Begin A New Career With Your Computer Science Degree!
There are those who think being a computer engineer is a career for a kid with a closet full of energy drinks and Doritos. Nothing could be further from the truth. To be more precise, computer software engineering is one of the fastest growing career paths of this century. This big money career involves a lot more discipline than coming up with the next hit video game and starts with a technology degree. That’s why the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting the need of such engineers growing by as much as 21% by 2018.
A contemporary Computer Engineer is a completely different creature. They don’t run around in lab coats in climate controlled rooms like they did in B-movies a few decades ago. Actually, what we really should call them are computer software engineers. Why is this different? The Bureau expects this will be one of the fastest growing of the entire STEM (science, tech, engineer, math) fields, with an expected need in the range of 22% by 2018.
Computer software engineers actually design the architecture and know how to properly test new software. They design software for computer games, business applications, operating systems, network control systems, and middleware. They must be experts in the theory behind computers, software and the nature and limitations of hardware to ensure the underlying systems will work properly.
From there specialization splits the field into two different areas: applications engineers and systems engineers. Applications engineers analyze a user’s needs, develop software solutions and install the programs. Systems engineers work on the construction, maintenance, and expansion of computer systems. They also work on and implement system security such as firewalls, internet/intranet communications and data assurance.
Entering into the field requires a bachelor’s degree and experience with a variety of computer systems and related technologies. The usual college majors for applications software engineers are computer science, software engineering, or mathematics. Systems software engineers often study computer science or computer information systems. It doesn’t matter if one gets this kind of experience from an online or brick and mortar college. What’s important is the school is accredited. In fact, online schools are ideal in many ways because it’s a good way to get an intern-type job for the hands-on experience many employers prefer while still going to class.
This profession is changing constantly – just look at the recent introduction of the iPad this year, it means those in the profession have to stay on top of the new products coming out every year. In turn, computer engineers are constantly upgrading their education through more online colleges and seminars.
What is highly attractive is the salary range. The Bureau estimates the median salary from $92,000 to slightly over $100,000 a year. Their packages also include stock/investment options, profit sharing, retirement programs, health/life insurance and many other highly attractive perks.
What really matters is the fastest growing industry in the U.S. these days are organizations ranging from Facebook and Google through Intel to Apple. They all need software engineers to insure all their latest innovations do work and those who work there need to start with their bachelor science degree. As such, an occupation of software engineering could very well be a field that will continue growing into the unforeseeable future. Degrees open doors and with the growth expected in computer fields having your science degrees online will work for your future. If this area of study is of interest to you and more information about your technology degree online would be helpful, please check the internet.
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