Explore career options in computer science
Computer science focuses on the use of mathematics and algorithms to program computer systems to run efficiently, including in design and development.
Here you can find information on the types of careers and employment roles studying computer science may land you.
You can also discover where to look for job vacancies, as well as professional associations, mentoring and international opportunities.
Opportunities
Computer scientists work in businesses, government organisations, game and app development companies, or as freelancers. Computer scientists find careers in programming, operating systems development, software engineering and as senior IT professionals. Computer scientists develop skills such as deep programming knowledge and information systems analysis that allow more opportunity for freelancing.
Career fields
- Machine learning
- Computer architecture
- Data Mining
- Cybersecurity
- Information systems architecture
- Analytics
- Intelligent systems
- Consultancy services
- Software development and engineering
- Algorithms and operating systems
- Artificial intelligence
- Government—federal or state
- Defence
- User interface and experience design
Employment roles
- Data scientist
- Computer programmer
- Systems analyst
- Games programmer
- App or web developer
- Variable data programmer
- GMC developer
- Computer Scientist
- Graduate AI developer
- Full stack developer
- Game design mathematician
- Digital and emerging technologies graduate
- Software engineer
- Systems engineer
- Database administrator
Occupation Snapshot
Employed
63,700
Annual growth
2,100
Weekly earnings
$2,284
Part-time share
5%
This data is based on the occupation profile for database and systems administrators, and ICT security specialists retrieved from the Government's Jobs and Skills Atlas website August 2024.
Your employability
In addition to knowledge and skills directly related to your program of study, you will also develop a range of other skills such as teamwork, analytical, communication through academic study, employment, voluntary work, sporting and recreational activities and life experience.
Recognising the value employers place on these skills is an important factor in your graduate job search. You can further develop your employability with these resources:
Vacancies
Information on relevant vacancies and career resources can be found in a wide range of sources:
- CareerHub
- Prosple (formerly Grad Australia)
- GradConnection
- Adzuna
- Australian Defence Force recruitment
- Australian Public Service Jobs
- engineerjobs.com.au
- Hays
- Queensland Government Graduate Portal
- New South Wales Government jobs
- Seek
- CSIRO
- Careers with STEM
- What's the difference? Computer science vs information technology
- Here's a list of all the computer science jobs we can think of
Notable alumnus: Selina Schuh
Selina Schuh, a Griffith University Bachelor of Computer Science graduate, secured a position at Blackbook AI, a leading AI, automation, and analytics agency. Despite initially being uncertain about her career path, her passion for math and problem-solving led her to excel in her studies and earn the School of Information and Communication Technology’s Computer Science Award for the highest GPA in 2020. At Blackbook AI, she quickly made an impact by completing a UiPath certification and her first project within two weeks of starting.
Job application resources
Craft a stand-out resume and cover letter, and learn how to prepare for job interviews.
Approach potential employers
Many work opportunities are not advertised, so we recommend approaching potential employers with the aim of researching their needs and how your skills, experience, interests and qualifications could match theirs.
This is called informational interviewing and will benefit you by:
- clarifying your specific career direction
- enhancing your professional network
- increasing your chances of being offered a job.
Industry outlook
The Your Career website includes helpful information such as job descriptions, employment prospects, average weekly earnings and skills requirements. Every job title in the database has a skills section to help you identify and describe essential skills for your future career.
The My Future website also has job descriptions and a useful career insight section.
The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching website has up-to-date information on graduate salaries, especially the Graduate Outlook Survey (GOS) National Report, which contains undergraduate salary figures.
More detailed information is available at the Labour Market Insights portal.
Professional associations
Joining a professional association is a great way to interact with people in your field who can assist you to explore your career options and potentially find employment opportunities. These associations hold regular professional development and networking events:
- Australian Computer Society
- Computing Research and Education Association of Australia (CORE)
- Association for Computing Machinery
- Australasian Association for Information Systems.
Students are welcome to join and often receive a discount on their membership.
Mentoring
The award-winning Industry Mentoring Program provides an excellent opportunity to further develop your employability and build professional networks.
The program is available to students with more than 80CP as well as recent graduates.
Sustainable Development Goals
Griffith University is committed to advancing sustainable development through comprehensive initiatives that promote economic prosperity, social inclusion, environmental sustainability and good governance for all.
Further careers information
Careers counselling
Individual career counselling sessions are available to all current students and recent graduates.
You can book an initial appointment via CareerHub.
Career planning
Our website has an array of career planning resources you can explore at any stage of your student journey.
Career Readiness
Check out our Career Readiness site in Learning@Griffith for additional information and resources for your career development learning:
Please note: The content on this webpage is a guide only. Please refer to degree-specific information and accreditation requirements of your profession on the Degree and Course Finder website and with the relevant professional accreditation body for your degree.