Career Compass: Computer Science

As a computer science student at the University of Manitoba, you will learn about the ways in which computers and software aid, inform, and enrich our lives. The Department of Computer Science has many opportunities for you to explore, including the following areas: artificial intelligence and machine learning, computer systems, databases, human-computer interaction and graphics, networks and security, software engineering, theoretical computer science, and web-based systems. The department also offers joint honours programs in collaboration with mathematics, physics and astronomy and statistics.

Skills you will gain by studying COMPUTER SCIENCE

• A strong theoretical knowledge of how computers work and how they can carry out tasks in software applications
• The ability to design and construct computer-based systems
• The ability to think critically and develop algorithmic solutions to complex problems
• The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

Year 1 - 30 credit hours

Course requirements: COMP 1010 and COMP 1020 (C+ for Major, B for Honours), MATH 1220 (C+ for Honours) or MATH 1300 (C+), MATH 1230 or MATH 1500, MATH 1240 (C+ for Major, B for Honours), MATH 1700, STAT 1150

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor in the Faculty of Science to help you plan your program.
2. Use UM Achieve by running "what-ifs" to explore different program options & corresponding requirements.
3. If you need academic support, visit the Computer Science or Math Help Centre or log on to UM Learn to access the LevelUp Program.

Year 2 - 60 Credit Hours

Course requirements: COMP 2080, COMP 2140, COMP 2400, COMP 2450, COMP 2452, COMP 2280

To do this year:

1. Meet with a department and science advisor to declare your honours or major program (recommended).
2. Use UM Achieve to prepare a plan for registration.
3. Consider taking a minor and choose courses that will open opportunities.

Year 3 - 90 Credit Hours

Course requirements: Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your honours or major program

To do this year:

1. Meet with the department or a science advisor to discuss course selection.
2. Use UM Achieve to prepare a plan for registration.
3. Meet with your co-op advisor (if applicable).

Year 4 - 120 Credit Hours

Course requirements: Please refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your honours or major program

To do this year:

1. Meet with the department or a science advisor to discuss course selection.
2. Meet with your co-op advisor (if applicable).
3. Use UM Achieve to check eligibility to graduate.
4. Confirm eligibility to graduate with a science advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

Year 1 - 30 credit hours

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Set up your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

Year 2 - 60 Credit Hours

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
3. Become a student affiliate with the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).
4. Develop professional connections with professors by applying for an Undergraduate Research Award.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

Year 3 - 90 Credit Hours

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.
4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other professional programs.

Year 4 - 120 Credit Hours

Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to a professional program or graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

Year 1 - 30 credit hours

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including Computer Science Students' Association, Women in Computer Science (WICS) and .devClub.
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as the Programming Contest, RoboCup and Canadian Satellite Design Challenge.

Year 2 - 60 Credit Hours

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for a research assistant position, Undergraduate Research Award or NSERC grant.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out Let's Talk Science.

Earn while you learn: Consider applying to the Science Co-operative Education program once you have completed 60 credit hours.

Year 3 - 90 Credit Hours

Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition and/or consider taking COMP 4522 (Honours Project) or COMP 4560 (Industrial Project).

Check out student job opportunities with: City of Winnipeg, Manitoba Hydro, Manitoba Public Insurance, and WISE Kid-Netic Energy.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Science.ca, TechManitoba, Job Bank, Find My Job, Indeed or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

Year 4 - 120 Credit Hours

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the Microsoft Academy for College Hires program.

Year 1 - 30 credit hours

Considering international opportunities? Visit the Language Centre and check out the International Centre website to learn more international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit Migizii Agamik, the International Centre or learn about local agencies via the Manitoba 211.

Year 2 - 60 Credit Hours

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange or Travel Study program, Explore Microsoft Program or Google Software Developer Internship, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday".

Staying local? Check out UM Community Volunteers or one of the local service-learning programs. Consider learning a new language and culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Progam.

Year 3 - 90 Credit Hours

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Attend International Week, participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program, volunteer for the International Student Mentorship Program or take part in the Graduation Pow Wow.

Year 4 - 120 Credit Hours

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus and register for the Intercultural Leaders program through the International Centre.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Algorithmic Trade Developer
• Analytics Specialist
• Business Intelligence Designer
• Computer Programmer
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Database Administrator
• Information Technology Analyst
• Interactive Media Developer
• Project Manager
• Risk Management Analyst
• Software Engineer
• Solution Architect
• System/Network Architect
• Technical Writer
• User Experience Researcher
• Website Developer

Options requiring other education

• Computer Engineer
• Computer Technology Teacher
• Imaging Scientist
• Research Scientist
• Science Computing Specialist
• University Professor
• Wireless Systems Deployment Engineer

Industries such as business, education and government would value a computer science degree in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Numeracy and data use
• Digital technology
• Oral and written communication
• Teamwork
• Industry specific knowledge
• Continuous learning

Attain skills through your classroom education by taking advantage of experiential education opportunities.

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.