A deep understanding of the principles and techniques of computing is valuable for nearly all successful organizations. Computer science graduates can play key roles on problem-solving teams.

The department’s graduates work primarily in two market sectors. One includes the software and computer industries, from small start-ups to giants such as Microsoft and IBM; these present job opportunities in software development and design, systems analysis, user-interface development and design, web development, and many other areas.

Another sector is made up of organizations whose primary business is not computing, such as banks, insurance and other financial groups; health care organizations; consulting, media and legal firms; entertainment companies; and the military.

As many as one-third of the department’s graduates go into research or elect to pursue graduate studies in computer science, business, or other areas for which computer science provides a strong foundation.

For a current list of available and ongoing career opportunities, see the Computer Science Job Postings page.

Industry Resources

Employment opportunities may be found at AMIAAssociation for Computing MachineryIEEE, and INFORMS.

The local chapter of IEEE has an Industrial Relations page. Any resumes submitted there for either internships or full-time jobs will be vetted by IEEE volunteers willing to forward them to their peers in businesses like Rockwell Collins.

PhD students seeking faculty or research positions should also look at the listings at the Computing Research Association and at Academic Careers Online.

Career Resources for UI Graduate Students

The Graduate College offers robust professional development services, including career guidance, national grants and fellowships support, and Iowa's Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL). For more information on graduate student professional development services, visit the Professional Development page in the Graduate College.