Job Opportunities with BE in Computer Engineering

Question: I am doing computer engineering and currently in my final year. I need help... would like to know if u have any idea about what are the various options I have after doing my BE in computer engineering. I like solving logical sums, puzzles, writing programs and taking up challenges. But I somehow don’t like sitting in one place and just writing programs like what the rest of the computer engineers do. I want to do something different but I am so confused I really don’t know what would be the best option for me. It would be of great help if u could give me some idea so as to what all I can do. Do write in... waiting for your reply.... -Joan
posted by Joan on April 2, 2012

Answer by Becky Browning

Hi Joan! Congrats on the excellent career choice. You will have a ton of options when you graduatedepending on what companies are available where you are or if you are willing to relocate. Computer engineering is integrated into so many different industries in so many different ways so chances are you won't have to look far. Yes, there are jobsthat requireyou to primarily write programs, but there are also jobs where only part of your job is writing programs and you also have moreinvolvement in other stages like working the higher level design or testing the final product.My advice would be to interview at as many places as possible and ask a lot of questions about the variety of work available in the jobs. I think a lot of companies are looking for people that have the ability and the desire to do more than just sit and program computers all day long. If you are a people person there are jobs that require more interaction with customers and helping to define customer needs into program requirements or specifications. If you enjoy writing there are jobs that require more technical writing.There are jobs thatare more algorithm-intensive that require more math, and jobs that are moreGUI-intensive that require an artistic user-oriented approach. Seldom can you be successful at these jobs if you are not able to do more than just write programs all day. I started my career as a Systems Engineer and was responsible for defining software functionality requirements, interfaces, tests, and various other things. I didn't write any of the code but was ultimately responsible for ensuring that the product was successful. That job required a ton of coordination, and required me to translate technical details into English in order topresent the software status to my management and customers. That was a great experience for me to have had and has really helped me now that I have transitioned to the software development side. There are many jobs though that require technical knowledge butdo not necessarily have you coding all day. You just have to look around at various companies and try and find one that is open to you being involved in more then just writing programs. Hope this helps. - Becky