8 Qualities You Need to Be A Successful Computer Science/IT Major

what do you personally expect to get out of studying engineering or computer science in college?

Pursuing a degree in the field of computer and information technology is widely regarded as one of the most challenging academic endeavors one can undertake. If you’re successful, though, you’ll likely find your diligence and hard work handsomely rewarded as you enter the professional field of IT. The real question is: do you have what it takes to make it as a computer science/IT major? To help you make the call, we’ve listed eight of the top qualities you’ll need to achieve success in this challenging and competitive field of study.

#1—Passion for the Field

There are many perks of having a degree in computer science and IT, but you won’t likely get to enjoy them unless you have an intrinsic drive that keeps you going when your course load gets to be too much. Classes in computer and information sciences are known for being challenging and laborious. You can count on having moments when you feel like tossing in the towel and opting for a less arduous liberal arts degree. If you’re passionate about computers and technology, though, you’ll find what it takes to keep going.

#2—Creativity

It may not always seem as though technical skills and creativity go hand in hand, but the field of computer science/IT is definitely the place where these two qualities meet. Whether or not you choose to pursue one of the more artistic occupations in IT (think animator or graphic designer), you’ll still need a healthy capacity for creativity in order to navigate the discipline of computer and information technology. Most applications for computer science require some level of out-of-the-box thinking and creative problem-solving. Even less traditionally creative IT jobs such as backend developer or data scientist, for example, require imaginative ideation to some degree.

#3—Collaboration

As difficult as a computer science or information technology curriculum can be, you don’t have to go it alone. In fact, you shouldn’t try to. Computer science/IT programs offer many collaborative opportunities for students to learn together, including informal study groups as well as more formal student clubs and organizations. Seizing these opportunities can provide benefits that extend beyond academia too. Not only will you advance your skills as a result of teaming up against tough coursework, but you’ll also be gaining teamwork skills that will serve you in the workplace after you graduate.

#4—Forward-Thinking

Being a good computer science student is one thing, but to really be successful as an IT major, you need to be thinking about your career prospects after graduation. Because the field of computer and information sciences is so very broad, you’ll have a good deal of choice when it comes to potential occupations. While this can be a good thing, it can also be overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to think ahead early on in your academic career and try to nail down some viable job options for yourself. Think about the classes you enjoy most and how they may apply to specific occupations down the line. Also, take advantage of the career services department at the school you’re attending.

#5—Confidence

There aren’t many things that can replace a “can-do” attitude. When the going really gets tough in your life as a computer science/IT major, you’re going to need a large dose of confidence to fall back on. Luckily, confidence is something you can build over time, and there is no time like the present! If you’re seriously considering a degree in computer and information technology, go ahead and get a jumpstart on the prerequisite work you need to do to be successful. In most cases, this means honing your mathematical and analytical skills, since number crunching and data analysis will likely play a large role in your studies. The more skills you gain, the more natural confidence you’ll have.

#6—Time Management

Degree plans for computer and IT are demanding. You can expect to take multiple major-specific classes at a time, each with their own assignments and deadlines. To juggle all of this technical coursework successfully, you’ll need excellent time management skills. These skills will enable you to accurately predict the time commitment necessary for various tasks and schedule these tasks throughout your day, week, and semester. There are effective strategies for time management that you can learn, but it’s not an exact science. Most likely, you’ll need to experiment to find a workflow that helps you achieve maximum productivity.  

#7—Resourcefulness

Once enrolled in a computer science or information technology degree plan, you’ll likely have all of the resources you need to be successful in your course of study. Still, you’ll have to be willing and able to access these resources and use them to your advantage. This may mean meeting professors during office hours for additional help or taking advantage of the university’s academic tutoring services, for instance. Of course, there are plenty of external resources online you can access for more support.

#8—Dedication

In order to be truly successful in the discipline of computer and information technology, you’ll need to be personally dedicated to your craft. Being a good student is a step in the right direction, but it’s not enough. You can impress your teachers and make the grade while still failing yourself if you’re not careful. That’s because only you know your true potential as a future software developer, computer programmer, or software architect, for instance. To achieve this potential, you need to think beyond the classroom. Instead of seeing course or program completion as your only goal, use it as a launchpad for your learning. Practice your skills every day both in and out of the classroom, and know that the sky is the limit in terms of what you can learn in the IT field.

The discipline of computer science and information technology is a unique field with unique challenges. Still, many of the same qualities we’ve highlighted here are applicable to other academic degrees such as business programs and engineering. Success in any of these fields, however, is dependent upon choosing the right school and program for you. Still leaning towards a degree in IT? Check out our ranking of the top 50 online bachelor’s in computer and information technology degree programs.

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