | Programming, however not to the extent of a computer scientist. |
| To manage a team when the designing of a program may include several stages, parts, or stakeholders. | To work with vendors on cost and efficiency of new products and also the processes through which those kinds of products can be integrated into current systems to add new features or value. |
Computer Scientist Skills VS IT Expert Skills
| Computer Science Scientist | Information Technology Expert |
| Must have advanced programming skills. | Must know basic coding and programming abilities. |
| Need to have basic communication skills. | Must have strong verbal and communication skills. |
| Should have a complex understanding of complex mathematics. | Should have a clear understanding of complex systems and also how they are able to work together. |
| Must have a fascination with complex and technical machines. | Must have complex comprehension of business needs, processes as well as structures. |
| Should have complex understanding of data analytics. | Should have strong presentation abilities and project management skills. |
Wrapping Up
A layman won’t be able to differentiate between computer science and information technology as both may seem like the same thing to him. In reality, both of these specialty fields focus on specific features of the fields and the careers within these areas may also vary to a great extent.
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