Is it possible to find a well-paying job with a computer science degree in your 60s? Let’s say I keep updating my knowledge and skills. Considering how widespread ageism is in the IT industry, would it be worth it?
We’ve brought you a rundown of the most popular computer science jobs, along with their average salary and primary responsibilities:
• Technical Support Engineer
Average annual wage: $50,063
Primary Responsibility: Technical support engineers, often known as IT support engineers, are responsible for troubleshooting difficulties within their software. These experts collaborate with many departments within their organizations to identify software bugs. Additionally, when a technical problem occurs or clients seek support, tech support engineers help the company’s customers. The technical support experts accomplish this by listening to client difficulties both in person and over the phone. These individuals analyze, install, and fix software for their employer and also the company’s clients.
• Database Administrator
Average annual wage: $54,165
Primary Responsibility: Database administrators are responsible for data presentation, management, and storage. They also conduct data analytics on management and system software. Database administrators help their employers and organizations get the information they need. Navigating both old and new systems, along with merging them, is one of their duties. Professionals who work as database administrators conduct frequent testing to ensure that the company’s database is functioning effectively. They navigate security measures and deliver the expectations of different departments inside the company. DBAs work with many other professionals and groups.
• Systems Analyst
Average annual wage: $63,591
Primary Responsibility: Keeping the organization’s systems up-to-date. They also figure out how employees use company software and adapt older software to meet their needs. Then, the computer analyst makes recommendations and builds new programmes to ensure that employee needs are satisfied. When new projects arrive, one of a systems analyst’s primary duties is to do cost-effective assessments. These studies guarantee that projects are economically beneficial.
• UX Designer
Average annual wage: $66,069
Primary Responsibility: User experience designers, aka UX designers, specialize mainly in improving apps, computers, and web interfaces. Professionals must ensure that a company’s products are user-friendly and accessible as part of this job. UX designers should work in interdisciplinary groups and use their design abilities for various interfaces and computer applications.
There is a pattern that began before Covid-19 and has gained some traction throughout the epidemic. Age discrimination appears to be a known issue among people in their 30s and older. It’s not just the case of chronological age, though. Compensation is also a factor. Generally speaking, more senior employees tend to earn more money than their younger counterparts. In a tighter economy, companies try to cut expenses and save money. It’s reasonable to do this by firing a 55-year-old and recruiting someone in their 20s or early 30s who is substantially more cost-effective.
Well, the first thing to do is to remember age is only a number! Sure, some people might not believe that, but you need to recognize your worth and talent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11% job growth in computer and information technology occupations over the next ten years. A software developer is ranked as the second-best technology job, and it is a well-paying, rewarding field, and it has a relatively low barrier to entry.
Seek advice and assistance from a reputable and knowledgeable Recruiter that works in the computer science industry. Good Recruiters do a lot more than match people into jobs. They provide advice, insight, guidance and introduce you to people and companies through their relationships and market expertise. You need to find how you can best fit into an organization and provide them with the exceptional value you offer.
Evaluate what you’d like to do and what not to do. Don’t necessarily expect to walk into your dream job. What do you believe you offer? Do you want to stay in computer science simply because you have studied it in college? Can you see yourself changing your path? Has your industry changed at all since the last time you worked in the field? Perhaps seeking out some new training and educational courses might help bring you back to speed since computer science requires a deep understanding of complex topics like computer technology, software, and statistical algorithms. These are all possibilities.
It’s 100% possible to not only find and work in a high-paying IT job but to be at the top of your career and your knowledge of the field, even if you’re well over 60 years old.
The most important parts to consider while applying for a job in any IT-related area are the type of people you’ll be working with and the amount of hard work this job requires. Ageism is an unfortunate event that has affected many seniors and their work styles. Although many ignore it, seniors shouldn’t tolerate this misbehaviour as it affects them directly and more than anyone. The key to approaching this problem is to analyze everything from your interview and how they treat you. Ask your interviewer to meet the crew and get more familiar with your workspace before accepting their offer and joining their team. Try to get in touch with the more experienced people at your workspace while showing how much you’re compatible and capable of doing the work they require.
Knowledge and keeping your skills sharp and updated are the keys to tackling the uncertainty you may have within yourself. This factor is one of the most vital and pivotal points as it makes sure that “your work” speaks for itself and you don’t need to defend it even for a second. You have to know your worth before expecting other people to judge it and define it for you.
This way, you’ll be more than confident enough to not only tackle any ageism-related problems but to shut them down once and for all completely. You’re the one in control; you have to be the sharpest, most experienced, and the most reserved person that comes to your coworker’s minds when someone asks about you.
We can see the traces of ageism in the IT industry more often, as people believe that seniors can’t keep pace with technology and modern things. Therefore, it may be challenging to apply for an IT position! Some companies don’t accept people above 35! However, it’s possible. A perfect and modern CV can help you a lot. Considering the tips below may increase the chance of acceptance.
1. Fill the resume with updated and modern skills
2. Drop outdated frameworks from the resume
3. It is better to add the relevant technology which the company requires
4. Highlight the proficiency, not the age
5. Talk about the relevant experiences you have gained through the years
6. Create a social media account and add it to your resume. It shows that you are familiar with the technology.