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Computer science offers a highly coveted and lucrative career path for tech-savvy individuals interested in the latest computing advancements. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11% growth for computer and information technology (IT) occupations from 2019 to 2029, a faster-than-average growth rate. Computer science trends such as cloud computing, information security, and big data collection and storage contribute to the promising outlook for this field.
IT professionals who understand the trends in computing remain competitive for the best career opportunities. This guide explores recent computing developments and trends in IT, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and robotics.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) focuses on machine coding that mimics human and animal intelligence. Artificial intelligence professionals develop algorithms and program machines to perform human-like tasks. Already ubiquitous, AI helps detect credit card fraud, identify disease outbreaks, and optimize satellite navigation.
In its annual technology prediction report, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society predicts that various AI concepts will be widely adopted in 2021. Computing developments in AI reportedly include reliability and security for intelligent autonomous systems, AI for digital manufacturing, and reliability and explainability. AI and machine learning.
Computer and information research scientists, a potential career in artificial intelligence, earned a median annual salary of $ 126,830 as of 2020, and the BLS projects much faster-than-average growth for the profession from 2019 to 2029.
According to PayScale, as of June 2021, machine learning engineers earn a median annual salary of $ 112,840, and finishing professionals earn a median annual salary of $ 162,000.
Entry-level AI jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s or doctorate. leads to the best job opportunities in artificial intelligence.
Potential Jobs:
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Senior Data Scientist
- Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Research Scientist
- Deep Learning Engineer
- Algorithm Engineer
Edge Computing
Unlike cloud computing, where data is processed and stored away from the end-user in large data centres, edge computing places computer data “on the edge,” close to the end-user. Experts are not expecting the cloud to disappear entirely, but rather are working in tandem with edge computing as it brings processing to users, streamlining anything from factory production to autonomous car response.
Technology such as self-driving cars, video conferencing, and augmented reality benefit from state-of-the-art computing. For example, when an autonomous car makes the decision to brake in a split second and avoid a collision, an on-board computer system, edge computing, eliminates the delay of waiting for a cloud server to respond.
The BLS projects a 22% job growth rate from 2019 to 2029 for software developers, including edge computing software developers, and reports a median annual salary of $ 110,140 as of 2020.
Industries such as telecommunications, security, and oil and gas employ workers with state-of-the-art IT expertise. Entry-level positions, such as a software developer or computer network architect, generally require a bachelor’s degree. Managerial, administrative, and research positions often require at least a master’s degree.
Potential Jobs:
- Edge Computing Specialist
- Software Developer
- Application Developer
- Computer Network Architect
- Computer Systems Analyst
Quantum Computing
Quantum computing uses powerful computers to solve problems at the atomic and subatomic levels. Unlike classical computers, which perform calculations and store data in binary code, quantum computers use quantum bits, also known as qubits. This allows quantum computers to process numbers and solve problems much faster than previously possible.
While big tech companies like Google and IBM are moving toward advancements in quantum computing, the field is still in its infancy. Other fields that can benefit from quantum computing include banking, transportation, and agriculture.
Researchers can use quantum computing to find the best truck delivery routes, determine the most efficient flight times for an airport, or quickly and inexpensively develop new drugs. Scientists see promise in quantum computing for developing sustainable technologies and solving environmental problems.
Quantum computing majors generally require a master’s or doctorate degree. ZipRecruiter reports salaries as high as $ 160,000 for quantum computing professionals, with a median annual salary of $ 96,900 in May 2021. As an emerging computer science major, many future careers in quantum computing may not yet exist.
Potential Jobs:
- Quantum Computer Architect
- Quantum Software Developer
- Quantum Algorithm Researcher
- Quantum Computer Research Scientist
Robotics
The field of robotics studies and develops robots with the aim of making life easier. A multidisciplinary field, robotics incorporates computer science and electrical and mechanical engineering. Robotics uses artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other computer technologies.
The robots aim to increase safety and efficiency in industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and food preparation. People use robotic technologies to build cars, complete dangerous tasks like diffusing bombs and perform complex surgeries.
Students need a bachelor’s degree as a minimum to work in robotics. Many employers prefer robotics professionals with a master’s or doctorate degree. for management or advanced research positions.
The BLS reports that mechanical engineers, including robotics engineers, earned an average annual salary of $ 90,160 as of 2020. Robotics research scientists, which the BLS classifies as a type of computer and information research scientist, earned an average annual salary of $ 126,830 as of 2020. The field is projected to grow much faster than the average from 2019 to 2029.
Robotics jobs list occupations and other resources for robotics professionals.
Potential Jobs:
- Robotics Engineer
- Algorithm Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Software Engineer
- Robotics Research Scientist
Cyber Security
Cybersecurity focuses on protecting computer systems and networks from cyber threats and attacks. As companies continue to store information in the cloud and conduct operations online, the need to improve cybersecurity also grows.
Individuals, businesses, and governments experience significant financial losses due to cyberattacks. For example, the ransomware attack in the eastern US in May 2021 cost the Colonial Pipeline around $ 5 million and inflated gas prices for consumers.
Most industries, including healthcare, financial institutions, and insurance, need better cybersecurity technologies to protect their property and customer data. Due to this demand, the BLS projects a 31% job growth rate for information security analysts from 2019 to 2029. Information security analysts earned a median annual salary of $ 103,590 as of 2020.
Cybersecurity specialists work in consulting firms, IT companies, and commercial and financial organizations. Top employers include Apple, Lockheed Martin, and Capital One. The best cybersecurity jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree, although some employers prefer a master’s degree.
Potential Jobs:
- Information Security Analyst
- Chief Information Security Officer
- Information Security Consultant
- IT Security Manager
Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics professionals study, store, and analyze biological information. A multidisciplinary subfield combining computer science and biology, bioinformatics looks for patterns in sequences of genetic material such as DNA, genes, RNA, and proteins. Bioinformatics workers develop the methods and software applications that perform these tasks.
The medical and pharmaceutical, industrial, environmental / government, and information technology fields benefit significantly from bioinformatics computing technologies. Bioinformatics helps preventive and precision medicine physicians detect disease earlier to deliver efficient targeted treatment.
PayScale reports that, as of June 2021, bioinformatics scientists earn an average annual salary of $ 96,230. The BLS projects faster-than-average job growth for bioengineers and biomedical engineers from 2019 to 2029.
Major employers of bioinformatics professionals include the Bureau of Land Management, the Department of Defense, hospitals, and research laboratories. Bioinformatics jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree. Administrative, teaching and supervisory positions may require a master’s or doctorate degree.
Potential Jobs:
- Bioinformatics Research Scientist
- Bioinformatics Engineer
- Biomedical Researcher
- Bioengineer/Biomedical Engineer
- Biostatistician
- Biologist
- Computational Biologist
- Agriculturalist
- Software Programmer
- Data Scientist
Emerging Trends in IT
In addition to the trends in computing outlined above, IT professionals need to be on the lookout for other computing developments. Emerging trends in IT include big data analytics, virtual and augmented reality, 5G, and the Internet of Things.
IT workers can learn about current IT and new technologies by joining a professional organization. These groups offer online discussion groups, conferences, and industry magazines. Staying up-to-date on trends in computer science can help computer professionals remain competitive in job interviews and promotion avenues.
Related legal implications to reflect security and privacy
Data collection and harnessing capabilities are becoming more sophisticated and sensitive, often incorporating live streams of information from sensors and various other technologies. These enhanced capabilities have produced new data streams and new types of content that raise political and legal concerns about potential abuse: nefarious actors and governments can reuse these capabilities for reasons of social control. Similarly, new technology capabilities also put pressure on the abilities of average people to discern the difference between legitimate and fraudulent technology content, such as accepting an authentic video versus “deep forgery.” As such, the coming year will be critical to maintaining the fragile balance between preserving the social benefits of technology, on the one hand, and preventing the undesirable reuse of these new technological capabilities for social control and deprivation of liberty, on the other. More aggressive legal and policy tools are needed to detect fraud and prevent abuse of these enhanced technology capabilities.
Computer science topics to study
Students can enhance their career prospects by studying IT trends like the ones featured on this page. They can take concentrations or electives in information security, machine learning, and bioinformatics. Some schools even offer full degrees in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and robotics for students seeking a specialized subfield education.
FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the latest trend in computing?
Ans. The latest trends in computer science include artificial intelligence, edge computing, and quantum computing. IT professionals are also aware of developments in robotics and cybersecurity.
Q. Which computer engineering is better?
Ans. The highest paying engineering degrees are: Computer Science. Aerospace engineering. Electric engineering.
The following courses are good for CSE students:
- Web development.
- Mobile application development.
- Software Engineering.
- Systems architect.
- Machine learning.
- Data engineering.
Q. What are the important trends in computing?
Ans. Current trends in hardware and software include the increasing use of computing with reduced instruction sets, migration to the UNIX operating system, the development of large software libraries, smart terminals based on microprocessors that allow remote data validation, speech synthesis and recognition, application.
Q. What is better computer engineering or computer science?
Ans. Most experts say that there is no difference between CS and TI. It’s just that CS is taught as an engineering level course at major universities. In case your choice is Computer Science, then you must take Math and Science at a high level to require Computer Skills.