Computer Engineer: Jobs, Branches & Careers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the career prospects and educational pathways for computer engineering students. Participants explore the types of jobs available, the branches within the field, and the nature of the curriculum in computer engineering programs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the typical duration of a computer engineering program, suggesting it often extends beyond four years due to the curriculum.
  • Another participant notes that a computer engineering degree is broadly related to electrical engineering and system engineering, emphasizing the importance of practical experience in the field.
  • There is mention of the potential for engineers to transition into project management roles, highlighting the varied career paths available.
  • Cryptography is identified as a lucrative area within the field, prompting questions about interests in software versus hardware engineering.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about the nature of computer engineering, seeking clarification on how it integrates aspects of electrical engineering and computer science.
  • Some participants indicate that interests can develop towards the end of the undergraduate program, though specifics on these interests are not detailed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the structure and content of computer engineering programs, with no consensus on the optimal path or specific interests within the field. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to career planning in computer engineering.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the general nature of the undergraduate curriculum and the limited availability of electives, which may influence career choices. There is also an acknowledgment of the need for additional learning in specific areas post-graduation.

ranger
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Is anyone here one? What kind of jobs can you get with this? Are there any branches to this. Like say after I finish my 4 years, can I branch off into a certain field?
 
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Like say after I finish my 4 years,

Well I'm a 4th year student hehe. Not too far off from graduation and with some work experience under my belt in the form of a couple of coops. Sadly though, 4 years... way to be impossibly optimistic. It's usually a 5 year program following curriculum.

The thing with engineering is that its very robust. Think of it this way, you get a computer engineering degree but the big broad picture is all basically electrical engineering or system engineering. However you look at it. The finer details, like taking operating systems instead of antenna design are just that. The details. In the real world you will probably have a lot of learning from scratch to do anyways if you choose to go into R&D. Engineers also become project managers a lot of the time. I was involved in that on my first coop. Quite different from my 2nd R&D one. Even the pay was better :P

Usually though you can take an interrest in anything once you get near the end of your Bach. The bach is pretty general and doesn't offer many electives.

Any advice i can give being engineering specific is "good choice" and "cover your bases". Also, if you like your sleep and being surrounded by girls wrong degree :( Anything else is really general to any sort of science degree.
 
Cryptograhpy is one hot thing going on right now where lots of money can be made.

Are you interested in studying software engineering or more on the hardware side of things?
 
Think of it this way, you get a computer engineering degree but the big broad picture is all basically electrical engineering or system engineering.
In my first year of CE, I found myself doing courses in circuits and logic systems. I'm still yet to take a course that's computer oriented. Is CE like EE and computer science put together? Look at me, just started my second year and don't even know what CE actually is...lol.

Usually though you can take an interrest in anything once you get near the end of your Bach
What are some of these interests?


Are you interested in studying software engineering or more on the hardware side of things?
I'm not really a software guy. I know a little C. For me, hardware is the way I want to go.
 

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