Computer engineers design and build computers and related components. There are two main types of computer engineers: software and hardware. Hardware engineer work with things such as processing chips, monitors, graphic cards, hard drives, etc. Software engineers develop operating systems like Windows. They also develop software programs that allow you to perform certain tasks like word processing.

Recently graduated engineer can make about $40,000 to $60,000 a year. The average salary is around $80,000. Senior engineers may make over $100,000 yearly. Most full-time engineer receive benefits such as health and dental insurance, paid vacation, and sick leave.

To become a computer engineer you need to have at least a bachelors degree in computer engineering or a closely related field. Academic and advanced research and development jobs often require a master’s degree or PhD. In most states to be an independent computer engineer you need to have a license. Being logical, creative, a good problem-solver, and comfortable around technology are also good traits for a computer engineer to have.

They usually work were the industry is and this is generally in major business centers. Enormous amounts of pressure are put on computer engineers to develop their products quickly. Most work about 8 to 12 hours a day. When it is getting close to the deadlines they might work overtime as well.

There is a possibility for advancement. You could become a senior computer engineer, a manager, or an executive of the company. Since these people work with computers a majority of the day this may cause eye and neck strain. There is intense competition with other companies. (Cont.)

OccupationEmploymentChangeAnnual Average Openings Hardware engineer 2004: 1, : 1, or 7.7% Total: 35 Growth:12 Replacement:24 Software engineer (applications) 2004: 10, : 15,350 4,600 or 43.1% Total:568 Growth:462 Replacement:106 Software engineer (systems software) 2004: 7, :10,020 2,620 or 35.4% Total:335 Growth:262 Replacement:73

OccupationEmploymentChangeAnnual Average Openings Hardware engineer2004: 77, : 84,000 8,000 or 10.1% Total: 2,049 Growth: 774 Replacement:1,275 Software engineer (applications) 2004: 460, : 682, ,000 or 48.4% Total: 26,789 Growth: 22,243 Replacement: 4,546 Software engineer (systems software) 2004: 340, : 486, ,000 or 43 % Total: 17,981 Growth: 14,616 Replacement: 3,365

It may be important to know multiple languages especially if you plan on traveling a lot. Developing a product quickly could be the difference between huge success and failure. It is advisable to take as many computer courses in high school as possible. To be able to advance you need to show that you are capable of managing depts. in a computer company. Most of the growth has been the software fields instead of the hardware field.

PositivesNegatives Good salary Could be your own boss High demand for work Travel opportunities Challenging and exciting work Advancement opportunities Working at well-known businesses Pressure to complete projects quickly Away from loved ones during travel Intense competition Solving difficult technical problems May have to work long hours around deadlines I do not plan on pursuing a career in computer engineering because I am not interested in developing new computers and other computer-related products. I don’t want to be put under so much pressure and stress. I also don’t want to travel far away from my family.

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