Career Definition
A computer engineer, also called a software
engineer, is responsible for developing, testing
and evaluating the software that make our
computers work. A computer engineer
may also be responsible for constructing and
managing an organization's computer system
and supplying technical support. A computer
engineer typically works in an office or
laboratory environment as part of a te
am and
enjoys a traditional work schedule. How to Become a Computer Engineer
Education Required
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
reports that those working in computer
engineering held a bachelor's degree or
higher. Bachelor's degrees in software
engineering or computer science are a common
place to start. Coursework to prepare the
student computer engineer will include such
topics as database design, systems analysis,
critical thinking and technical writing. Because computer technology is a field that is
constantly changing, continued education is
vital to a successful career in computer
engineering. Skills Required
People who enjoy a career in computer
engineering usually have strong analytical
skills and are able to focus on many tasks at
once. Because computer engineers must
sometimes work with customers and clients, the
ability to express computer-related
information in layman's terms is also valued. Career and Economic Outlook
The BLS projected that computer hardware
engineers will see slower than average
employment growth from 2012-2022. The
Bureau also reported the median annual
salary of computer hardware engineers was
$100,920 in May 2012, with the top ten
percent earning $150,130 or more. Alternative Careers
Computer Programmer
Those interested in working with engineers and
developers to create the code for software
programs and systems should consider a career
in computer programming. After reviewing
plans and operational