Careers – Communications of the ACM

Jan 29 2025

In the ever-evolving world of technology, the influence of computer science on society is both profound and far-reaching. Once a niche field reserved for specialized researchers, computing has transformed into an essential discipline that shapes nearly every aspect of modern life. With the rise of online education and the growing accessibility of computer science degrees, […]

Alex Tray

Computing Profession

A woman sitting at a desk behind a computer works on coding project while wearing VR goggles.

Jan 21 2025

Fit for People, Fit for Purpose: Designing Tech that Matters

My computing degree enabled me to create better-fitting technologies for people and what is important to them.

Geraldine Fitzpatrick

Computing Profession

businesswoman gestures towards swirling digital display, illustration

Nov 22 2024

From Dot Matrix to Data: A Journey through Technology and Leadership

The middle school I attended had a state-of-the-art lab equipped with the latest Apple II computers.

Wei Lu

Computing Profession

Aug 21 2024

A Technology Swiss Army Knife

For 20 years, I’ve been helping people translate ideas into software and digital products, working on a tech team or as a mentor, coach, or educator.

Kay Kukoyi

Computing Profession

Feb 2 2024

Computations for This World and out of This World

In many ways, my career has been chasing chances to do mathematics.

Thomas Morton

Computing Profession

Jan 24 2024

Knowing What You Need to Know

In the post-pandemic world, businesses are often handling a combination of on-site and remote workers. To be successful, this requires a new set of management tools.

Thomas A. Limoncelli

Computing Profession

woman typing on a keyboard in an office setting

Jan 24 2024

Security Mismatch

In software companies a natural conflict exists between security teams and product delivery teams—one's nature is to slow down progress, the other wants to speed it up. The secret is to view security as an enabler, not a hindrance.

Phil Vachon

Security and Privacy

gears and a checkbox hover in front of a computer display, illustration

Jan 8 2024

From Eye Tracking to AI-Powered Learning: A Journey through Computing and Manufacturing

My journey through the intertwining worlds of computing and manufacturing began, unexpectedly, in the halls of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Sam Zheng

Computing Profession

Sep 1 2023

Finding the Right Mix of Creativity and Technology

The original Star Wars and The Matrix were pivotal influences in igniting my unshakable fascination with technology-driven creativity.

Fiona Rivera

Computing Applications

Jul 1 2023

From UX to Product: An Intentional Career Route

My mother, a stroke-sufferer since her early 20s, is challenged both physically and cognitively. Thus, I was compelled at a young age to study technology and learn how it could improve the lives of everyone — not just the able-bodied.

Hina Elton

Computing Applications

May 1 2023

A Career Built on Using Technology to Help Others

Everyone deserves the access and opportunity to have a good and fulfilling life. Technologies can only contribute toward this goal when they are designed from an understanding of what makes a life good for the people concerned.

Jules Maitland

Computing Profession

May 1 2023

Long-Term Mentoring for Computer Science Researchers

Reaching out across computer science research communities.

Computing Profession

two women in discussion in front of computer displays

Mar 1 2023

A Philosopher’s Daughter Navigates a Career in AI

In high school, a friend of my brother who was studying telecommunication engineering spoke to me about the great potential technology holds to improve society. That conversation inspired me to study computer science.

Nuria Oliver

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Jan 1 2023

A Computer Scientist with a Biologist’s Ambition: Advance Humanity

I became a computer science student without ever having seen a computer before.

Michelle Zhou

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Nov 1 2022

The Many Shapes of a Computer Science Career

When you apply for a career in tech, it often means having to decide: Am I a product manager? A software engineer? A researcher? A designer? Most of us have a variety of skills that don't all neatly fall into one box.

Andreea Danielescu

Computing Profession

winding road, Career Paths in Computing illustration

Sep 1 2022

The Making of an IT Strategy Consultant

Years ago, my mentor asked me how I envisioned my career. I replied, "It's important that my work is fun." She replied rather dryly, "You can't live off fun, Kristian."

Kristian Sørensen

Computing Profession

May 1 2022

How a Shopping Mall Trip Inspired Me to Work in Neuro-Symbolic AI

I'll never forget the time — at just six years of age — when my father showed me a toy robot holding a tray and told me that very soon there will be actual robot helpers in our home working for us.

Asim Munawar

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Mar 1 2022

Changing the World Through HCI and UX

You can build the best technology, but if it doesn't meet real needs, it becomes a misdirected effort. Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) helps ensure technologies are useful and usable.

Eunice Sari

Computing Applications

Jan 1 2022

How Computing Empowered Me to Tackle Big Problems in Medicine

What have I learned that might be helpful in preparing aspiring computer scientists to lead impactful and meaningful professional lives?

Peter M. Small

Computing Applications

Nov 1 2021

Grace Hopper, Minicomputers, and Megabytes: It's a Fun Career

In 1963, the British government decided to make the world's most powerful computer. The manufacturer, Ferranti, asked would-be buyers to send their best programmers to help. Kodak sent me.

Ann Moffatt

Computing Profession

Sep 1 2021

How Music and Programming Led Me to Build Digital Microworlds

The ability to discover and experience world building is a relatively unique privilege afforded to computer programmers.

Andrew Sorensen

Computing Applications

Jul 1 2021

Obtain a Ph.D. and a Career in Data

Innovative new approaches to learning are enabling people to gain skills that are vital in today's workplace.

Victoria Holt

Computing Applications

May 1 2021

Promote Sustainability and Help Underserved Communities

Sustainability is the greatest challenge threatening mankind. The U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goals promote solutions for this threat. Computing, through a series of serendipitous events, has enabled me to join this fight.

Caven Cade Mitchell

Computing Profession

Mar 1 2021

Enabling Renewable Energy Through Smarter Grids

We have enormous power to change the world through the systems we create. A world with clean air and water in which every person is respected seems like something we can all aspire to.

Graham Oakes

Architecture and Hardware

Shape the Future of Computing

ACM encourages its members to take a direct hand in shaping the future of the association. There are more ways than ever to get involved.

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By opening CACM to the world, we hope to increase engagement among the broader computer science community and encourage non-members to discover the rich resources ACM has to offer.

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