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Computer scientist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

6 min read

Quoted experts

Calvin Deutschbein,

Gagan Agrawal

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical computer scientist skills. We ranked the top skills for computer scientists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 12.5% of computer scientist resumes contained python as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a computer scientist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 computer scientist skills for your resume and career

1. Python

Python is a widely-known programming language. It is an object-oriented and all-purpose, coding language that can be used for software development as well as web development.

Here's how computer scientists use python:

Developed Python application to automate production of configuration files.
Created a web app to interface to a field instrumentation database, generating graphs server side with Python.

2. Computer System

Here's how computer scientists use computer system:

Developed an integrated computer system to help move the DoD into an enterprise environment for global implementation.
Perform advanced computer system and network equipment procurement, equipment installation, administration and security.

3. Machine Learning

Here's how computer scientists use machine learning:

Devised a general framework for chemical library design and prioritized compound acquisition based on feature selection and machine learning techniques.
Proposed a unique automated approach for producing desired machine behaviors through machine learning techniques and statistical analysis of simulated outputs.

4. Architecture

Here's how computer scientists use architecture:

Factored source into multiple library architecture allowing other Adobe products to take advantage of ImageReady's functionality.
Experience in Technology Insertion - evaluating and integrating new technology into a network / system architecture.

5. DOD

Definition of Done (DoD) is a set of deliverables that are needed to devise software. These deliverables are valuable to the system and can be exemplified by writing code, coding comments, unit testing, integration testing, design documents, release notes, and so on.

Here's how computer scientists use dod:

Performed design, development and implementation of real-time socket based C/C++ client-server software for distributed interactive DoD simulation projects.
Performed applications software design, development and analysis of C/C++ and FORTRAN software for varied DoD engineering analysis applications.

6. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how computer scientists use java:

Developed a Java application to calculate network flows on oil pipelines for infrastructure simulation and analysis.
Designed and implemented JavaBeans, JSP pages, and Java code to access an Oracle database and display web pages.

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7. Software Development

Software development is the mechanism by which programmers create computer programs. The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a framework for developing applications that follow technological needs and consumer requirements. It consists of many stages. The SDLC establishes an international standard that software developers can use to enhance and create their programs. It provides a well-defined framework for software developers to pursue in the production, maintenance, and design of premium quality software. The aim of the software development process is to create high-quality software on time and within budget.

Here's how computer scientists use software development:

Directed software development for medium-scale project producing an interactive 3-D computer-based training system.
Received the National Intelligence Meritorious Unit Citation for work on software development.

8. Data Analysis

Here's how computer scientists use data analysis:

Conducted management and peer reviews developing performance metrics based on data analysis.
Developed test data analysis applications.

9. Linux

Linux is a Unix-like operating system. Just like Windows, Mac OS, and IOS, Linux is an operating system used by millions across the globe. Android itself is powered by the Linux operating system. Linux manages all the hardware resources that are associated with your computer. The software is famous because of the protection it grants from viruses, malware, and crashes. The Linux operating system is entirely free and is an open-source software meaning it can be altered by those equipped with the knowledge to code.

Here's how computer scientists use linux:

Observed local security protocols and implemented observed policies for securing Windows and Linux operating systems.
Worked in several environments including Windows, Linux, UNIX, as well as proprietary operating systems.

10. C

Here's how computer scientists use c:

Developed C code to solve complex logistical problems for the Front Integrated Logistics Data System (FILDS) II project.
Re-engineered several FORTRAN programs in C to facilitate their migration to networked PC data system from Mini computer environment.

11. C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that is used to create high-performing applications. It was invented as an extension to the C language. C++ lets the programmer have a high level of domination over memory and system resources. C++ is an object-oriented language that helps you implement real-time issues based on different data functions

Here's how computer scientists use c++:

Developed C++ for the Global Positioning System (GPS) to execute the Block IIF database System Initialization.
Designed and implemented graphical viewer of printed circuit board data using Visual C++, MFC and Windows SDK.

12. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence pertains to a branch of computer science that focuses on developing smart machines that perform tasks that usually require human intelligence.

Here's how computer scientists use artificial intelligence:

Developed computer programs utilizing artificial intelligence technology to aid Army logistics systems.
Designed and developed Artificial Intelligence programs in LISP for Navy intelligence applications.

13. Visualization

Here's how computer scientists use visualization:

Created interactive visualization annotated by features picked by the signal analysis.
Established Scientific Visualization Laboratory at NRL.

14. Cloud

Cloud is a server that is accessed over the internet. There are different programs and software that also run on these servers. These clouds can be accessed from anywhere in the world as they are not present in your computer storage, but have their online servers. Cloud consists of data centers all across the world.

Here's how computer scientists use cloud:

Led cost evaluation for incremental release plan of business intelligence and cloud technology infusion.
Analyzed multiple cloud based solutions to Navy IT requirements.

15. Unix

UNIX is a computer operating system that was first created in the 1960s and has been constantly updated since then. The operating system refers to the set of programs that enable a machine to function. It is a multi-user, multi-tasking device that works on computers, laptops, and servers. UNIX systems also have a graphical user interface (GUI), similar to Microsoft Windows, that makes it simple to use.

Here's how computer scientists use unix:

Constructed a GUI-based tool to perform the verification and validation (V&V) in an X-Windows Motif Unix environment.
Installed and configured SUN and HP UNIX workstations and peripherals including disk drives, tape drives, CD drives and printers.

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What skills help Computer Scientists find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What computer scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Calvin Deutschbein

Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Willamette University

The best way to maximize salary in computer science is the same as in any other field - join a union. I would certainly love tech unionization to be stronger but it gets stronger everyday, and for example the Alphabet Workers Union is 1400+ members across various Alphabet (or Google) sites. Individual negotiations or learning certain skills can take you so far, but a group is always stronger than an individual whether negotiating salary or building a new technology. I've never felt better taken care of then I have as a unionized worker, and when I've been between unions I've really felt taken advantage of from salary to benefits to just general workplace pain points.

What type of skills will young computer scientists need?

Gagan Agrawal

Professor, Augusta University

I feel that the skill set needed in computing fields has held quite steady for some amount of time now. You will need a combination of basic software and problem-solving links. You need the ability to work on projects with others and learn new languages or technologies on your own. Communication skills are always important. Companies like graduates who have taken the initiative and done projects outside classwork – this shows that you really enjoy work, and you are motivated and driven.

Lately, there are specialized sectors like security or Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning that are seeing a lot of action. If you want to be in either of those spaces, you need to take electives accordingly and probably do projects in these areas on your own (and/or possibly take online classes). But then, there are classical areas, like database programming, that still employ many.

Do you want to know more?

List of computer scientist skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a computer scientist resume and required skills for a computer scientist to have include:

Python
Computer System
Machine Learning
Architecture
DOD
Java
Software Development
Data Analysis
Linux
C
C++
Artificial Intelligence
Visualization
Cloud
Unix
JavaScript

HPC
National Security
Debugging
Software Tools
Data Collection
Extraction
Cloud Computing
MPI
Software Applications
Application Development
API
Perl
Embedded Systems
Object Oriented Programming
HTML
Software Design

Technical Support
Fortran
CSS
FAA
Source Code
Web Application
Ruby
Emerging Technologies
Prototyping
Technical Expertise
PC
Management System
XML
R

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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