What Does a Career in Computer Engineering Look Like?

What Is Computer Engineering?

Computer engineering integrates knowledge and skills from the fields of computer science, electrical engineering, and information technology. With a comprehensive understanding of programming languages, computer systems, networks and utilities, computer engineers serve as the backbone of the information technology industry.

Hardware components involved in computer engineering include monitors, printers, switch boxes, and network testers — each of which engineers test, modify, and update as needed.

What Do Computer Engineers Do?

Computer engineers design and manage computer hardware, software, and network systems. They conduct tests, resolve problems, and ensure technologies meet the needs of clients and organizations.

As technology expands, so does computer engineering. Computer engineers often specialize in software, hardware, or network engineering. Additional areas of specialization include robotics, virtual reality, mobile applications and systems, and artificial intelligence.

Software engineers apply engineering principles and practices to software development and systems. Hardware engineers do the same thing, only they focus on hardware like circuit boards and processors. Network engineers construct and maintain computer networks.

Where Do Computer Engineers Work?

Computer engineers typically work full time in business and organizational settings. They work independently, researching and developing computer systems and components to optimize a client's needs. Computer engineers also operate as part of a team, collaborating with software developers and other information technology professionals to implement and manage computer systems and components.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the largest employers of computer hardware engineers in 2019 were computer systems design firms. Computer engineers also find employment in electrical component manufacturing, computer equipment manufacturing, and research and development.

Computer Engineer Skills

Computer engineers acquire hard skills needed for the role by earning a degree, enrolling in technology-related bootcamps, and acquiring experience in the field. Computer engineers benefit from having a strong grasp of programming languages, secure coding, and software and hardware technologies.

Computer engineers also need solid knowledge of software development, network protocols, and internet connectivity. They should also understand how computer components work and connect and how to test computer devices.

Soft skills enable computer engineers to use technologies efficiently and effectively. Computer engineers ought to think critically and analytically to determine how to create technologies for their clients' needs. Computer engineers should also generally possess interpersonal communication and time management skills, and they should enjoy working both independently and with a team.

What to Look for in a Computer Engineering Degree Program

While many schools lack a degree specifically titled computer engineering, other options exist. Students can major in computer science and minor in engineering, major in engineering and minor in computer science, or find some combination of majors and minors that can lead to a career in computer engineering.

Cost, length, and degree requirements should also factor into your choice of a computer engineering degree. Individuals who work full time benefit from convenient and flexible online options, while learners with a bachelor's degree in another discipline might have the opportunity to transfer in previous coursework toward a degree in computer engineering.

Accreditation

When choosing a computer engineering degree, always research the accreditation status of the conferring institution. Colleges and universities can hold either national or regional accreditation, designations that indicate the types of programs offered at the institution.

The best computer engineering programs also maintain accreditation through the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the premier organization for setting educational and professional standards in the discipline.

Interview: How to Become a Computer Engineer

Perry Zheng

Preferred Pronouns: He/Him

Perry Zheng is a founder and CEO of Cash Flow Portal, a real-estate syndication software. It is a robust investment operations software and a powerful tool for raising capital that has already helped syndicators raise $100MM+. Perry is also a full-time engineering manager at Lyft. Before that, he worked at Twitter and Amazon.

Why Become a Computer Engineer?

What are some challenges and high points in this role?

Some of the biggest challenges in this role include maintaining the technical aptitude of logical thinking and constantly updating your skills and knowledge in the field because of a swiftly changing environment.

What type of person does well in this role?

Anyone who has a knack for logical thinking and a passion for programming, robotics, and electrical circuits can do very well as a computer engineer. Along with these skills, an individual who has a great attention span and the ability to stay focused despite strong mental challenges can thrive in this role.

Why did you choose to pursue a computer engineering degree specifically, instead of another computer science degree?

I found other computing degrees to be a little too monotonous in terms of the nature of work. Computer engineering diversifies your skillset and takes you away from the repetitive phase of development and into the management of electrical circuits, and getting creative with robotics and hardware devices. This combination of fields is what excites me and convinced me to pursue the degree.

How to Get Hired

What skills do employers look for when hiring computer engineers?

There are a lot of different skills that employers expect from a potential employee who is applying for the position of a computer engineer. The technical side of required skills includes:

Additionally, the general skills that most employers look for include:

As you further grow into the field, you can look for specialized skills in one or more of the following areas:

How did you make the most of your computer engineering degree program so that it prepared you for post-grad jobs?

I used my degree to gain experience and learn skills in relevant areas. I worked whatever relevant jobs I got, and completed different projects and courses to increase my knowledge and improve my resume. As things progressed, I completed four years of work experience, and decided to become a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE). All of this piled up to make me a recognized professional in the field and help me grow throughout my career.

What would you recommend that students do to stand out to employers, in addition to earning their computer engineering degree?

The easiest way to further grow your skills is to get your hands on any courses or training opportunities you get. This will reflect a student's desire to work and grow in the field. Furthermore, they need to take any opportunity they get, even if it is in the smallest of startups with low salaries. It is unlikely that you will land yourself a top job immediately, so focus on industry experience. After a year or two, you will have developed enough to jump up to a high-paying job in a bigger organization.

What's a Typical Day Like for a Computer Engineer?

What tasks do you typically work on?

As a computer engineer, I typically work on designing and implementing new computer hardware devices and updating existing ones. This includes identifying specifications, deciding which hardware components will go along, and helping a colleague complete a digital 3D model of the product. This is followed by moving towards the physical design and implementation of the product.

Who do you communicate with?

My communication is usually with my team members, with whom I have divided tasks. For example, a 3D modeling professional for design specification, a hardware engineer for hardware specifications, and other relevant specialists depending on the project. A manager is also involved for updates and progress, to whom I report from time to time to inform about the work that's been done and what's next in the project.

How many hours do you work?

I work 40 hours a week, just like any other professional in any other job. However, sometimes I put in extra hours to meet certain deadlines, or when something about a project is bugging me and I want to fix it. But this happens very rarely.

Who are your coworkers?

My coworkers include a handful of other computer engineers and some other industry specialists who go hand-in-hand for different projects. This includes hardware and software engineers, product designers, and developers. Every individual in the team has a different specialization so they bring a unique aspect to the table.

What knowledge do you utilize in your work?

Knowledge of hardware design is essential for my role. I have to overlook the 3D model for its capability to be transformed into a physical product. I also overlook the manufacturing of the product. Industry knowledge is also essential to update existing products and make them efficient to work with new softwares.