Informative Essay: Importance of Computer Science in Modern Life

The world is increasingly becoming imbued by computers. One doesn’t have to look very far to notice this reality, for one can likely count the number of objects running off software where he or she is sitting. Coming to college, I had a difficult time deciding my major, but ultimately, I chose computer science because I wanted to be a part of this growing technical domain. Computer science is not just the science of the technological world in which we live, but it is also a field that gratifies creativity, the desire to do-good, and passion — often time with well-compensated salaries.     

Creativity is encouraged and stimulated. Computer scientists are engineers, and the role of an engineer is to analyze, design, and construct. Niehorster-Cook examines the craftsmanship behind computer science in an article review between the human brain and computers. “Instead of pursuing a deeper understanding of the brain by comparing it to a computer, he wants to gain a deeper understanding of the brain by seeing how we have built computers to think like us” (Niehorster-Cook 1). The author suggests that humans engineer and design computers to behave and respond human-like. One can argue that by interacting with computers, one is interacting with human creativity. Computer science is analogous to an artist putting color to a canvas or a sculptor chiseling away a stone rock. One may ask how such an analogy can be true if many tasks involving computer science skills are prearranged and formulaic. Balgiu answers this in a study performed to gauge the creativity of computer science students. “Because, after all, the ways in which the final objective is attained create the working formulas “on the go”, even if they primarily resort to combinations and transformations of algorithms.” (Balgiu). This study descriptively outlines how computer science students use various methods to brainstorm the combinations and algorithms behind the results. Unlike an artist who may paint from imagination free from formulas and algebraic rules, developers use creative practices to achieve the formulas or algebraic rules that work. There is unique thought and intentions behind the numbers and variables.  I hope to learn more about the field and have a career in it because designing programs is an output for my self-expression, and I would love to work and have fun in the same atmosphere. Furthermore, I would enjoy working in the specific domain of security or forensics.

In tasks such as creating firewalls, anti-malware, or programs for confidential records, computer scientists must adhere to a code of ethics and morals.  Computer scientists must ensure that “that society’s well-being is catered for” (Trapani, Hale 49). Many aspects of major industry sectors are crucially assembled through code such as the banking, automotive, or medical sectors. Trapani and Hale details the importance of computer scientists being apt in protecting sensitive materials such as payroll records or ensuring security features as seen in vehicles are secure. Moreover, with the growing topic of user privacy in this age, the need for computer scientists with good character is increasingly imperative. “In computational terms, harm may mean physical injury or undesirable consequences such as losing information, losing property, damage of property, or even negative effects on the environment” (Trapani, Hale 49). Trapani and Hale reveal that with software developers having the power the create, it is imperative that things are built with the intention to do good rather than harm. There exists an old maxim that power comes with responsibility. And this is true even in the field of computer science. The demand for people with the desire to do-good exceeds the supply, and this exemplified in the general compensation for computer scientists.

Simply due to supply and demand, the computer science field is one of the highest paid fields in America. “Not only does computer science provide every student with foundational knowledge, it also leads to the highest-paying, fastest-growing jobs in the U.S. economy” (Bednarz). The job prospects for computer scientists well exceeds the number of computer science graduates. Thus, there is much competition amongst employers in hiring computer science graduates. What is the reason behind the steadfast increase in employment opportunities? “Marketing is increasingly reliant on technology” (Bednarz). Simply put, we live in the Tech Age thanks to the progress of the internet and electronics, and computer scientists are highly sought after by companies and governments who want to keep up with the tech boom. The importance of computer science is clearly shown by the investment being put towards it. Without a doubt, the attractive pay is an avenue many employers are taking to entice more driven, upstanding potential candidates into the field.

All in all, computer science can be a potentially enriching career for individuals who are enthusiastic about coding, eager to impact society in the information age, and long for a foreseeable stable career. One may examine his or her surroundings, and acknowledge all the computer-based systems, and have a sense of pride knowing he or she creates those systems or systems like those. Productivity is a part of human nature and producing systems that are a growing aspect in the period in which we live can fulfill one’s creative drive. There is a grand need for people to be able to safeguard these complex systems so sensitive information is not vulnerable as the internet age expands. Also, the market is extremely rewarding for potential developers who are up for the task. To conclude, computer science is without a doubt one of the best fields to pursue a career.