subject: Engineering And It Fields Expecting Exceptional Growth! [print this page] In these modern times, when you look at the latest video game, start your car, microwave popcorn or even watch the latest footage from the NASA Space Platform, a computer software engineer had his or her work in it. Yes, we're talking about all manner of hardware, i.e., the machinery itself, but that's the domain of the computer hardware engineer. The software engineer is the person who gives the machinery its programming and its ability to do what it supposed to do (and sometimes what it isn't supposed to).
Of all the STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) careers, computer software engineering is one of the fastest growing and promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are currently over 900,000 of them domestically and by 2018 the projected need for expansion is a hefty 21%.
One of the things someone entering the field should note is it's still a relatively new profession. This means there is still a lot of confusion about job titles. A the core, a computer engineer is not a computer scientist, who concentrates on the more theoretical side, nor a systems analyst, who use existing applications or creates new computer apps on existing hardware. If you need more information about science bachelor degree, look on the internet.
From there, computer engineers divide into two specialties: applications and systems engineers. The former analyze a system's needs, then constructs and maintains general software applications. The latter coordinate the construction, maintenance, and expansion of computer systems as well as design and implement system security such as internet/intranet communications, data assurance, and firewalls.
When it comes to entering the work force, employers want personnel with at least a bachelor's degree and actual experience with a number of computer systems and technologies. In the applications arena, their majors should be computer science, software engineering or mathematics. For systems software engineers, they should have gotten degrees in computer science or computer information systems. Many of the higher positions require either a Masters or a Ph.D.
On the plus front, salaries are exceptional. The median computer engineer should expect a salary of just under $72,000. Entry level, depending on experience, usually starts at slightly over $50,000. The upper ten percent of computer engineers can earn over $135,000. Jobs come with attractive perks, among them life/health insurance, profit sharing and other investment programs, continued education aid for online colleges and retirement programs. There is an abundance of information about information technology degree on the web.
Since the need for more computer engineers is quite acute, the government has classified the profession as one of its STEM careers. This means more financial aid available, and ranges from grants for the gifted young high school grad to fellowships for the experienced engineer looking to stay up-to-date or get his/her Ph.D. or Masters. One should also check into such programs as the ACG and SMART programs. The occupation's main certification program, the American Board for Engineering and Technology, has a handy guide regarding this field. Many other commercial entities such as Microsoft and Intel have their programs, too.
