Computer Engineering

Choosing a career is very important in a person's life. One needs to think about the things that interest them and what kind of lifestyle they want to have. Some things a person should think about are what qualifications are needed, what type of training is necessary, and the future need of the career they choose. Some other things to consider would be how much money they will make, what is the probability of advancement, and does the career satisfy their need for an enjoyable life.

One career in the technological industry is a computer engineer. A computer engineer is a person who designs hardware or software for computers ("Computer Systems Engineer" card). Computer engineers do research to determine what people want and need to make their lives easier ("Computer Engineering" CS). Computer engineers sometimes work on a team to think of new ideas and concepts ("Computer Engineering" CS). Engineers generally should like activities of a technical nature, problem solving, and math ("Computer Engineering" CS). An engineer should probably like working with numbers and thinking logically.

A computer engineering career requires the most education of any career in the computer industry (Weigant, Chris 15). Some school subjects that are helpful in preparing a person who wants to become a computer engineer are algebra, geometry, calculus, trigonometry, computer science, and English ("Computer Engineering" CS). Computer engineers need to be able to think logically, communicate ideas clearly, and work well in a team environment ("Computer Engineering" CS). To become a computer engineer a degree in computer science, engineering, or physics is required (Weigant, Chris16). Computer engineers spend an extended amount of time typing ("Computer Engineering" CS). A computer engineer should also expect to work long hours (Weigant, Chris 16) and enjoy working with new ideas and concepts ("Computer Engineering" CS). Becoming a proficient typist would be something to consider when a person is interested in becoming a computer engineer.

In 1947 Howard Aiken, an engineer, predicted six computers would satisfy the computing needs of the U.S. (Burns, Julie Kling 1). By the year 1955 244 computer systems were in use and by 1984 U.S. businesses and individuals purchased over two million personal computers (Burns, Julie Kling 3). By 1994, shipments of over 47 million personal computers were made world-wide (Burns, Julie Kling 8). The use of personal computers has increased rapidly over the past half-century