Occupational Career Project By Jimmy Evans

I want to pursue a career in computer engineering. Specifically something in computer software. I think a job in computer software would do me well because I like doing things on computers. I like designing things, like websites, on the internet.

 Computer software engineers apply their knowledge of computer science, engineering, and mathematics to create and customize a wide range of different types of software. Like computer programmers, software engineers need strong programming skills. However, engineers also need a more thorough knowledge of computer hardware and the science behind these systems. Engineers are often more concerned with developing algorithms and analyzing and solving programming problems than with actually writing code.

-High school students interested in a career in computer software engineering should receive good grades in math, English, science, and computer courses. You should also try to get experience using and working with as many computer systems, programming languages, and related technologies as possible in your own time. -A bachelor’s degree in computer software engineering, or a related subject like computer science or computer information systems, is usually the minimum requirement for this career. Some computer science programs offer an optional software engineering component. -Relevant degree programs are available at colleges across the country. A bachelor’s degree usually takes 4 to 5 years to complete. Some programs include co-op or internship components, which can be helpful in securing employment for students when they have completed the program.

 Although a bachelor’s degree is enough for many entry-level jobs in this industry, employers often require a master’s degree or PhD for more complex positions. A graduate degree can also help engineers advance more easily within a company. Master’s degrees usually take 1 to 2 years to complete, and PhDs take at least another 4 years. Those who want to work as engineering professors at a college will need a PhD.  Anyone offering their services directly to the public needs to be licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE) by their state licensing board. Candidates must complete an engineering program, acquire several years of work experience under the supervision of licensed engineers, and pass two exams.

 Software engineering is an “in- demand” job.  While the need may increase and/or decrease, the world’s population of humans will always need software engineers.  As long as there is consumer demand for computer technology, there will be no shortage of work for computer software engineers.

Pros  Software engineers are highly paid and opportunities for employment are plentiful.  If you have had working experience in teams, you may know the social aspects. Software engineering and Engineering Management is now about teams. The "solo coders" are hard to find and are not encouraged in a team setting. Cons  This career path demands a very specific and complex skill set.  There's a lot to know, and one can't possibly know it all - or even a good part of it, in a reasonable amount of time. There's a dilemma of choice on which technology path to start with.

Most computer software engineers earn an annual income of between $54,000 and $143,000. The national median earnings for applications engineers are about $88,000 a year. For systems software engineers the median is approximately $94,000 annually.

If a person pursues software engineering, he or she could end up developing a program, website, or something else of the sort that could make the person wildly popular. The fact that the person could develop such useful software could get him or her into a job that pays really well.

It's not like other jobs. They can work when they want, create their own hours and typically are autonomous. Perks include great pay, good benefits, and often times events with food. They can also sometimes work from home, since their main tool is the computer(s) they use. If they can work from home, they can work from anywhere there is an internet connection, which sort of means generous vacation…

I want to pursue this career because I want to work from a computer and design software. The benefits, metaphorically speaking, outweigh the drawbacks, in my opinion.