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. Potrivit PayScale, the average base salary nonprofits offer is $58,000.

SEE: Nonprofit tech jobs: Sprijiniți o cauză bună

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. Potrivit 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, conform 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. 

Voluntariat

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.  

VEDEA: Iată cum companiile de tehnologie diversifică recrutarea și angajarea

Acest articol a fost revizuit de Monali Mirel Chuatico

În 2019, Monali Mirel Chuatico a absolvit cu licența în informatică, ceea ce i-a oferit fundația că trebuie să exceleze în roluri precum inginer de date, dezvoltator front-end, designer UX și instructor de informatică.

Monali este în prezent inginer de date la Mission Lane. În calitate de căpitan de analiză a datelor la o organizație nonprofit numit Cariere COOP, Monali îi ajută pe noii absolvenți și pe tinerii profesioniști să depășească șomajul, învățându-le instrumente de analiză a datelor și îndrumându-i în călătoria lor de dezvoltare profesională.

Monali este pasionată de implementarea soluțiilor creative, construirea comunității, susținerea sănătății mintale, abilitarea femeilor și educarea tinerilor. Scopul lui Monali este să câștige mai multă experiență în domeniul ei, să-și extindă setul de abilități și să facă o muncă semnificativă care va avea un impact pozitiv asupra lumii.

Monali Mirel Chuatico este membru plătit al Red Ventures Education Integrity Network. 

Ultima revizuire 4 mai 2022.

Dacă nu se menționează altfel, datele privind salariile și creșterea locurilor de muncă sunt extrase din SUA Biroul de Statistică a Muncii din 20 iunie 2022.