How To Become A Computer Engineer

Becoming a technology professional with a strong computer engineering background will qualify you for many well-paid roles. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected job growth of 22% for software engineers from 2019-2029. If you have a strong technology background, you should also be able to negotiate an annual bonus at this level. Let’s dive into the details and recommendations on how to become a computer engineer.

Keep in mind that a bachelor’s serves as the minimum for entry-level positions.

What is a computer engineer?

Computer engineers are responsible for the design and development of computer systems. They work in a variety of industries, including information technology, telecommunications, and manufacturing. Engineers typically have a Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field. Computer engineering is a very broad field with many sub-specialties. Including embedded engineering, digital architecture, computational intelligence, and networking.

(Via Wikipedia) Software engineering is a systematic engineering approach to software development. A software engineer is a person who applies the principles of software engineering to design.

While freelancing is an option, the majority hold normal jobs with technology companies. Most are employed in the US with a smattering of other countries. The median annual wage for computer engineers was $119,030. The top 25 percent earned more than $131,260, while the bottom 25 percent earned less than $65,090. Most of these employers are small companies that generally have fewer than 250 employees.

How To Become A Computer Engineer

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Steps to Becoming a Computer Engineer:

Earn Your Degree. Most computer engineers have at least a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering or another equivalent degree. (Some schools offer Associate of Applied Studies, which is considered a B.S.) You may also need to complete an internship or work experience.

Pursue an Engineering Internship. This may be your best opportunity to get on the radar of a prospective employer. You’ll get hands-on experience and learn about what it’s like to be in the field. Build Your Engineering Resume. A resume is a key tool in your job search. Develop yours as you’d build a marketing plan for your business, with the same attention to detail. Be Specific. Keep it simple and concise.

Gain Professional Experience. Take on a project that ties into your area of interest. Consider volunteering as well. You’ll gain critical experience. Take Courses and Get Credentials.

Pursue Optional Certifications. Take courses in areas beyond your degree to expand your knowledge. Learn as much as you can. Become a Certified Professional Engineer (CPE). The CPE exam is offered by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Bring Your Skills to the Field.

Finding A Job As A Computer Engineer

Below are several job boards and professional organizations for employment opportunities.

IEEE Computer Society Jobs: This portal’s exclusive listings also include resume hosting and job alerts.
Stack Overflow: Stack Overflow attracts more than 100 million visitors per month.
Dice: Dice features opportunities for emerging and established tech professionals. Users can apply precision job search filters to find the most relevant opportunities.
Indeed: Indeed attracts more than 250 million users a month. The site consistently hosts a high volume of computer engineering opportunities.
LinkedIn: This popular professional networking platform’s job portal features millions of vacancies. Job-seekers can also use LinkedIn to research prospective employers.