Computer Science - University of Canterbury
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What can I do with a degree in
Computer Science?
Computer
Science.
Career planning: getting involved in clubs, mentoring, cultural
groups, part-time work or volunteering
What is Computer
what do I need to know? • Be open to professional and personal Science?
Knowledge of yourself is important for career development opportunities. Whether it is As well as programming, there are many aspects
decision making. Start by looking at your undertaking an internship, overseas exchange, to Computer Science including interaction design,
personal goals, abilities, values and interests to skills seminar, or joining an industry communications and networks, software design,
explore study and career options that are relevant group — these activities will enhance your computer security, information systems, big data,
to you. Some of these may change over time, so employability. machine learning, graphics, operating systems,
it is important to self-reflect and evaluate your What else should I know? educational systems, artificial intelligence
career on an ongoing basis. and embedded systems (processors that are
The career options in this brochure are examples embedded in everything from mobile phones
What do employers look for? only and the list is not exhaustive. Some careers to cars). All of these areas are experiencing
Many employers look for generic skills such may require further study beyond a first degree rapid growth in Aotearoa New Zealand
as communication, customer-focus, cultural or additional work experience. Some pathways and internationally.
awareness and teamwork. With technology and and degrees have a recommended school
background. Find more subject details at Computer Science is about helping people
globalisation changing the nature of society, by analysing their needs and coming up with
skills such as resilience, problem solving and www.canterbury.ac.nz/subjects/cosc
appropriate solutions. It is about knowing how
adaptability are valuable at work as well as in life. If this brochure does not answer your questions, to design systems that are fast, usable, reliable,
talking to an expert such as a career consultant secure, scalable and make a positive impact.
How can I develop these skills? can help you to identify the next steps in your Computer scientists tackle a wide range of
• Some skills are developed through your degree career decision making journey. applications, such as monitoring patients in
• Extra-curricular activities can help, for example www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers hospitals or designing educational apps.
CAREERS | Te Rōpū Rapuara
AT A GLANCE What skills have UC Recent UC graduates have found roles in:
graduates gained? • Internet and technology giants eg, Google,
Microsoft, Mozilla Corporation
There is an overlap between software engineering • Software companies eg, SLI systems, Aderant,
software and computer science, particularly in skills like Concept Engineering Ltd, Orion Health, Wynyard
engineers, programming. Software engineers tend to work Group, SunGard, Tourplan, Land Technologies,
software in teams to produce very large products, whereas Vault GRC, Telogis, Intergen, Cortexo, Databasics,
MORE
testers, and computer scientists work in more technical areas Digital Fusion, Trineo Ltd
web developers such as algorithms, graphics and networks. • Telecommunications and networking
are needed in Through their Computer Science degree graduates eg, Tait Communications, Allied Telesis
Aotearoa develop valuable transferable skills such as: • Electronics manufacturers eg, Hewlett Packard,
New Zealand* • Technical skills and systems knowledge IBM, Harvest Electronics, Dynamic Controls
• Analytical and problem solving skills • Energy companies eg, Meridian Energy,
• Logical and quantitative thinking Powershop NZ, Solid Energy NZ
• Programming and design • App developers eg, Smudge Apps, Carnival Labs
growth in • E-commerce eg, eStar, Trade Me Ltd, Amazon
• Creativity and innovation
employment of
• Commercial awareness • Financial services eg, ANZ, Kiwibank, Westpac
5.2%
business and
systems analysts, • Coping with rapid technological changes. • Agri-tech eg, CropLogic, Indigo Systems
and programmers Applied learning is an integral part of your degree • Web design/development eg, Activate Design,
expected by through lab work, course projects, and project Iceberg Web Development
2020+ courses. These experiences can deepen your • Digital marketing eg, E2 Digital
skillset, awareness of others, and employability. • Game developers eg, Grinding Gear Games,
CerebralFix
Where have UC graduates • Grocery sector eg, Foodstuffs
been employed? • Media and Entertainment eg, Weta Digital
• IT services eg, Link Technologies
There is demand for Computer Science graduates,
particularly those who combine technical skills • Consultancies eg, Assurity
with communication skills and teamwork ability. • Automation companies eg, Street Automation
*
Immigration New Zealand’s 2017 long-term skill
shortage list www.skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz Some students even start up their own software • Government or state-owned enterprises eg,
+
2017 MBIE Occupational Outlook company and become an employer. Inland Revenue, Metservice• Global Positioning Systems eg, Trimble
Navigation
Mobile developer, application developer
What professional bodies
• Cyber security eg, Cisco
• Researches a client’s brief, an organisational
need, or a gap in the market can people link to?
• Education eg, University of Canterbury, Unitec • Codes, designs, produces and tests prototypes As they progress, students and graduates often
Institute of Technology, Navitas. • Creates new and improved version releases join professional bodies relevant to their area of
For more examples of employers go to interest. These organisations can provide regular
www.canterbury.ac.nz/recruitingemployers Data analyst / engineer, intelligence analyst communications and offer the chance to network.
• Understands industry domains and processes • IT Professionals New Zealand
What jobs and activities • Analyses large datasets www.itp.nz
do graduates do? • Solves complex data problems • New Zealand Information and Communication
Technologies Group www.ict.govt.nz
Telecommunications / infrastructure engineer • New Zealand Game Developers Association
Computer Science graduates are employed in a
wide variety of jobs — see some examples below. • Designs and maintains telecommunications www.nzgda.com
equipment and systems • Association for Computing Machinery
Note: Some of the jobs listed may require
postgraduate study. See the ‘Further study’ section. • Monitors the installation and use of equipment www.acm.org
• Provides training to staff after installation Social media networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook
Programmer, software developer
and Twitter can provide avenues to keep up-
• Determines specifications and writes code Business analyst / developer to-date with industry knowledge, networking
• Builds prototypes of software programs • Utilises data and analytical models for opportunities, events and job vacancies.
organisational information purposes
• Tests and fixes computer programs and systems
• Maintains and upgrades programs and systems
• Provides insight to assist with decision making Why do further study and
• May develop and integrate technical aspects of
• Liaises with different business functions
what are my options?
websites/mobile apps along with other workers Communications / computer / support technician
Postgraduate study can facilitate many career
Web developer • Identifies and solves computer software, benefits such as entry into a specific occupation,
hardware and website issues higher starting salary, and advanced research
• Develops website functionality and security
• Installs and tests software, networks, servers capability. Advanced study can lead to a career
• Designs back-end web structure such as servers in tertiary teaching or research. It is important to
• Updates and repairs equipment
• Maintains and updates the website as required determine which, if any, further study will help
Entrepreneur, Director, CEO you in your future career.
Game developer / programmer
• Leads and manages an organisation Computer Science graduates are able to progress
• Researches the user market, to meet their needs their studies from honours through to PhD level.
• Sets values, objectives and policies
• Writes computer code, sources graphics/sounds UC also offers a Master of Human Interface
• Ensures plans are in place, laws complied with Technology. www.canterbury.ac.nz/courses
• Tests games and fixes any issues
and risks managed
• Creates new and improved version releases
• Monitors financial performance and profitability
UC Careerhub
Computer / systems consultant • Communicates with staff and external groups
UC students and alumni can find details of
• Maintains and monitors an organisation’s Entrepreneurship and innovation are an increasing internships, job vacancies and employability
computer functions and ICT systems part of the working landscape. Get started at tips at www.careerhub.canterbury.ac.nz
• Recommends the programs and systems that www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers/
an organisation should use Entrepreneurship/getting_started.shtml
• Designs computer networks
Software engineer
Useful links
• Analyses customer needs, evaluates computer
software and researches new technologies UC Careers, Internships & Employment
www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers
• Develops software programs for new products
Computer Science and Software Engineering
• Manages software development projects
www.canterbury.ac.nz/engineering/
Software tester, test analyst, quality assurance schools/csse
• Designs and creates testing tools Careers New Zealand
www.careers.govt.nz
• Carries out software compatibility testing with
hardware and operating systems Future in Tech
www.futureintech.org.nz
• Sets quality standards for release-ready
products IT Jobs in Christchurch
www.cdc.org.nz/christchurch/it-jobsAaron Stockdill Why did you choose to study What are your career goals?
Computer Science? Research in Computer Science is the big
When I left high school, I knew I hadn’t finished dream, either at a university or at a dedicated
with my education and that it had to involve research lab, specifically in the fields of artificial
computers. In my first year I took a range of intelligence and machine learning. The chance
subjects and quickly found that I didn’t want to to push the world forward and make something
give up Maths either! truly new is just too exciting to pass up!
What is interesting about it? Any words of encouragement for
new students?
Everything is new and exciting! Computer Science
is so young, there is so much left to create and Technology and maths have no limits on who
discover. We haven’t even begun to dream of what can do them, and where they can go. Never
is possible — look how far we’ve come in 50 years, programmed before? Give it a go! This is a
think what another 50 will reveal. Combine this growing industry, and any mathematically
with Maths and you discover a beautiful harmony inclined programmers really are in huge demand.
between the two subjects. You can’t go wrong with Computer Science!
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and How does it tie in with your goal of
Computer Science
Bachelor of Science with Honours in helping others? Read more online
Computer Science I chose Computer Science initially because it was Read Aaron’s full story about his university
Co-Founder, Web Designer and just plain fun, but I realised I had another motive: experience on our profiles site. UC alumni
Programmer, Potato Softworks it enables me to make people’s lives better. like Aaron make a difference in varied ways
around the globe. Find out where Computer
How have you put your studies into Science graduates are now at
practice? www.canterbury.ac.nz/profiles
I founded Potato Softworks with Kaleb McCall, a
fellow Computer Science student. Already we have
The information in this brochure was correct at the time
clients from multiple cities in the South Island, of print but is subject to change.
and we hope to continue helping other small
businesses get an online presence: we want to
make technology accessible to everyone.
More information
UC students seeking study advice. Anyone seeking careers advice. Prospective students seeking study advice.
Department of Computer Science and Software Careers, Internships & Employment Student Liaison
Engineering Te Rōpū Rapuara Te Rōpū Takawaenga
Te Rāngai Pūkaha | College of Engineering CIE offers intending and current students and Student Liaison provides intending students
The Department has a strong global reputation recent graduates a wide range of services, with information about the university system in
and courses that are benchmarked against including individual career guidance, seminars, general and the courses, qualifications, support
international standards. Staff are active career resources and student and graduate and facilities available at UC.
researchers, with collectively one of the employment opportunities. Ōtautahi | Christchurch
best records of research publications in the T: +64 3 364 3310 T: 0800 VARSITY (0800 827 748)
Pacific region. E: careers@canterbury.ac.nz E: liaison@canterbury.ac.nz
Our graduates are in strong demand. Come and www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers Tāmaki-makaurau | Auckland
see us about your study goals and future plans. T: 0800 UCAUCK
UCCareersEmployment
T: +64 3 369 2777 E: auckland@canterbury.ac.nz
E: engdegreeadvice@canterbury.ac.nz Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington
www.canterbury.ac.nz/engineering/ T: 0800 VARSITY (0800 827 748) ext 93231
schools/csse E: wellington@canterbury.ac.nz
www.canterbury.ac.nz/liaison
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