Choose Interdisciplinary Studies
Computer Science Blends Easily with Other Majors
Whether entering college directly after high school or returning after years in the workforce, consider adding computer science courses to enhance employability skills.
Computer Science is no longer the realm of geeks and nerds. New technology innovations are revolutionizing everything from farming to retail, business to the environment. Taking a class or two now might improve skills necessary for the future workplace.
Farming Careers
Agriculture is being transformed. Computer models for climate change and weather patterns assist farmers in daily and long term decisions. Specialized probes and analyzers help analyze soil conditions which then help determine crop rotations and when to plant. Software is available for greenhouses to assist with a variety of tasks including inventory, design plans, accounting and even automating irrigation systems. All of these skills can be enhanced by a familiarity with technological devices and software models.
Retail and Business Careers
The retail industry is bursting with databases and new technology. Databases are used for inventory tracking and both supplier and customer data. Shipping schedules are also assisted by computer databases. Cash registers, especially in chains and newer stores, are frequently computerized. An understanding of database fundamentals gives a boost to someone interested in marketing and sales.
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is very technology and computer intensive. It is becoming a popular method by which to manage a company’s supply chain by tagging the shipping pallets. RFID is also slowly replacing bar codes on products since it provides a unique identifier for each item. The benefits are that the product can be electronically tracked from production to consumer which assists in combating theft and aiding in recalls.
Environment and Sustainability Careers
Green jobs and careers are another area for which computer science knowledge is useful. These positions frequently require the use of tracking and modeling software, yet this software is not right for all situations and may need to be modified by an employee with programming knowledge. Another skill is analyzing and interpreting large amounts of data.
Many green careers are very science intensive. Climatology, physics, engineering and manufacturing degrees are commonly sought. All of these require knowledge of not only the subject but also the available technology and software solutions.
Medical Careers
Whether a doctor, nurse, midwife, technician or pharmacist, medical careers are seeing an increase in technological needs. Most equipment is computerized and even robotics is now in use, especially in surgical situations. Patient records are being moved from paper to database solutions, requiring not only an understanding of databases but also electronic security. Videoconferencing is used for long distance consultations and surgeries. Some patients with serious medical conditions now carry RFID cards or even an implanted chip that emergency medical personnel need to be able to access and use.
Continuing education offerings for medical professionals are also frequently provided as online or interactive courses. These courses require not only an understanding about how to access and run them, but also instructors who can create and enhance them.
