In reality, this group includes a wide range of professional computer-related occupations. Job titles used to describe this broad category of workers evolve rapidly, reflecting new areas of specialization or changes in technology as well as the preferences and practices of employers. Many narrow specializations exist and the professional specialty group is commonly referred to as computer scientists, computer engineers, and systems analysts. The title computer scientist can be applied to a wide range of computer professionals who generally design computers and the software that runs them, develop information technologies, and develop and adapt principles for applying computers to new uses. Computer scientists perform many of the same duties as other computer professionals throughout a normal workday, but their jobs are distinguished by the higher level of theoretical expertise and innovation they apply to complex problems and the creation or application of new technology.
Computer scientists can work as theorists, researchers, or inventors.
Those employed by academic institution work in areas ranging from complexity theory, to hardware, to programming language design. Some work on multi-discipline projects, such as developing and advancing uses of virtual reality in robotics. Their counterparts in private industry work in areas such as applying theory, developing specialized languages or information technologies, or designing programming tools, knowledge-based systems, or even computer games. Pixar, a leader in the area, has earned worldwide respect and recognition through development of the most advanced computer animation and rendering software. A computer science education is very helpful, along with an internship.