Computer engineers work for businesses, government agencies, and other organizations to maintain computer systems. They frequently focus on either hardware or software engineering. A college education is typically required to become a computer engineer, with a bachelor’s degree being the minimum requirement. A higher education could lead to a more challenging job or faster advancement. You could study software engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, systems engineering, or another related field, depending on your interests.
To be accepted into an engineering school, students must have a strong foundation in math, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, and basic sciences such as physics, biology, and chemistry, while still in high school. It’s also important to enroll in as many computer classes as your high school offers. If you want to be a computer engineer, joining an organization like Future Scientists and Engineers of America (or its equivalent if you live outside the United States) can be beneficial.
During the first two years of a four-year college computer engineering program, students typically take math, basic sciences, introductory engineering and computer programming courses, as well as general education courses like social studies, humanities, and others. The last two or three years of college are usually spent studying computer software and hardware engineering in greater depth. Many bachelor’s degree programs in engineering can take five rather than four years to complete, so keep that in mind when looking at college options.
When you’re looking at colleges, find out what kind of work experience programs they offer. Find out about part-time or summer internships with companies and organizations. Working in an internship will give you on-the-job experience and may lead to future employment opportunities. Another question to consider is whether the school you’re considering participates in any business partnerships, such as research studies or development programs, which can provide real-world experience in computer hardware or software engineering.
If you want to be a computer engineer, it’s also a good idea to join student chapters of professional hardware and software engineering organizations. These organizations will assist you in both preparing for the profession and providing opportunities for networking. Many professional organizations also provide job opening listings to their members.
If you want to be a computer engineer, you should have analytical skills, creativity, and a strong attention to detail. It’s important to be able to work as part of a team toward a common goal, and having good oral communication skills will help. After you become a computer engineer, you will need strong writing skills to prepare computer specifications, software documentation, and other written materials.