A computer engineer is trained in the fundamentals of computer science and gains deep comprehension of the software and hardware aspects of computer systems. He is generally trained to be a software, hardware, systems or networking engineer in a university or an engineering school affiliated to an university. To succeed in the varied and challenging computing environments of current workplace settings, a computer engineer also needs to gain additional skills and attributes during his education.
Fundamental Computer Science Concepts
A computer engineer is taught about the concepts, principles, methodologies of computer science and the dynamics of computer architecture and communication networks. He gains knowledge about the related, yet important field of electrical engineering. Professors explain the domains of circuit theory and electronic circuits and also large-scale computer systems and varied applications to students. A computer engineer also learns about the co-relation between many applied sciences and fields of computer science.
Analytical Skills
A computer engineer is trained to apply her mind to understand and solve computing problems and issues. The need to apply gained technical knowledge in order to devise software solutions, develop software applications, diagnose hardware problems and build network systems is emphasized. During the course of study, she develops sound understanding of mathematical concepts and principles which help her to grasp programming languages, software design and concepts, data structures, information architecture, web-based systems and internet technologies. Computer engineers are taught to be analytical and use logic-driven acumen to address technical issues and scenarios.
Tough Engineering Discipline
Computer engineering is generally considered among the more rigorous engineering disciplines. Students need to show the necessary commitment, discipline and dedication to successfully complete degrees. The coursework includes regular workshops, laboratory sessions, experiments and field trips and exhaustive study of journals, books and related technical literature. Students also attend technical seminars and conferences and visit science and technology museums outside the campus. Numerous projects and assignments need to be submitted each semester.
Other Skills Needed
With the science of computer technology becoming more advanced every year, computer engineers are expected to bring greater skills and knowledge at the workplace. A working knowledge of machine intelligence, wireless networks technologies, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence and telecommunications is also essential. Computer engineers are part of a larger IT team in an organization that needs to collaborate to develop software and IT solutions; they are taught the importance of good communication skills and the need to develop a teamwork ethic to work in large workforce enterprises and establishments.
Top Colleges/Universities
Given the wide application of computers and the primacy of the computer-science field, colleges and universities across the United States now offer computer-engineering degrees. Over the past few decades, the University of California, Berkeley; Stanford University; the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Princeton University; Virginia Tech; Carnegie Mellon University and Cornell University have gained reputation as the best engineering schools and colleges. Computer- engineering curricula is vast and varied and specialized electives can differ from university to university. Depending on specific university guidelines and rules, students stay on dorms on campus or in off-campus apartments. Students attend regular classes and lectures on campus and interact with academicians, mentors, administrators and other students.
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