There are numerous aspirants in computer hardware and software which are often confused in what they should choose as their career path. In order to clear these confusions, they should learn about the information technology (IT) and computer science as these two careers demands for a slightly different set of skills and they both appeal to the different type of person.
The career in IT mainly deals with installing, organizing and maintaining computer systems. Along with this, it also includes designing and operating networks and databases. Computer science mainly focuses on efficiently programming computers by using mathematical algorithms.
For making a career in IT does not require a computer science degree but a CS degree provides certain opportunities which otherwise would not be available. The IT professionals work in the business environment for installing internal networks and computer systems etc. rather computer scientists work in a wider range of environment.
Career in Computer Science: The degree in CS provides students a complex education in discrete mathematics as well as computer science theory. The CS graduates can become software developers or web programmers and they have the chance to do research or work in more specialized roles such as advanced artificial intelligence programming.
Through four year CS degree, students are able in finding employment as programmers, software engineers or IT professionals. In order to become a software developer, aspirants must get the knowledge of programming. Through CS education, the students can choose the correct design patterns, algorithms and data structures for programs. But most of the students know only one or two programming languages such as C++, Python or Java.
Career in Information Technology: In this field, graduates have the opportunity to find work in a number of occupations such as information security, network architecture, database administration as well as system administration and computer support with a two or four year IT degree. Some of these jobs require for advanced computer science and programming knowledge.
So it is important that graduates should have the knowledge in these specialized programs or take elective courses such as information security requires knowledge of discrete math and algorithms etc. The IT professionals need to stay updated of these technologies and must know the use of operating systems and server software.