Computer Engineering

This is a fairly general term for someone who is involved with the design, development, installation and maintenance of computer systems. There are many specialisms within computer engineering just like there are in medicine.

For example, on the hardware side there are engineers who design microprocessor chips, embedded computers, real-time computing systems and all the way up to super-computers. Each of those topics are specialism that need years of training and practice. In terms of qualifications, it would usually include a degree in electronic engineering and often a PhD for more specialist or senior positions.

On the software side there are engineers who develop the basic compilers that all other software engineers need to create their applications. There are real-time coders who deal with things like car engine or aircraft control. There are computer scientists who study better and more efficient ways of computing.

Again, a software programmer will tend to specialise in a particular topic in order to gain the expertise they need. In terms of qualifications, a degree in technical subjects such as physics, maths, computer science is useful. Software engineers can also gain certificates from commercial firms such as Cisco networking, Oracle database, SAP financial, Microsoft certified and so on, depending on what kind of work they want to be doing.

Computer networks such as LAN, WAN and the internet also involve computer engineers.

2020-10