Computer science/IT : Your skills

Computer science/IT degrees vary widely in content but generally combine theoretical study and practical hands-on projects. Employers are interested in both the technical skills you have gained during your degree and the non-technical transferable skills.

Computer science/IT courses teach you subject-specific skills in areas such as:

• programming languages;
• hardware architecture and construction;
• network design and engineering;
• software engineering;
• multimedia design;
• software tools and packages.

You learn how to specify, design and construct computer-based systems as well as how to evaluate systems and recognise any potential risks or safety aspects.

Studying computer science/IT also gives you skills in:

• teamwork and leadership;
• communication - both in speech and writing;
• negotiation and persuasion;
• time management and organisation;
• report writing;
• the use of general IT facilities;
• presenting reasoned arguments to a range of audiences;
• retrieval of information;
• numeracy;
• commercial awareness through work experience.

Your course also teaches you a disciplined approach to analysing problems, and how to design creative solutions and critically evaluate the results. You also develop skills such as creativity and an adaptability to cope with rapid technological changes. In addition, you learn to appreciate the need for continuing professional development (CPD) throughout your career.

Consider the skills developed on your course as well as through your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile. Take a look at job application advice for some useful tips.