Hackers never sleep. Companies pay specialists to outsmart them.
Information security analysts protect systems from cyber threats; a critical need as cyberattacks rise. With a 35% growth rate and median salaries of $124,910 in the United States, this is a standout career opportunity for graduates (BLS). Knowledge of security protocols and ethical hacking is essential for success in computer science and IT. Keeping data safe is like being a digital guardian.
- Job role: Secure networks, respond to breaches.
- Demand: High due to increasing cyber risks.
- Salary: $120,000 median, varies by experience. €61,425 (EUR) in Malta (1).
- Growth (2024–2030): 28%.
- Reason for popularity: Every data breach costs businesses $4.45 million. With cloud migration and Internet of Things (IoT) expansion, threats multiply.
Skills you need: Encryption, cybersecurity, risk assessment network defence and ethical hacking.
GBS Malta’s BS in Computer Science: Year 2’s Security Systems, Solutions and Practice module build upon these exact competencies through threat simulations.
2. AI/Machine Learning Engineer
Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere – in your phone, car, and the doctor’s office.
AI and machine learning (ML) engineers build learning and adapting systems, from chatbots to autonomous vehicles. With a 21% growth rate and salaries up to $150,000, this role is a leading career opportunity for graduates in computer science and IT (Research Scientists). Proficiency in Python and ML frameworks like TensorFlow is key.
- Job role: Develop AI algorithms, train models.
- Demand: Driven by AI adoption across industries.
- Salary: $150,000 median, higher for experts (Built In).
- Growth: 25% by 2030.
- Reason for popularity: 44% of companies increase pay for AI skills. From healthcare diagnostics to finance algorithms, AI drives decisions.
Skills you need: ML, data handling, neural networks, data modelling and Python.
GBS Malta’s BS in Computer Science: The final-year Machine Learning and AI module uses TensorFlow to build real prediction engines.
3. Cloud engineer/Cloud computing specialist
The cloud is the new office. Someone must build and guard it.
Cloud computing specialists manage cloud platforms like AWS or Azure, enabling businesses to scale efficiently. With the cloud market projected to reach $912.77 billion by 2025, this role offers strong career opportunities for graduates (Cloud Zero). Salaries range from $120,000 to $150,000, requiring skills in cloud architecture and security. It is about building the backbone of modern technology.
- Job role: Design, manage cloud infrastructures.
- Demand: Growing with cloud adoption.
- Salary: $120,000–$150,000, location-dependent. (Robert Half 2025).
- Growth: Cloud jobs will grow 4x faster than general IT.
- Reason for popularity: Europe’s cloud market will hit $600 billion by 2030 813. Hybrid workforces need scalable systems.
Skills you need: Cloud platforms, DevOps, AWS/Azure deployment and containerisation.
GBS Malta’s BS in Computer Science: Programme’s Cloud Technologies and Cloud Storage module offers hands-on laboratories with live platforms.
4. Data scientist
Data is the new oil. Scientists refine it into strategy.
Data scientists turn raw data into actionable insights, helping businesses make smarter decisions. With a 37.3% job growth projection by 2033, this role is a top career opportunity for graduates in computer science and IT. Median salaries hover around $115,000, reflecting the value of data-driven strategies.
- Job role: Analyse data, build predictive models.
- Demand: Fuelled by big data and analytics needs.
- Salary: $115,000 median, higher in specialised roles.
- Growth: 37.3% by 2033 (Universal AI).
- Reason for popularity: Businesses drown in data but thirst for insights. AI’s rise makes this role pivotal.
Skills you need: Statistical analysis, SQL, visualisation tools, Python, SQL and ML.
GBS Malta’s BS in Computer Science: Year 2’s Data Science and Introduction to AI module covers data cleansing to prediction models.
5. Software developer
Behind every app you love? A developer’s late-night coffee.
Software developers create the apps and systems we use daily, from mobile games to enterprise tools. This role is a cornerstone of computer science and IT with projected job growth of 17% by 2033 and median salaries of around $130,000 annually in the US (BLS). Companies need developers to innovate and stay competitive, making this a prime career opportunity for graduates.
- Job role: Design, code, and maintain software applications.
- Demand: High, driven by new technology like AI and IoT.
- Salary: $130,000 median, varies by region.
- Growth: 17% by 2030 (BLS).
- Reason for popularity: 75% of employers prioritise hands-on coding skills. From fintech to gaming, code builds worlds.
Skills you need: Full-stack development, Agile methods, debugging, programming in Java, Python or C++ and understanding software development methodologies.
GBS Malta’s BS in Computer Science: The course offers Programming 1 and Advanced Programming modules to gain Java/Python expertise for real client projects.
Check this out: Why choose a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science and Information Technology degree