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I.T. vs. computer science: What is the difference between the two terms, and which field holds the best opportunity for a promising career? There is an overlap in the two fields, but there are some major differences, and you might be drawn to one or the other because of your personality and aptitudes.

Computer science is focused entirely on efficiently programming computers using mathematical algorithms. Jobs in computer science often require independent work.

An IT career involves installing, organizing, and maintaining computer systems as well as designing and operating networks and databases.  Information technology may appeal more to people who prefer to work in teams, or directly with clients and customers.

It is as though computer science creates building blocks, and IT stacks those blocks up to form buildings, bridges, and other structures necessary for a city to function. The “city” in the illustration is our global community. That includes businesses, health systems, recreation and art, and other elements of society that have become digitalized.

If you have skills in web design or development, there’s an ever-growing range of opportunities both in-house and in the field. Freelance designers and developers are in demand, with many businesses stepping up digital marketing and e-commerce campaigns to attract new clients and customers. Examples of sites that specialize in freelance web design jobs include:

• Hirable: Hirable is a recruitment platform that connects companies and employers with developers. There are short and long-term projects available. To join Hirable and apply for jobs, you’ll need to undergo screening.
• Smashing Magazine: this interactive job board displays freelance positions for designers and developers. You can filter results based on your location and the type of contract you’re looking for.

A degree in computer science and a degree in computer engineering consist of different core curriculum. Courses in a computer science degree focus on the theory of computation, languages and environments. A degree in computer engineering, on the other hand, focuses on physics, electronics and computer architecture. Below is a summary of some of the standard core curriculum in these two degree programs.

Technicians need to have adequate knowledge of networking fundamentals, knowledge, and experience configuring tasks related to administration and security within an organization, and experience configuring and maintaining Windows clients.

The Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) Desktop Infrastructure deploys and manages desktops and devices that can be accessed from anywhere in a secure way. This position requires experience in desktop virtualization and management of remote desktop services and application virtualization. Experts also allow users to access corporate services through devices flexibly and reliably. They implement desktop application environments as well as desktop infrastructure. Specifically, experts install and configure Windows Server 2012 and design and deploy a server infrastructure

To be successful in this field, you will need to have a primary degree in computer science, IT, network technologies or an associated field. A certification will add value to you as a candidate.

For the network engineers ambitious to plan, implement, confirm and resolve LAN & WAN networks, the Cisco CCNP Routing and Switching certification program provides training on required hands-on skills and best-practices. This program uses practical learnings and allows you to make the most of your time in your training and increases the value of enterprise network.