Government Jobs in Computer Science Field

Computer science professionals have many options in the government sector, including a variety of IT specialist roles. You can also find jobs in areas like law enforcement, education and public health.

The federal government is the largest employer in the country and offers a wide range of positions, from public health analysts to census takers. However, there are some downsides to working in the government.

Business and Technology

Computer scientists work in a variety of fields, from business and engineering to law enforcement and public health. Their work is critical to our society’s ability to function and thrive. Whether it is developing new technologies to store information or send data over networks, or providing a fresh perspective on security problems, the best computer science professionals are ingenious and come up with unique approaches to solve problems.

Professionals with a computer science degree can find jobs in government at the local, state or federal level. These positions include IT security, tech support, software development and data management. This field also offers career options like consulting and policy making.

Some government-employed computer specialists oversee specific agencies within a department. They provide in-person tech assistance for staff members and complete software and hardware updates to ensure a computer system’s quality, functionality and safety. A network administrator, for example, oversees a large area or local network and integrates new technology with existing systems.

Other government-employed computer scientists develop and code software programs for applications like government databases, digital filing systems or websites. This requires knowledge of coding, along with an understanding of the intricacies and limitations of different hardware devices. They often collaborate with other professionals to develop and implement computer solutions for complex problems, including those that involve big data.

Administrative

Computer science skills are sought after by many Silicon Valley startups and corporate giants, but a degree in the field can also help land a job in a surprising sector: government. From local city governments to the federal government, departments across the country rely on tech engineering professionals to run their operations.

A computer science degree can help you land a number of jobs in the administrative field, from a computer hardware specialist to a software developer. The responsibilities of these positions typically include providing in-person technical assistance to government employees and completing frequent software or hardware updates to protect the security, data storage and efficiency of computer systems.

In this category, you can also find careers like a network administrator. These tech engineering professionals work with government networks, such as wide area networks or local area networks, to ensure that they operate smoothly. They may need to install new software, create login information for qualified professionals to access databases and even perform malware tests to keep the networks secure.

Other administrative jobs in the computer science field can include positions like a system analyst or a database manager. You can use a degree in information technology, a computer programming certificate or a bachelor’s or master’s in computer science to qualify for these roles. You might also consider a bachelor’s in public health, which can be helpful for positions in the healthcare industry, or a degree in political science to prepare for roles dealing with governmental policies and procedures.

Law Enforcement

Computer science is used in almost every industry, and the government has positions for those with a computer science background. From law enforcement to education, a variety of departments need employees with a degree in the field.

In the law enforcement field, a computer science degree can be used for jobs like forensics and security. A forensics expert analyzes evidence and helps with prosecution in cases involving a crime. In the area of security, a computer scientist works to help protect internal systems from hackers and other cyber crimes.

Other areas in which a computer science degree is useful are data analytics and the development of new technology for law enforcement. For instance, drones are becoming popular with police departments for their ability to patrol areas and search for suspects without the need for a human pilot. Also, new technology such as natural language processing and voice recognition can be used to aid in the capture of a suspect.

The federal government is one of the largest employers in the world and offers a wide range of career opportunities for those who are looking to work in the field. In addition, there are many government-adjacent jobs available at private companies that contract with the federal government on projects. In order to become a federal worker, a candidate must maintain a clean record and meet the minimum requirements for a position, such as an undergraduate GPA and a graduate degree.

Military

The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard offer a variety of computer science jobs to servicemen and women. These positions range from software and mobile applications to information databases, emergency alert systems and government email platforms. The military also offers a variety of benefits, including paid time off, health insurance, retirement and training benefits. Enlistees can also benefit from GI Bill benefits and tuition assistance programs to help fund their higher education degrees.

IT professionals working in the Military create, update and support computer hardware equipment and software programs that are used to track and record military data. From software that organizes intelligence data to programs that streamline maintenance tracking, these IT professionals are essential in keeping the Military operating efficiently.

Network engineers in the Military are responsible for creating and maintaining a wide area network, or WAN, and local area networks that allow staff to connect with one another. They work with software programmers and computer hardware engineers to implement new technology and improve existing network systems. They also analyze and troubleshoot issues with current network technology to prevent security breaches. These network professionals may also be responsible for coding and maintaining website applications that allow staff to communicate with their peers through online chats and forums. This is a critical role that requires teamwork and leadership skills, which are also key in the military.