Table of Contents

• Job Name
• Brief description
• Duties & responsibilities of this role
• Job requirements
  • Academic Qualifications
  • Work Experience
  • Personal Skills
  • Working Conditions
• Salary
• Industry/Organisation
• Job listings
• Differences observed
• Other References used
  

Job Name

Computer Scientist

Brief description

A computer scientist's roles are to research into computer science methods and apply them into the ever continuing development of hardware, software and computer systems. They are distinguished by their higher level of theoretical expertise and innovation they apply to complex problems. (U.S. Department of Labour: Bureau of Labour Statistics, 16 January 2007).  

They work in diverse areas ranging from complex theory to hardware to programming-language design. (U.S. Department of Labour: Bureau of Labour Statistics, 16 January 2007)

Computer science, or computing science, is the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and their implementation and application in computer systems. Computer science has many sub-fields; some emphasize the computation of specific results (such as computer graphics), while others relate to properties of computer problems. Still others focus on the challenges in implementing computations. For example, programming language studies, studies approaches to describing computations, while computer programming applies specific programming languages to solve specific computational problems with solutions. A further subfield, human-computer interaction, focuses on the challenges in making computers and computations useful, usable and universally accessible to people.

Duties & responsibilities of this role

• Analyse, code and test software requirements for new and current systems (seek, 1 Aug 2007)
• Create, then implement regression tests (careerbuilder, 12 July 2007)
• Support the upgrade of hardware and software (careerbuilder, 12 July 2007)
• Define and document functional/technical specifications (seek, 1 Aug 2007)
• Assist and educate on the organisations software (seek, 30 July 2007)
• Debugging skills and troubleshooting skills and strong abilities to diagnose problems enterprise wide (careerbuilder, 12 July 2007)
• Involve high levels of interaction with the organisations clients (and partners) (seek, 30 July 2007)
• Consult with the organisation about results and/or conduction of impact analysis test (seek, 1 Aug 2007)
• Ensure that programs meet business requirements and that they are delivered on time, within budget and required standards. (seek, 1 Aug 2007)
• Clear and effective communicator - orally and written. (careerbuilder, 12 July 2007)
  

Job requirements

Skills required:

• Specialized knowledge of the design characteristics, limitations, and potential applications of systems (AC People, 8 August 2007)
• Professional competence in applying the theoretical foundations of computer science including programming, computer and data structures and computer networks. (AC People, 8 August 2007, University of Adelaide: SchoolofComputer Science, 7 August 2007)

• Knowledge of relevant mathematical and statistical sciences. (AC People, 8 August 2007)
• Ability to design complex systems involving both hardware, software and networks, using software engineering techniques (University of Adelaide: SchoolofComputer Science, 7 August 2007)
• Good conceptual ability and skills in analysis and problem solving. (seek, 1 Aug 2007)
• Have a high standard of conduct and quality of output. (seek, 1 Aug 2007)
• Are able to adapt and keep update with developments in your career/profession (University of Adelaide: SchoolofComputer Science, 7 August 2007)

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Computer Science or Bachelors degree In Engineering. (seek, 30 July 2007; careerbuilder, 12 July 2007 )

Work Experience

• 6 to 12 months experience within a similar role (Graduates) (seek, 1 Aug 2007)
• 3 or more years of experience in systems design of major information technology systems (ARINC, 2007)

Personal Skills

• Good interpersonal communication skills both verbal and written.(seek, 1 Aug 2007)
• Enthusiastic and confident in your abilities. (seek, 30 July 2007)
• Have an appreciation of current technologies (University of Adelaide: SchoolofComputer Science, 7 August 2007 )
• Have an appreciation of professional conduct and ethical issues in the IT industry (University of Adelaide: SchoolofComputer Science, 7 August 2007)

Working Conditions

• Computer scientists usually work about 40 hours a week. However, evening or weekend work may be necessary to meet deadlines or solve specific problems. (U.S. Department of Labour: Bureau of Labour Statistics, 16 January 2007)

Salary

• Range from $45,000 - $50,000 (Graduate) (seek, 01 Aug 2007)
• Person's with a research degree (Masters by research or PhD) Median salary of $62,000 (Information Economy Policy Office, 17 June 2007)
• Government sector-              Median salary for 2006 $45,900 (Graduate)
• Professional Practices-         Median salary for 2006 $41,000 (Graduate)
• Industry and Commerce-      Median salary for 2006 $40,000 (Graduate)
• Educational Institutions-       Median salary for 2006 $42,000 (Graduate)

Source: (Withers, S., iTWire, 25 July 2007)  

Industry/Organisation

• Private-            Telstra
                             Various research institutes
                             Universities

• Government-   Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO)
                             Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial  Research Organisation (CSIRO)
                             Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)

Source: (Australian Computer Society, 15 June 2003)  

Job listings

1. Seek.com.au, Talent International (NSW), Computer Science Graduate, (Listed 01 Aug 2007). Retrieved 8 August 2007 from http://it.seek.com.au/users/apply/index.ascx?Sequence=49&PageNumber=1&JobID=10079584&
2. Seek.com.au, Prograd, Computer Science Graduate (Listed 30 July 2007). Retrieved 8 August 2007 from http://it.seek.com.au/users/apply/index.ascx?Sequence=47&PageNumber=1&JobID=10058412&
3. Careerbuilder.com, L-3 Communications Services Group, Computer Scientist, (Posted 12 July 2007). Retrieved 8 August 2007 from http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?dv=dv&APath=2.21.0.0.0&sfascc=computer+scientist&IPath=QHKCV&sname=&jrdid=&lpage=58&job_did=J3H3Q46FP3H5YV47TR4&ff=21&jobcount=1441&strcrit=QID%3dA6654243369351%3bst%3da%3bu&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=fba4b0ae82734e1091f77b23b053f1f5-239857078-WL-2
4. Arnic.com, Computer Scientist. Retrieved 8 August 2007 from https://sjobs.brassring.com/EN/ASP/TG/cim_jobdetail.asp?jobId=503444&type=search&JobReqLang=1&recordstart=201&JobSiteId=48&JobSiteInfo=503444_48&GQId=0&partnerid=10626&siteid=48 
   

Differences observed

  I could not find any other job advertised other than the ones listed; therefore my comparisons are of the jobs that are within the job listing.  

 Applicants for a full time position as a computer scientist required qualifications and experience within the field of computer science which is shown in the job advertisement by Careerbuilder.com, for L-3 Communications Services Group. 

 L-3 Communications Services Group required extensive work experience in various fields as well as a prerequisite of a bachelor degree. L-3 Communications Services Group advertisement for a computer scientist was highly articulate and descriptive in illustrating the job description, job responsibilities, required experience and preferred skills.   

In contrast, Arinc.com published a very simple ad in comparison to L-3 Communications Services Group. They did not go as in-depth in describing the job responsibilities, required experience and preferred skills.   

Arinc.com did not require applicants to have a bachelor degree as of the requirements by L-3 Communications Services Group. I find this positive to some extent as it leaves this job available to a wider demographic of applicants, however with a job such as a computer scientist which has the need for extensive knowledge in computer science, I feel that academic qualifications in computer science is essential.   

Job advertisements for graduating students in computer science are again different in their style of advertising. Their style is less comprehensive and detailed in prior experience, but also in formality.  

In advertisements by seek.com for Talent International (NSW) and Prograd, a certain style of enticement is present. Both ads emphasize on personal attributes of enthusiasm, confidence, and communication skills. 

 Talent International (NSW) focuses more on their corporate culture and environment by using 'funky and cool' words in their ad (seek, 30 July 2007).   

As of Prograd, their advertisement is slightly more formal in describing their corporate culture and environment as quoted "a relaxed work environment where only absolute excellence is acceptable" (seek, 1 Aug 2007). Prograd entices applicants by describing the businesses location which is in Sydney's CBD, by an extra one year graduate training program, countless opportunities into higher positions and arenas and also the chance to travel internationally within their multinational company. 

 In comparison of the two advertisements Prograd states to be a very successful and multinational organisation. Assumingly they have a larger budget and means of enticement for applicants, where as, Talent International which is only based in Australia, their means of enticement is only their corporate culture. The focus on organisational environments leads to deciding which is best. A 'relaxed' environment which not only demands excellence but has opportunities internationally or a 'funky, cool' and maybe more laid back environment.  

So which would you choose?   

Samantha Bean

Other References used

1. AC People, online. Jobs: Computer Science. Retrieved 8 August 2007 from http://www.acpeople.com.au/cat/Computer-Science_1550.htm
2. ARINC, online. Job details - Computer Scientist. Retrieved 8 August 2007 from https://sjobs.brassring.com/EN/ASP/TG/cim_jobdetail.asp?jobId=503444&type=search&JobReqLang=1&recordstart=201&JobSiteId=48&JobSiteInfo=503444_48&GQId=0&partnerid=10626&siteid=48
3. Australian Computer Society; ICT Careers Portal, online (15 June 2003). OTHER AREAS: Computer Science. Retrieved 8 August 2007 from https://www.acs.org.au/ictcareers/careers/descriptions/other.htm
4. Information Economy Policy Office, online (17 June 2007). There's real evidence that IT is still the career of the future. Page 2, Retrieved 8 August 2007 from  http://www.sacitt.asn.au/GoForIT/GoForIT.pdf
5. Stephen Withers, iTWire (Primary source: Graduate Careers Australia), Online, (25 July 2007). Computer science grads still get above-average pay Retrieved 8 August 2007 from http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/13688/50/
6. U.S. Department of Labour: Bureau of Labour Statistics, online (Last Modified 16 January 2007). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer Scientists and Database Administrators. Retrieved 8 August 2007 from http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos042.htm
7. University of Adelaide: School of Computer Science, online (Last modified 7 August 2007). Computer Science. Retrieved 8 August 2007 from http://www.cs.adelaide.edu.au/programs/compsci/
8. University of Adelaide: SchoolofComputer Science, online (Last modified 7 August 2007). Graduate Attributes. Retrieved 8 August 2007 from http://www.cs.adelaide.edu.au/programs/compsci/attributes/
9. Wikipedia, online (Last modified 5 August 2007). Computer Science. Retrieved 8 August 2007 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_science 
10. Withers, S., iTWire, online (25 July 2007). Computer science grads still get above-average pay, Retrieved 8 August 2007 from http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/13688/50/

Comments ( Hide )

Angelco Kovacev says: How did you make the table of contents, the other ones seem not to be working on the IT Programmer page, Systems Engineer page etc... It would be good if anyone could fix those Aug 17, 2007 13:12 ( Permalink )

Sarah Elizabeth Collins says: The tertiary requirements for this job are a lot more accurate and specific then compared to other jobs such as those posted on the Consulting and Contract page. This is because a Computer Scientist is required for more specific roles such as those you've discussed. The job also requires an advanced level of software knowledge although the starting salary appears to be quite average. The salary and specific requirements may only attract a narrow field of trained professionals to apply Aug 18, 2007 16:50 ( Permalink )