Career Outlook

Current Trends

There is a great deal of discussion going on in regards to careers in computer science from all quarters. Recently, the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics said that the number of computer science and systems analysis jobs went up by 54,000, an increase of 7.7% over 2004 numbers, in Q1 2005. At the same time, in some minds, concerns linger overthe dot com bust and the business of off-shoring computer related jobs.

Here are three examples of initiatives and position papers that advocate a strong growth locally and state wide in opportunities for computer scientists.

"The Economic Impact of Technology Based Industries on Washington State", The Technology Alliance

"Technology-based industries continue to lead the development of the Washington economy. They now account for the largest share of employment,business activity, and labor income of any major sector in the state's economic base.

From a national perspective, Washington State is a center of technology-based employment and R&D activity. The concentration of employment in these sectors in Washington places us 3rd in the nation (after Massachusetts and Virginia), while we ranked 8th in R&D funding. Washington has increased its concentration of technology based industries over time,from 10% above the national average in 1985 to 34% above it in 2002."

The full report can be found here.

The Washington Software Alliance [WSA]

"Over the past 20 years, Washington's technology industry has grown from virtually nothing to become one of the state's most important industries.Employment in the software and information sectors is now greater than aerospace. The software sector alone grew by 485% from 1990 to 2003.Despite the boom and bust of 2000-2002, tech sector employment is higher now than in 1999 and there are thousands of open jobs in this sector in our state."

Contact the WSA for more information.

Washington State's Prosperity Partnership

One of six flagship priorities for the future of Washington is education.

"Education: Ensure a vibrant, well-educated and adaptable workforce with an entrepreneurial spirit. Prosperous economies require a workforce that has the necessary skills, the ability to continue developing skills as technologies and markets change, and a commitment to performing high-quality work. Education and job-skill training prepare a region's populace for the world of work."

More details are available here.

top