How to find a meaningful computer science career

The booming tech industry has changed the world both for the better and the worse. If you want to join the industry but want to ensure your work has a positive impact, consider pursuing a meaningful computer science career path.

Within this growing field are computer science career paths that provide worthwhile services, such as those in healthcare, education, and nonprofit organizations.

Here, we examine these and other meaningful computer science career paths, plus how you can land these jobs.

Computer science salaries vs. meaning

Job-seekers often balance salary and pursuing their passions and values.

While computer science salaries attract many people to the field, computer science jobs also provide meaningful opportunities. According to PayScale's Meaningful Jobs survey, nearly 50% of computer managers, research scientists, and systems analysts reported high job meaning. 

In each of these positions, computer professionals have opportunities to improve the way individuals and organizations use technology and information. 

They help people and organizations perform better and make better decisions.

Computer science career paths that make the world a better place

The best computer science degree careers are those that offer competitive salaries and personal benefits. The following list spotlights computer science career paths that allow professionals to make meaningful contributions to the world.

1. Nonprofit organizations

Nonprofits, including both tech-focused organizations like NPower or general organizations like Feeding America, offer numerous computer science career paths. 

Nonprofits address a myriad of issues and come in many sizes. Според PayScale, the average base salary nonprofits offer is $58,000.

SEE: Nonprofit tech jobs: Поддржете добра причина

2. Non-governmental organization (NGO)

Computer science professionals can find NGOs serving most passions and interests. These nonprofit organizations tend to have an international focus, which can increase their size and salary expectations. 

Oxfam and Partners in Health are among the NGOs that hire computer science professionals.

3. B-Corps

B-Corps are organizations that meet high standards for social and environmental impacts. They create computer science career paths that help underserved populations and the environment. Compared to other companies, some B-Corps like Participate Learning and Dr. Bronner's pay more balanced ratios between the highest- and lowest-paid professionals.

4. Clean tech

Clean tech organizations offer computer science career paths for professionals with environmental interests. 

Organizations like AeroFarms and Planet use data and technology to investigate and solve environmental issues. Според PayScale, clean energy employees earn average base salaries of $83,000. 

5. Educational technology

Ideal for professionals who are passionate about education, the edtech industry aims to make learning more accessible and effective. Computer science career paths can be found in organizations such as Duolingo and Apex Learning. 

These professionals earned annual mean wages of $71,640 in May 2021.

6. Healthcare tech

Healthcare tech is a desirable computer science career path for those who want to improve healthcare and health outcomes.

Tech professionals working in healthcare tech earn average base salaries of $86,000, според PayScale. Organizations in this industry include Illumina and 3M Health Care.

7. Civic tech

The civic tech industry enables people to get involved and solve socio-political issues. For professionals interested in politics and engagement, this computer science path offers many opportunities, including organizations like DataMode and Clear Ballot. 

The annual mean wage in this field was $64,320 in May 2021.

How to find a meaningful computer science career

1. Decide on a cause you care about.

Finding a meaningful computer science career path starts with identifying your cause or passion. You may want to help people with specific issues, assist certain populations, or help prevent particular challenges.

2. Look for companies and organizations that support that goal

From there, you can seek out organizations working in those fields. You could focus on a specific industry or look across industries for organizations focused on issues you prioritize.

Research the impact the organization has had and what plans they have for the future. After determining if their values and direction align with yours, look to see if the organization is hiring and reach out. 

3. Check out industry-specific job boards 

To find a meaningful computer science career path, search industry-specific job search sites. 

For example, if you are interested in healthcare or education, you can search the sites that focus on careers in those fields. You can also use issue-specific search terms, such as climate change or renewable energy, on general job boards. 

To get started, check out these industry- and cause-specific job boards. These sites link job postings from education, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations. 

Other ways to use your computer science skills to give back

If you are unable to find or pursue a meaningful job at this time, there are other ways of giving back and making a difference. 

Волонтирање

Nonprofit organizations are almost always looking for volunteers. You can lend your time and talents to these organizations and industries, tackling projects for them or mentoring others in the field.  

Help others at your current job

You can find meaning in any job. Try to make a difference from within by pushing your organization to get involved in social issues; create ethical business practices; and introduce diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.  

ЈИЕ: Еве како технолошките компании го диверзифицираат регрутирањето и вработувањата

Оваа статија беше прегледана од Монали Мирел Чутико

Во 2019, Монали Мирел Чатико дипломирала со диплома по компјутерски науки, што и ја дало основата дека и е потребна за да напредува во улоги како што се инженер за податоци, развивач на предниот дел, дизајнер UX и инструктор по компјутерски науки.

Монали моментално е инженер за податоци во Mission Lane. Се јави капетан за анализа на податоци во непрофитна COOP Кариери, Монали им помага на новите дипломци и на младите професионалци да ја надминат недоволната вработеност со тоа што ќе ги научи алатки за анализа на податоци и ќе ги менторира на нивното патување за професионален развој.

Монали е страстен за имплементација на креативни решенија, градење заедница, застапување за ментално здравје, зајакнување на жените и едукација на младите. Целта на Монали е да стекне повеќе искуство во својата област, да го прошири својот сет на вештини и да работи значајна работа што позитивно ќе влијае на светот.

Монали Мирел Чутико е платен член на Red Ventures Education Integrity Network. 

Последен пат прегледано на 4 мај 2022 година.

Unless otherwise noted, salary and job growth data is drawn from the U.S. Биро за статистика на трудот од 20 јуни 2022 година.