Quantum Computing is a field of computer science taking advantage of quantum mechanics, which is the study of subatomic particles, to design and develop high performing computers. These fully realized quantum computers would be able to process massively complicated problems at a magnitude faster than classic computers. They are different from these classic computers used at home because they use something called “qubits” instead of regular “bits”. A bit is like a light switch that can only be on or off, like a zero or a one. But a qubit can be both zero and one at the same time! This means quantum computers can do many things at once and work much faster than regular computers. It’s like having many helpers working on a task together instead of just one.
If you’re interested in a career in quantum computing, you’ll need to study mathematics and physics, along with computer science as an optional discipline in high school. This has to follow with a bachelor’s degree program in Engineering or Physics. You can then go on to specialize by getting a quantum science and engineering doctorate or master’s degree in Computer Science, Theoretical Physics or Mathematics. Electrical engineers with MATLAB experience can also explore job opportunities in the quantum engineering.
Some universities are offering Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Computing as a specialization course while other programs may offer a module on this subject. Due to increasing demand for the subject, many certification and diploma programs have also been announced. Short courses on the subject can be explored on NPTEL-Swayam website. Here are some topics that you can check the curriculum for to build a career in this domain – Deep Learning techniques, parameterized quantum circuits (PQC), Programming languages like Qiskit, Q#, Q|SI>, Silq, QML, LIQUi|>, Python etc., qubit design for Superconducting devices, microwave hardware, Hamiltonian modelling, optimal control, and dynamical decoupling, quantum control and quantum information theory. Stanford University and the University of Maryland have launched foundational bootcamps for quantum computing enthusiasts. IBM Quantum Learning also offers courses on its website. While Google and other industry practitioners are offering different level of courses in partnership with Coursera. Another great way to get on the radar of Quantum Computing hiring is to contribute in the open source community like Qiskit Terra and Qiskit Aqua. Qiskit Terra is the code foundation for composing quantum programs at the level of circuits and pulses. Qiskit Aqua contains libraries for building algorithms and applications.
Top companies to work in this space are Google Quantum AI, IBM, AWS Braket and Microsoft.
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