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Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
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Step 2: Internship
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Step 3: Earn a Master’s
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Step 4: Certification
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Step 5: Keeping Up with Technology
Becoming a computer engineer generally involves earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science. However, the work starts before then, by taking relevant math and science courses in high school. Learning to code while still in high school is an excellent idea. If possible, look into interning at a computer company during high school or while on summer vacation. The field itself is very broad, so there are various career paths available. The flexibility of a computer engineering career is another attractive aspect. Whether a computer hardware or software engineer, it is vital to stay abreast of the latest developments in technology and the newest trends.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step to take in becoming a computer engineer is earning a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, computer science, computer programming, or electrical engineering. Coursework typically includes classes on computer programming, mathematics, calculus, computer architecture and hardware, and software mathematical structures.
Students should look for schools accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), which evaluates both standard and online schools. Because so much computer work is done online for computer engineering, distance learning is a natural for this major. With distance learning, you can work at your own pace and on your own schedule. While it generally takes four years to earn a computer engineering bachelor’s degree, taking classes during the summer and winter breaks can enable a student to earn their degree in less time, perhaps as little as three years. For students with work and/or family obligations, earning a computer engineering degree either on campus or online may take somewhat longer.
Step 2: Internship or Experience
Many colleges offer internships for computer majors, and this is an opportunity of which an aspiring computer engineer should take advantage. Not only does an internship introduce a student to the real world applications of computer engineering, but it offers the candidate job experience. When it comes time to look for a job, the applicant with on-the-job experience is more likely to be considered by potential employers. If your college does not offer such an internship program, try to find computer-related work during summer vacation, or work part-time in the field while pursuing your education. Internships and summer/part-time jobs can often lead to full-time employment offers once you receive your degree.
Step 3: Earn A Master’s
While a computer software engineer may find some job prospects with a bachelor’s degree, many companies prefer hiring computer hardware engineers who have earned master’s degrees in computer engineering. Expect completion of a master’s degree to take approximately two years. Some schools offer five year combination bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and this is a good choice if you know you want to pursue a master’s degree in the computer field.
Many technology firms will pay for an employee’s higher education, so a computer hardware engineer may want to take an entry-level position with a company that will reimburse expenses for a master’s degree. While a master’s degree is not as necessary for a computer software engineer, these individuals may also aim for a company that will pay for a graduate degree. If a company agrees to fund a PhD, a computer engineer can earn a degree opening the door toward advanced research and development or teaching at the university level.
Step 4: Certification
Computer engineers should receive certification in various aspects of their field. The Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) offers certification for computer engineers, along with continuing education credits and professional development opportunities. Once at a professional level, you can join the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the largest organization for those engaged in scientific computing. Computer engineers with ABET accreditation are sought after by employers as this organization has very high standards.
If you wish to oversee computer design projects, you may want to consider obtaining project management credentials from the top professional organization for such managers, the Project Management Institute (PMI). Two of the most common types of project management credential offered by PMI are the Project Management Professional (PMP) and the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). The latter is a lower certification than PMP, but is a good starting point for new computer engineers who do not yet have PMP qualifications. Once these are obtained during the course of your career, you can advance to PMP certification.
Step 5: Keeping Up with Technology
Along with receiving certification, it is imperative that computer engineers stay up-to-date with the rapid changes in technology. Continuing education is an essential part of a career in the computer industry. Many companies pay for their computer engineers’ continuing education, as this is a necessary investment in their workforce. If you decide to make computer engineering your career, updating your skills by taking classes or adding seminars is critical. Many of these computer engineering classes are available online. Tech firms often send employees to courses offered by vendors, which include major hardware and software companies such as Microsoft, Cisco, or Oracle.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2017 median pay for computer hardware engineers is $115,120, making it a very lucrative field. As of 2017, the median pay for applications software developers was $101,790, while the median pay for systems software developers was $107,600. The more experience a computer hard or software engineer has, the higher their compensation.
Those in the computer engineering field may work virtually anywhere – and “virtual” is the key word. Some computer specialists may work remotely, never or rarely leaving their home office. Others work for private companies, both large and small; municipal, state, and the federal government; non-profit organizations, and in varying industries. Some of the most common industries employing computer engineers include computer and electronic manufacturers, research laboratories, computer consulting firms, and various types of tech companies, large and small – including tech giants that are household names.