Computer Science and IT Career Pathways

  • Product Management:

    Product management is a series of steps that includes the design, development, and marketing of new apps and services from start to finish. It includes the entire lifecycle of a product, from ideation to development to go-to-market (GTM).

  • Programming/Software Development:

Software developers, sometimes called software engineers, design and create software programs for computers, mobile devices, and websites to solve real-world problems.

UX design is a broader term and is the process used to create products that provide meaningful and relevant experiences to users.

Web developers create and maintain websites. Digital designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability.

Computer Science is both a popular and broad field that involves designing and building computers, software, and applications.

Visit our computer science education/training page to see a comprehensive list of Montana computer science training programs.

Product Management

Education:

Although a bachelor’s degree in a field like computer science, business information systems, or a similar field of study is often required for product management jobs, there are opportunities for movement into product management positions from fields such as software development, business analytics, project management, and even with an arts and creative background. 

High-Growth Jobs:

Product owner/developer is an emerging high-growth product management role. Read on to learn more about this rapidly growing career.

Suggested Montana Careers

    • Median Salary: $81,000 - $165,000

    • National Growth Rate: 10%

Core Skills

Technical Skills

  • Cloud-based computing such as Amazon Web Services

  • Data analysis or scientific software like R and SAS

  • Data mining software like Google Analytics

  • Knowledge of Agile/Scrum methodology

  • Programming languages like Python, JavaScript, Java, PHP, C#, Ruby, C, or C++.

  • Query languages like SQL to work with databases

  • Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel

  • UX/UI design skills

Soft Skills

  • Communication

  • Creativity

  • Detail-oriented

  • Interpersonal skills

  • Leadership

  • Problem-solving

  • Time management

Programming/Software Development

In-demand Specialties:

  • AI/Machine Learning

  • Blockchain Engineering

  • Product Development

Education:

Software developer jobs typically require at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science and information technology or a similar field to get started. It is also possible to enter the field without a degree by learning programming languages, gaining industry experience, and earning certifications. Bootcamps like the 18-week Montana Code School can offer a faster, more affordable on-ramp into the field and are designed to be accessible to working adults.

High-Growth Jobs:

Emerging high-growth roles in programming and software development include software quality assurance analyst, software developer (front-end, back-end, and full-stack), and DevOps engineer. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.

Suggested Montana Careers

    • Median MT Salary: $64,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 49%

    • Median MT Salary: $65,000-$131,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 49%

    • Median MT Salary: $108,000-$134,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 17%

Core Skills

Technical Skills

  • Programming languages like Python, JavaScript, Java, PHP, C#, Ruby, C, or C++.

  • Query languages like SQL to work with databases

  • Markup languages like HTML or XML for creating webpages

  • Agile and Scrum project management frameworks

Soft Skills

  • Analytical thinking

  • Attention to detail

  • Problem-solving

  • Strong communication

  • Teamwork

Education:

A postsecondary degree is not required to start a career in UX/UI design. However, earning a professional development certificate in UX design through online learning programs like Google Certificates, or a bachelor’s degree in a related field like computer science can help improve your employability as a UX/UI designer.

High-Growth Jobs:

Emerging high-growth roles in user experience/user interface (UX/UI) design include video game designer and user experience/user interface (UX/UI) designer. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.

User Experience/User Interface (UX/UI) Design

Suggested Montana Careers

    • Median MT Salary: $54,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 16%

    • Median MT Salary: $67,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 27%

Core Skills

Technical Skills

  • Programming languages like Python, JavaScript, Java, PHP, C#, Ruby, C, or C++.

  • Understanding of graphic design principles such as lines, color, shape, space, texture, typography, scale, dominance and emphasis, and harmony to create eye-catching images.

Soft Skills

  • Creativity

  • Critical thinking

  • Detail-oriented

  • Problem-solving

  • Strong communication

Web Design/Development

Education:

Although a degree is not required to launch a career in web design/development, having a two-year or four-year degree in a field like computer science or digital design can improve your employability. Additionally, it is possible to enter the field without a degree by learning programming languages, gaining industry experience, and earning certifications.

High-Growth Jobs:

Emerging high-growth roles in web design and development include web developer (back-end, front-end, full-stack, and webmaster), and web administrator. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.

Suggested Montana Careers

    • Median MT Salary: $54,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 16%

    • Median MT Salary: $71,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 16%

Core Skills

Technical Skills

  • Programming languages like Python, JavaScript, Java, PHP, C#, Ruby, C, or C++.

  • Query languages like SQL to work with databases

  • Markup languages like HTML or XML for creating webpages

  • Knowledge of multimedia publishing tools such as Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Publisher

  • Understanding of graphic design principles such as lines, color, shape, space, texture, typography, scale, dominance and emphasis, and harmony to create eye-catching images.

  • Photo editing tools like Adobe Photoshop and Canva

Soft Skills

  • Communication

  • Creativity

  • Customer-Service

  • Detail-oriented

  • Problem-solving

Computer and information systems support roles focus on troubleshooting issues related to technology for clients either in person, over the phone, or electronically.

Network and computer systems professionals are responsible for the day-to-day operation of a company’s computer networks. Typical tasks include maintaining computer systems including local area networks (LAN), wide-area networks (WAN), operating systems, and servers, performing data backups and disaster recovery, setting up email applications or virus protection software, analyzing network and server resource consumption, and installing and maintaining software licenses.

Information Technology (IT) is a rapidly growing field that involves setting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting computers and their networks, systems, and databases so they run smoothly and securely.

Visit our IT education/training page to see a comprehensive list of Montana IT training programs.

Computer and Information Systems Support

In-demand Specialties:

  • Cybersecurity

  • Network administration

Education:

Computer user support specialist roles are a great gateway into the world of high-tech as these positions are open to those with a high school diploma and on-the-job training, or a two-year associate degree related to IT. An entry-level certification like the CompTIA A+, ITIL standard, or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) can also help increase your employability by equipping you with fundamental IT skills.

Mid-career level positions include web developer, network and computer systems administrator, and database administrator.

Advanced career opportunities include roles in software development, systems analytics, or IT management.

High-Growth Jobs:

Emerging high-growth roles in computer and information systems support include computer user support specialist, information technology project manager, database administrator, and computer and information systems manager. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.

Suggested Montana Careers

    • Median MT Salary: $49,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 15%

    • Median MT Salary: $60,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 16%

    • Median MT Salary: $79,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 17%

    • Median MT Salary: $103,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 18%

Core Skills

Technical Skills

  • Computer networking like domain name systems (DNS)

  • Knowledge of computer programming languages Python, JavaScript, Java, PHP, C#, Ruby, C, or C++

  • Knowledge of server administration and operating systems like Linux, Mac OS & IOS, and Windows

  • Query languages like SQL to work with databases

  • Understanding of information security principles

Soft Skills

  • Active listening

  • Analytical

  • Communication

  • Customer service

  • Problem-solving

In-demand Specialties:

  • Cybersecurity

  • Telecommunications Equipment Installers/Repairers

Education:

The majority of companies require a bachelor’s degree for computer networking positions, typically in computer science, information systems, or information technology. Companies typically require their network and computer systems administrators to be certified in the products they use such as Microsoft or Cisco to validate knowledge and best practices.

High-Growth Jobs:

Emerging high-growth roles in computer networking include network and computer systems administrator, computer systems analyst, and computer network architect. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.

Computer Networking

Suggested Montana Careers

    • Median MT Salary: $77,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 8%

    • Median MT Salary: $82,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 7%

    • Median MT Salary: $102,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 19%

Core Skills

Technical Skills

  • Cloud computing like IBM WebSphere or Amazon Web Services

  • Computer networking such as domain name systems (DNS) or CompTia Network+

  • LAN and WAN software installation

  • Knowledge of computer programming languages Python, JavaScript, Java, PHP, C#, Ruby, C, or C++

  • Knowledge of server administration and operating systems like Linux, Mac OS & IOS, and Windows

  • Query languages like SQL to work with databases

  • Understanding of information security principles

Soft Skills

  • Analytical

  • Communication

  • Critical thinking

  • Multitasking

  • Problem-solving

  • Time-Management

Do you have a helpful resource you’d like to suggest we add to this guide? Do you have information you are searching for, or other feedback? The Montana High Tech Business Alliance would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at communications[at]mthightech.org.

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