What do you understand when someone tells you that am studying or studied Computer Science? What really comes to your mind? The responses may vary depending on your level of expertise or exposure to the field of Computing and its related sciences. This article will target individuals who are trying to decide on whether to study Computer Science at a tertiary level. I will endeavour to include all the relevant information regarding this topic to make you decide faster and easily.
Computer Science is just about 60 years old, but notwithstanding, it is growing very fast because it is challenging and fun, and it impacts the world around us in countless number of ways. Computer Science students and alumni from universities, University of The Gambia included, are building their own apps and other computer programs that currently having a direct positive impact on technological advancement of the world.
As a Computer Scientist, you would be involved in creating and working with systems and technologies that are being used in a variety of other areas like businesses, medicine, communications, agriculture and a lot more. A career in Computer Science can help you create something out of nothing. With cutting-edge researches in computational theories and applications, new technologies like the internet, mobile phones and their applications, social media (Google+, Facebook, WhatsApp, etc.), and so many other life changing applications and things are being developed.
With all the impressive breakthroughs in the field, it is nevertheless safe to say that this is just the beginning and that more and more awesome applications and discoveries are yet to come thanks to CS. You can be an integral part of these discoveries by crafting and implementing the next generation innovative ideas that you might come up with.
Although money should not be your driving force into any field, Computer Science included, but am glad to say that there is a lot of money in this field (At least in Europe and other developed nations) and Africa is also following suit. It has one of the lowest unemployment rates after graduation and the demand of its personnel in every discipline is relatively high, and hence Computer Science graduates normally earn hefty salaries right from the start. With a degree in Computer Science, you can build your own enterprise with less capital. Facebook and Microsoft are some of the excellent examples I can give. Therefore, with the proper determination and hard work you can equal or even build a better enterprise as a Computer Science graduate. A study in Computer Science will make you an analytic thinker, problem solver and a better team-worker. With these skill at your disposal, employers will value you more or you could be a better entrepreneur if you decided to stand on your own.