A Computer Science
degree from Bristol will open up a wide range of career opportunities.
Computing graduates have a unique range of skills to offer, combining
in-depth knowledge of computer systems, programming and applications,
with a solid grounding in logical reasoning, design, problem solving
and communication. These skills are highly valued by employers and
our graduates are able to find rewarding and exciting careers.
You can decide to make use of your computing skills directly within
the computing industry, or use them as a stepping stone into a different
sector, such as media or finance. Alternatively, you could add to
your computing skills by taking a postgraduate course in another
area, such as an MBA in order to enter management, or a biology related
course to give you expertise relevant to the emerging Biotechnology
Industry.
Examples of some of the career routes taken by our graduates are
given below.
SOFTWARE, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Many of our graduates move into technical careers in which they make
use of their computing skills directly, working on software development,
product design and the provision of online services. These require
an ability to pick up new programming languages and systems quickly,
and be able to work effectively within small and large teams. Employers
are either large software and systems companies or small start-up
enterprises developing state-of-the-art applications.
IT AND COMMERCE
The alternative to a purely technical career is to make use of your
computing knowledge in order to design large computer systems and
networks in the IT and commerce areas. This includes large databases
and business information systems. The emphasis here is less on technical
detail and more on having a good awareness of the available technology
and how big systems and networks can operate together to maximise
efficiency and cost effectiveness.
MEDIA
An increasingly popular destination for our graduates is the media
industry, covering film, television and the Internet. As well as
web site development, there are exciting new careers in animation
and film making. The latest animated movie would not be possible
without the software tools to create more realistic animations. This
is likely to remain a growth area for Computer Science graduates, and one
that requires combining technology skills with creativity and team
working.
Or go your own way ...... there is always plenty of opportunity to
set up your own business. Many of our graduates (and sometimes undergraduates)
are now taking this route. The dynamic nature of computing means
that there is always potential for designing novel and exciting products
and services which can be delivered by small start-up companies.
Many Computer Science graduates have made their fortune via this entrepreneurial
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Russell Sassoon 2007 Graduate
I am currently working for Accenture as an Associate Software Engineer.
I had a great time at University and, now that I am working, can really
appreciate those aspects of Computer Science at Bristol you tend to take
for granted when studying for your degree. In particular, the variety of
subjects available has not only given me a firm foundation in numerous
areas of computing, but also the ability to be productive almost
immediately after starting a piece of work in an area completely
unfamiliar to me. This adaptive quality has proved to be highly valuable
in my job so far.
I am also finding that, as the subject areas within the Computer Science
course are so relevant to today's IT industry, I have a distinct edge
when applying for roles within my company. What's more,
I have confidence in my own abilities once on a project as a result of
the challenging and engrossing work encountered throughout my time at
Bristol.
Computer Science at Bristol to me is all about learning through
involvement, where you are given the freedom to explore the areas that
interest you. The course always seemed to be ahead of the game both in
terms of the research and teachings on offer, and the technology
available. Not only has Computer Science at Bristol given me a deep
understanding of the subject, but also the poise to challenge ideas
and really think for myself, which is essential in such a fast
evolving industry.
Nithin Thomas 2005 Graduate
 As
an MEng Computer Systems Engineering student, I was given an insight
into the design and development of computer systems. This included
hardware, software and the mathematical theory behind real systems.
The diversity of skills and knowledge I gained meant that I had many
career paths to choose from. The research experience I gained from
my final year project influenced my decision to embark on a PhD.
My PhD involves research into novel techniques for encrypting compressed
video data and requires aspects of signal processing, software engineering
and cryptography. As my research demands skills from different areas
of electrical engineering and computing, Computer Systems Engineering
gave me a head start. My undergraduate course was ideal for the work
that I am now doing toward my PhD, and besides the technical skills,
I also developed the necessary skills needed to grasp new concepts
quickly, and apply them in new scenarios - which has been essential
to my current work.
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