If you want to become a computer scientist, you can attend a school with a program in computing, or earn a bachelor’s degree in information science, mathematics or computer science. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer scientists should have excellent problem-solving skills, so try taking courses that hone those skills throughout high school and college.
What Does an Entry-Level Computer Scientist Do?
As an entry-level computer scientist, your job is to help develop software for your client. In this role, you may help coordinate the flow of work between departments, provide feedback on the development of an application, work with an existing developer to learn coding techniques, study the programming environment, or set up a server. As a junior developer, your job isn’t to create the software so much as learn how to make it. Companies typically use this job as an extended training period to prepare employees for larger assignments. These jobs go by several names, so you may need to apply for positions like an entry-level computer programmer or entry-level computer engineer.
How to Become an Entry-Level Computer Scientist
The primary qualifications for an entry-level computer scientist position are a degree in computer science and experience with standard programming languages. Employers prefer at least a bachelor’s degree, but many are willing to consider equivalent work experience or a portfolio of custom code instead. Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of this position may require working with several mentors, tracking the preparation and delivery of products, attending meetings, and traveling on short notice.
Excellent communication skills are particularly valuable for your success, and most employers don’t mind questions as long as you remain focused on learning. Previous experience is not mandatory, but many computer scientists do several independent jobs as a programmer or developer to build up a portfolio before applying for a full-time job.
