How to become A Computer Engineer

• Computer Hardware Engineer
• Software Engineer
• Computer Programmer
• Computer Architect

What do Computer Engineers do?

A Computer Engineer would typically need to:

• Create blueprints for new computer hardware and present them to management
• Design, develop, build, and install computer hardware as well as software systems; oversee various manufacturing processes
• Develop protocols to identify, isolate and repair hardware defects as well as software bugs
• Adjust new designs, perform validation testing for new and renovated motherboard hardware, and report hardware quality assurance issues
• Verify that the proposed final product follows best practices for enterprise systems, is within cost guidelines, and meets required specifications
• Routinely check, maintain and troubleshoot computer hardware and software using available technology and testing tools like Logic Analyzer, Oscilloscope, and Function Generator
• Meet the organization’s needs by designing support peripherals and determining opportunities to improve data processing and workflow
• Navigate the workload ticketing system and resolve tickets in order of urgency, ensuring that all staff members respond to all computer-related issues; provide technical support to all staff members
• Build Windows virtual machines in VMWare and the on-premise environment; oversee the company’s cloud storage accounts to guarantee protection and security
• Research and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies; incorporate new technology into existing units
• Work with other project teams, software developers and IT professionals to ensure software and hardware systems are designed to support organizational goals
• Train clients on how to use the equipment and/or software

Computer Engineers carry out most of their work at a computer keyboard in an office, or even at home. They generally work full-time and may work in office-type settings or research labs. The dress code depends on the location, sector, size, and type of company.

Typically, Computer Engineers work a standard 40-hour workweek, but deadlines may need them to work at night and or on weekends.

Computer Engineers work across various industries. If you prefer to work on a variety of projects for different companies, you might seek employment with a consultancy.

Computer Engineers are generally employed by:

• Computer Systems Design Companies
• Information Technology Companies
• High-Tech Manufacturing Companies
• Systems Design Companies
• Scientific Research Organizations
• Transportation
• Financial Service
• Insurance
• Consumer Goods
• Administrative & Support Services
• Consulting Firms
• Government
• Defense Contractors

Professional associations and organizations are critical resources for those interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more looks excellent on your resume to bolster your credentials and qualifications as a Computer Engineer.

• Slower-than-average job growth
• Continuing education to stay current on technology
• Work over weekends & evenings to meet deadlines
• Backache due to long periods of sitting

Hiring managers may accept the lack of a degree if a candidate demonstrates a strong working knowledge of the desired programming languages for the position. In general, the experience required is two or more years for a software or systems engineer, zero to two years as a hardware engineer, four or more years working with both hardware and software in a large corporate office environment.

Practical experience remains the greatest credential a Computer Engineer may have. Therefore, during your college years, you can undertake internships, hands-on opportunities, or independent research to chalk up experience. It is also useful to have experience of using CVS (Concurrent Version System ) and SVN (SubVersionN), two version control file systems.

Most Computer Engineers can procure entry-level jobs with an accredited bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering or an electrical engineering degree with some computer science programs. Programmers often have a degree in computer science, with expertise in one or two computer languages. While it is not uncommon for businesses to hire candidates who have no formal degree, academic qualifications grounded in math, science, and computer programming are useful.

Many schools offer degree programs in Computer programming and specific areas of Computer Engineering. Others offer Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees in general Computer Engineering in both classroom and online formats. The programs usually take four years to complete and may include lab courses and hands-on design projects. Other coursework may cover topics in areas like circuits, logic design, electronic devices, statistics, calculus, computer science, embedded systems, discrete math, and computer applications.

Typically, a Computer Engineer does not need a license or certification to work. However, many people obtain a Professional Engineering (PE) license. Besides, there is growing interest among employers to hire candidates with certain Computer Engineer certifications such as the Certified Systems Professional (CSP) and the Certified Quality Analyst (CQA).

Individual government entities do licensing. It typically requires the passage of an examination and interview in addition to fulfillment of eligibility requirements, such as a minimum level of education, work experience, training, or the completion of an internship, residency, or apprenticeship.

Voluntary certification is often seen as evidence of an individual’s drive and motivation, giving them a leg up for raises and promotions as a Computer Engineer. Certification also demonstrates competency in skills, typically through work experience, training, the passage of an examination, or some combination of the three.

For work-related to national defense and the government, you will most likely need proof of the country’s citizenship and security clearance.

Advancement in the field usually involves gaining enough work experience to serve as a Computer and Information Systems Manager. Computer Engineers may work in all industries and typically report to a team leader who works under the Chief Technology Officer. Many Computer Engineers begin as interns or at entry-level engineering positions, working their way up to become Senior Computer Engineers or even Chief Technology Officers.

Computer Engineers with knowledge of current programming tools and languages might have the best job prospects.

Many employers prefer candidates with advanced computer science degrees for more advanced or specialized assignments. Computer Engineers earn higher wages with higher degrees. With technology changing rapidly, keeping current with advancements in the field is integral to a Computer Engineer’s job. Professional organizations provide access to conferences and publications that keep you updated.

Computer Engineers may also choose to further their education with a master's degree in a computer science field or business administration. With a master's degree or doctorate, you could enter into research and development or become a faculty member at a university or college. Taking courses in business and interpersonal communications, and getting involved in activities and teams that involve people from other fields might prove useful.

Understanding Some Differences Between Hardware and Software

Hardware comprises all the tangible and visible physical parts of a computer manufactured to enable data processing. It includes chips, analog sensors, circuit boards, keyboards, modems, routers, and printers. Software is a set of visible and usable but intangible instructions, developed and engineered to tell the computer what to do.

Both are interdependent - hardware needs software to function; software requires hardware to be implemented. Hardware consists of the input and output devices, storage, and internal components. Software is broadly divided into system software, programming software, and application software. It is software that can be affected by viruses, not hardware.

More About What Computer Engineers Do

The needs of employers determine the specific duties performed by Computer Engineers. Computer Engineers manage and design the computer hardware and software systems of a company.

They work with new technology to create computer hardware, improving the capabilities of computers, and finding new ways to apply computers to other machines and systems. They deal with not only how computer systems work but also how they integrate into the bigger picture.

Skilled Computer Engineers combine many concepts from electrical & electronic engineering and computer science to develop computer hardware and software. Since hardware and software are integral to each other, Computer Engineers who specialize in one area must still have a strong understanding of the other.

Computer Engineering fields include specialty areas such as systems and computations, artificial intelligence, computer architecture, programming, computer-based systems. Depending on the employers, Computer Engineers are required to develop and deploy communication APIs (Application Program Interface) for parallel communication software infrastructures, highly parallel systems, and runtime systems, among others.

Computer Engineers are concerned with the hardware and software aspects of computing, from designing microcontrollers, microprocessors, personal computers, and supercomputers to circuit design. Understanding

Some Differences in Roles

Overlap of specific responsibilities and skills required for jobs associated with Computer Engineering leads to an oft-repeated discussion about the differences in the specific roles of a Computer Programmer, Software Developer, Software Engineer, and Hardware Engineer. The success of any single role is highly dependent on the others.

Computer Programmers

Computer Programmers translate or code instructions that allow computers to run software programs and applications. They usually learn a few programming languages and acquire the skills to learn new ones along the way.

Software Developers

Software development is not far away from programming. As a Software Developer, you need to work on the different pieces of software and link them together. You need to understand the complete structure of what you are creating.

Computer Software Engineer

Software Engineers manage the complete life cycle of a new or modified software product, from research and design to implementation, training, and support, to ensure that everything works fine for the end-users or customers. Rather than focus on a single component of a project, a Software Engineer works to integrate the system.

A Software Engineer develops, designs & tests software, constructs & maintains computer programs, and sets up networks like “intranets” for companies. You can also design or code new applications to meet the needs of a business or individual. Through all of this, you must consider a server, a website, and an app that uses different technologies.

Computer Hardware Engineers

Computer Hardware Engineers research, develop, design, and test the physical components that computer equipment and computer systems are made up of, such as circuit boards, microprocessors, and routers. Some also update existing equipment to work at higher efficiency and make them compatible with newer software. Beside in-depth knowledge of science, math, and engineering principles, they must also be familiar with computer programming practices and languages.

An MIT innovation in circuit design enables precise control of computing using magnetic waves through “spintronic” devices that need little electricity and generate practically no heat.

Computer Engineers will never have a dull moment, online or offline, as they take on responsibilities as diverse as designing equipment & developing programs to troubleshooting & debugging computer systems.

Don’t be a lone wolf - be a team player. Learn beyond what your course teaches you. Focus on practical skills, read a lot - books and scientific papers that interest you. Build your computer, run your Web, DNS, and email servers, and educate yourself thoroughly in security matters.