Building a better world
Computer Engineering
CAREER PROFILE
WHAT IS COMPUTER
What is computer engineering? ENGINEERING?
Computer engineering started as a specialization of electrical
engineering but quickly became its own branch grounded in the
theories and principles of computing, mathematics, science, and
engineering. It blends many aspects of computer science with
electrical engineering to develop and integrate the hardware
(physical circuits) and software (computer programs) components
of modern computing systems and computer-controlled
equipment including sensors, robotics, computer networks, and machine
learning/AI systems.
What do computer engineers do?
Computer engineers work in many industries, including
computing, aerospace, telecommunications, power generation,
manufacturing, defense, and electronics. They design devices WHAT DO COMPUTER
from tiny integrated circuits and microprocessors to whole ENGINEERS DO?
systems like telecommunications networks. Specific devices
and systems include:
• Consumer electronics like TVs, microwaves, and gaming consoles
• Laptops and desktops
• Cellular/mobile phones and wearables
• Many of the devices needed to make the internet work, including servers
• Embedded sensing and control systems needed in aircraft, spacecraft, cars,
(especially driverless cars), and automated factories
How do you become a computer engineer?
Physics and especially mathematics are essential subjects to take and excel in at
school. If your school or community offers coding classes or camps, you should
definitely try and attend these. At university or college, you will need to take TYPICAL EMPLOYERS
computer science courses as well to graduate with a computer engineering degree. Typical employers include
Depending on where you study, there will be different specializations that you can large private companies and
pursue as an undergraduate or graduate student or young professional. Learn research organizations:
more by watching the video called So You Want to Be a COMPUTER ENGINEER • General Electric
(11:32). • Technology start-ups
• Computing companies like
Google and Apple
Here are some general tips for choosing a university or college:
• Automotive companies like
• Make sure the program is fully accredited locally and/or internationally. Tesla
• Choose an institution that offers a broad computer engineering program so • Consumer product
that you can sample as many of the sub-disciplines as possible to find the best companies like Samsung
fit for you.
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• Consider accredited engineering programs offered by technical or community
colleges.
What are the careers prospects for a computer engineer?
We live in a highly digitized world increasingly dependent on computing
technologies and systems. Therefore, computer engineers are highly sought after
in a wide variety of industries. In most parts of the world, they are highly valued
and very well paid.
Meet some computer engineers
Watch the following videos to meet some inspiring computer engineers.
JOSIAH HESTER CARLOS GA RCIA SUCHISMITA PAL
Josiah Hester, a professor of Carlos is a computer engineer Suchismita works at Intel
Computer Engineering at focussing on building developing graphics hardware
Northwestern University applications for a large retailer devices that meet the needs
explains some of the to help them keep track of of Intel’s customers.
incredible devices he is stock.
working on
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