Every time you check your phone for the weather, stream your favorite show, or order food through an app, you benefit from the work of a Computer & Information Science professional. From the algorithms that suggest what to watch next, to the systems that keep your data secure, someone designed, built, and maintains the technology you rely on every day. That someone could be you!

If you are passionate about solving problems through technology, a career in Computer & Information Sciences could be your gateway to doing what you love while making a lasting impact. According to Lightcast data, Computer & Information Sciences is an in-demand career path in Colorado where you have the potential to earn $138,000 annually as you advance.

“The explosion of AI and machine learning tools has altered almost every career, with AI tools changing how we look at our daily work,” shared Stu Crair, Director at Digital Workshop Center, an Opportunity Next scholarship administrator in the Computer & Information Sciences pathway. “It is an incredible time to be a part of educating people on these changes. It is important for any learner to be exploring AI tools and how they can be implemented along with traditional skills.”

Opportunity Next resources are here to help you explore this pathway with confidence:

• Career navigation tools like the Career Pathfinder can match your skills and interests with potential career pathways.
• The Question Bank can help you identify meaningful questions to ask your support system – including your Opportunity Next Coach – to learn more about your potential career pathway. Sample questions include: 
  • How can I find training programs that offer paid learning opportunities and apprenticeships?
  • How do computer science professionals stay current with industry developments and continuing education requirements?
  • What are some examples of entry-level jobs in the computer and information sciences field, and what are the typical starting wages?
• The Job Exploration Tool shows current job openings in Computer & Information Sciences so that you can learn more about the necessary qualifications, day-to-day responsibilities, and potential salaries for Full Stack Developers, Help Desk Support Specialists, Senior Product Managers, and other related roles. This can help you better understand the breadth of opportunities within an industry and the skills that employers are seeking.
• Lastly, the list of Opportunity Next Scholarship Administrators highlights where you can gain skills in Computer & Information Sciences within Colorado and may be eligible for an Opportunity Next scholarship in the 2024-25 academic year.

As Crair noted: “Having a passion for lifelong learning is key because the required skills needed in computer science and related tech careers are changing at an increasingly fast pace. Anyone who enjoys solving problems using coding and machine learning should explore what career pathways there are available within computer science.” 

This pathway isn’t just a fast-growing industry in Colorado—it’s a career shaping the future of technology and improving everyday life.

Get started by exploring the Computer & Information Sciences pathway today.