Computer Science

Careers in Computer Science prepares students for successful careers in software engineering, data science, technical product management, and related fields. The program welcomes students of all majors and class years.

Careers in Computer Science works closely with the University’s world-class Department of Computer Science to prepare students for meaningful employment and graduate school opportunities. Students benefit from the University’s resources and faculty expertise in artificial intelligence, data science, machine learning, and quantum computing.

Resources to Get Started

Careers in Computer Science Listhost
Careers in Computer Science Slack Community

Computer Science

Get Expert Support

Careers in Computer Science provides personalized advising with an industry expert. Students receive support with exploring different career paths, identifying summer opportunities, and preparing resumes and cover letters. Students can make an appointment online through UChicago Handshake.

Steph Avalos-Bock, Program Director of Careers in Computer Science, works with students of all majors who are interested in computer science, tech, and related disciplines to explore and develop their career interests and pathways. A UChicago double alumna and former entrepreneur, she's worked in tech in different roles from consulting to product management to higher ed. Students can schedule an advising appointment with Steph through Handshake or email her at stephab@uchicago.edu.

Eliana Sanchez, Assistant Director of Careers in Computer Science, is an experienced technical recruiter and talent advisor. Holding an undergraduate degree in Communications from Northwestern University, Eliana leverages her skills in counseling and networking in addition to her insights into the tech sector to provide custom support as an advisor. She is well-versed in crafting effective application materials, interview preparation, and values-based exploration of career pathways to prepare students of all majors for successful careers in computer science, game development, data analytics, and related fields. Students can schedule an advising appointment with Eliana through Handshake or email her at eliana@uchicago.edu.

Build Your Skills: Competitions, Workshops, and Immersion Experiences

To help students refine their skills and demonstrate their talents to employers, Careers in Computer Science organizes a variety of experiential learning opportunities, including internships, competitions, recruiting forum “speed networking” events, and Career Exploration Week immersion experiences for new first-year students.

These events include:

  • Computer Science and Data Science Explorer Program in San Francisco, CA

  • UChicago Tech Showcases in Chicago, IL

  • Tech Career Skills Workshops in Chicago, IL

  • GitHub and Python/Java Workshops in Chicago, IL

  • Professional Development Conferences and Workshops

  • Code & Coffee Networking Events in Chicago, IL and NYC

  • Chicago Quantum Recruiting Forum in Chicago, IL

Tech Recruiting: Put Your Best Foot Forward

Careers in Computer Science partners with the Department of Computer Science to offer Tech Career Workshops that provide training in technical skills, give students the opportunity to practice technical interviews, and bring tech recruiters onsite to offer tips and feedback. Workshop content includes hands-on opportunities such as coding challenges, resume and cover letter reviews, and an introduction to the technical recruiting process.

Learn more about technical recruiting including technical roles, resumes, personal projects, interviewing, and networking here.

Computer Guys

Meet Employers and Visit Top Tech Markets

In addition to the rapidly growing tech sector in Chicago, Careers in Computer Science offers career “treks” to connect students with employers throughout the U.S. and around the world. These treks bring students to leading tech destinations such as Silicon Valley, Boston, New York, Shenzhen, and Tel Aviv.

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Applying to Graduate Programs in Computer Science

Embark on your journey to a successful career in Computer Science. View the Applying to Graduate Program in CS to gain a wealth of resources and expert.

Gain Hands-On Experience

UChicago’s Jeff Metcalf Internship Program provides 4,500 paid, substantive internships to students each year across a variety of career fields. Careers in Computer Science works closely with employers ranging from early-stage startups to multinational tech giants to create computer science Metcalf internships for students. Employer partners include:

  • Apple

  • Akuna Capital

  • Amazon

  • Argonne National Laboratory

  • Tesla

  • Code Your Dreams

  • Meta

  • TechLit Africa

  • Bank of America

  • Google

  • IBM

  • Microsoft

  • Edovo

Employers and Alumni

Our computer science programs could not succeed without the support of alumni and experienced professionals. If you are an employer or technology professional, consider getting involved in the following ways: taking part in career exploration events or treks, hosting an intern, and donating to the program. If you are interested in any of these options or have ideas of your own, please contact Steph Avalos-Bock at stephab@uchicago.edu.

Employers

Below are some of the amazing employers who hire our students for internship and full-time roles in computer science and technology:

  • Accenture

  • Allstate

  • Amazon

  • Apple

  • AQR Capital Management

  • Asana

  • Avant

  • Bain & Company

  • Bank of America

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield

  • Box

  • Braintree

  • Capital One

  • Cisco Meraki

  • Citadel LLC

  • Citigroup

  • Clubhouse

  • Databricks

  • Deloitte Consulting

  • Discover Financial Services

  • DRW

  • Duolingo

  • eBay

  • Electronic Arts

  • Epic Systems

  • Facebook

  • Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

  • Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory

  • Goldman Sachs

  • Google

  • IBM

  • Intuit

  • Jane Street

  • JPMorgan Chase & Co.

  • Lyft

  • Masterclass

  • McMaster-Carr

  • Microsoft

  • MongoDB

  • Morgan Stanley

  • Morningstar

  • Motorola

  • Nielsen

  • Nordstrom

  • Oak Ridge National Laboratory

  • Oracle Data Cloud

  • ParityQC

  • Paypal

  • Quantom Opus

  • Reddit

  • Salesforce

  • Samsara

  • Sega

  • Shedd Aquarium

  • Tesla Motors

  • U.S. Department of Transportation

  • United Airlines

  • United Nations Population Fund

  • Verizon Media

UChicago’s Computer Science graduates go on to launch impactful careers at top organizations and pursue advanced studies around the world.

Careers in Computer Science Conference Grant

Careers in Computer Science is delighted to help support students interested in participating in technical conferences in the 2024-2025 academic-year. For more information about the grant, eligibility, and review timeline, please review the application here.

Stay Up-to-Date on Slack

Join the Careers in Computer Science community of students and alumni on Slack!

UChicago alumni and current students can use this platform to discuss careers in computer science and technology.

Conversations on the platform include:

  • #introductions: Introduce yourself and get to know your fellow Maroons

  • #jobs-board: Post job openings or internship opportunities available at your company

  • #interview-practice: Offer advice about recruiting, or offer to practice coding challenges with students for the technical interview

  • #side-projects: Tell us about an exciting side project you’re working on, or connect with others who might be interested

  • #article-sharing: Get a discussion going on a topic related to computer science and technology

  • #events: Share relevant events hosted by your company or communities

If you're ready to connect, learn and share, join here!

Learn More

To learn more about the program, please contact Steph Avalos-Bock at stephab@uchicago.edu.