Interdisciplinary Careers
These careers combine elements of computer science and technology with other disciplines, such as biology and graphic design.
Data Scientist
What is a data scientist?
Data scientists gather data through a variety of means and analyze it to make meaningful conclusions. They work to find patterns, visualize the data for presentation, and make predictions. Data science can connect with concepts of machine learning; using algorithms to gather data and recognize patterns that arise.
What skills does a data scientist need?
While data scientists usually have a strong background in computer science fundamentals, it's also important to have some understanding of statistics, and expertise in the tools used to analyze large data sets. Tools like Hadoop and languages like SQL and R are specifically designed for managing data.
Web Designer
What is a web designer?
Web designers are responsible for the visual appearance of a website, and approach website construction from a design perspective. They create the layout and visual elements of the site in order to appeal to users.
What skills does a web designer need?
Successful website designers not only have graphic design skills but also are creative and good at communicating with the client. In addition to HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, they often have experience with user experience and user interface design, as well as design tools like Adobe Photoshop.
Learn More
Check out the Awwwards site to see websites that have won awards in graphic design.
Read this article about the difference between a web developer and a web designer.
Here's an article about web design for beginners.
Here's another article about user experience design.
Bioinformatics
What is bioinformatics?
Bioinformatics is the study of analyzing biological data, such as genomes, by applying existing tools, and also by developing software suitable for analyzing such data.
A career in bioinformatics usually requires getting a graduate degree in bioinformatics, in addition to studying biology and programming languages. If you're interested both in biology and computer science, this could be a great option for you. Knowing a programming language like Python can be a great start.
Entrepreneurship
What is an entrepreneur?
An entrepreneur is someone who starts their own business; whether that be a startup company or just offering your own services as a freelancer is up to you. Most of the other careers described on these pages can be done as an entrepreneur.
Learn More
Here's an article from Medium about how to get started freelancing as a college student.
Here's another article about what it's like to be a freelance software developer:
Here's an article about freelance web design:
