Computer Science and IT Career Pathways
Table of Contents
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
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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
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Median MT Salary: $64,000
MT Growth Rate: 49%
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Median MT Salary: $65,000-$131,000
MT Growth Rate: 49%
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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
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Median MT Salary: $54,000
MT Growth Rate: 16%
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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
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Median MT Salary: $49,000
MT Growth Rate: 15%
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Median MT Salary: $60,000
MT Growth Rate: 16%
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Median MT Salary: $79,000
MT Growth Rate: 17%
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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
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Median MT Salary: $77,000
MT Growth Rate: 8%
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Median MT Salary: $82,000
MT Growth Rate: 7%
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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.