From: Zach Campbell

Sent: November 12, 2017

Subject: Jobs for Computer Science Majors

According to the New York Times (Lohr, 2017), over one hundred thousand people
earned a degree in Computer Science during 2015-16. While these students may be
knowledgeable in algorithms and object-oriented programming, many do not know what
jobs to apply for after graduation. Furthermore, students considering Computer Science
do not know what level of schooling success requires.

Information is the key to success. Two of the most common positions Computer
Science students hear about are Software Developers and Computer Programmers.
This proposal will analyze parts of these jobs, such as salary and job outlook, to help
students decide what is best for their future.

Software Developers
Software Developers are the architects of a program. They design, develop, and
troubleshoot applications or underlying systems (Software, 2017). These developers
usually have a bachelors degree in Computer Science and should be skilled
programmers. The median salary for a Software Developer in 2016 was $102,280,
which translates to around $49.17 per hour. The outlook for this position is promising,
with an estimated increase of 24% from 2016 to 2026.

Computer Programmers
Computer Programmers could be compared to construction workers. They turn the
program designs created by software developers into a working program (Computer,
2017). Like Software Developers, programmers often have a bachelors degree. But
some programmers are hired with just an associates degree. The median salary for a
computer programmer in 2016 was $79,840. The job outlook for this position isnt great,
with an estimated 8% decline from 2016 to 2026. This is due to companies outsourcing
positions to other countries.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, students should apply to Software Developer positions after graduating.
Developers have a higher salary than programmers, and they have a higher job outlook.
Additionally, the risk of being outsourced is much lower for a developer than for a
programmer. Despite the additional schooling to become a developer, it offers the best
future for a graduate.
 References

Computer Programmers. (2017, October 24). Retrieved November 3, 2017, from

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-program

mers.htm

Lohr, S. (2017, November 01). Where the STEM Jobs Are (and Where They Arent).

Retrieved November 4, 2017, from

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/01/education/edlife/stem-jobs-industry-careers.

html?smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=cur

Software Developers. (2017, October 24). Retrieved November 3, 2017, from

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developer

s.htm