Chapter 1

career description

A computer systems engineer is someone who combines their knowledge of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis to develop, test and evaluate software, circuits, personal computers and more. Computer engineers work all over the world. They don't easily engineer computer technology, but understand how that technology fits into the larger scheme of professional and personal needs.

People that choose this career study the development of computer technology, understand the underlying concepts of computers, create improvements on current processes and equipment, and integrate hardware and software programs and concepts to produce a fully-functional system capable of meeting his or her clients’ needs.

Different companies have different needs regarding their computer systems. A manufacturing company may require specialized inventory tracking abilities, invoicing, payment, and age-of-inventory capabilities. A governmental organization will have entirely different needs depending upon the services it offers. This occupation combines several different disciplines in order to create, purchase and/or install a computer system that is appropriate for each client. Higher mathematics, higher sciences and electronics all factor into computer systems engineering.

Computer systems engineers provide advice to clients regarding the appropriate hardware and/or software to ensure that their computer systems meet their needs. He or she may also be involved in a hands-on manner during the acquisition, installation, testing, and implementation phases of the project. He or she evaluates current systems for effectiveness, makes recommendations regarding the scalability of such systems, and troubleshoots any problems that arise during the use of the system.

Chapter 2

Education

Generally, a bachelor's degree is the minimum education required of a computer engineer. Most employers require students to hold a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer programming, computer engineering, computer information systems, electrical engineering, or a similar computer-related field. Employers have a strong preference for graduates with computer programming skills and a familiarity with a range of programming languages.

Taking an internship under the supervision of an experienced computer engineering professional is the best way to learn the skills and technical applications needed to be a computer engineer. Many internship programs are available for college credit in any given major. Internships offer hands-on experience to otherwise inexperienced amateurs in the field. Most employers will not hire a computer engineer who does not have some relevant experience. The average salary for this job is $112,760 per year.

Voluntary professional certification for computer engineers is offered through the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Certification can serve as a boost for those looking to accelerate their career. A bachelor's degree, in addition to work experience, is required to apply for the exam; a passing score on the written exam qualifies an individual as a Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP).

Computer engineers might work on any aspect of computer systems engineering. From hardware to software, and their duties might include designing computer systems, troubleshooting existing systems, and developing applications to meet a client's needs.

Chapter 3

The Future

There is no telling what computer engineers might do in the future but... There will definitely be a demand for computer engineers in the future Some of the ways that computing is changing now are that it is moving into the fabrics in our clothing and it’s moving into our very bodies. We are now in the process of refining prosthetics that not only help people reach for something but in reaching, those prosthetics now send a message back to the brain.

The first prosthetics were able quite wonderfully to take a message from the brain and use it to control the world. But imagine how astounding it is if that prosthetic also tells the brain that it has grasped something. That really changes the way we think of what it means to be human, if our very brains are impacted by the movement of a piece of metal at the edge of our hands.