Career Services & Professional Life Development

Introduction

Study of computers and their uses for computation, data processing, and systems control, including design and development of computer hardware and software. While computer programming is fundamental, the field also encompasses theory, mathematical activities such as design and analysis of algorithms, performance studies of systems and their components, and estimation of reliability and availability of systems by probabilistic techniques. In addition, because these systems are used by people, the design must be people-oriented. Because computer systems are often too large and complicated for failure or success of a design to be predicted without testing, testing is built into the development cycle.

Maximizing your hiring potential
In addition to performing well in your computer science classes you could pursue a minor and get an internship. Probably the best way to increase your job prospects is to have a computer science related internship (usually a paid summer or part-time job). Job possibilities are distributed through email by the Computer Science Department. You should check your maine.edu email address or forward it to the address you normally use to be sure of receiving job notices. Other job sources are Prof Richard Carter (rcarter@usm.maine.edu) and Career Services. Many businesses like to hire people with some business background. Therefore, a minor in business is welcome. Another possibility for a minor is in a field that interests you either for job potential or other interests. USM computer science students have minored in music, art, physics and mathematics. There are many other minors to choose from.

All companies want to hire people with good communications skills. Various courses you take in the computer science major are keyed to improving these skills. Their importance can not be over emphasized.

Students also go on to graduate work either at USM or another school. Graduate degrees in computer science are the most usual but a graduate degree in business is also popular. Other students have gone on to law school or other advanced degrees. The computer science program at USM will prepare you well for both employment and graduate school.

Maine's Leading Technology Employers
Search through the Maine Technology Industry Directory to find more detail about the companies that are driving Maine's new economy.

Maine's Leading Technology Jobs Board
Check out the Maine Technology Jobs Board for a listing of open positions.

Additional Resources
Technology Career Sectors
Technology Job Descriptions
Software and IT Jobs Still Plentiful
Computer Jobs Hit Record High