Inside and Outside the Computer: The Computer Hardware Engineer

Computers are composed of two separate but critical components: the software that runs the programs on the computer, and the actual physical elements of the computer itself—from the monitor to the power supply to the video card. Without hardware, there would be no computers to use word processors or play games on.

So who keeps the hardware working? Who develops the latest sleek laptop design? Who creates faster and better interior parts such as sound boards and video boards? Computer Science Hardware Engineers, that’s who.

Computers today are found in nearly every commercial, industrial, education, government, health care and research setting. Computer Hardware Engineers are in very high demand throughout every industry and every aspect of industry. So what does a Computer Hardware Engineer do?

Computer Hardware Engineers are responsible for researching, designing, developing, and testing the computer hardware as well as supervising production and installation. What is hardware? Computer Hardware can be all of the following: computer chips, circuit boards, internal computer systems, as well as other important computer parts such as keyboards, modems, and printers. There are elements of a Computer Hardware Engineers job that are similar to that of an electrical engineer, but Computer Hardware Engineers focus exclusively on computer equipment. It is thanks to the innovative work of Computer Hardware Engineers that there are such frequent advances in computer technology.

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Inside the Computer: Becoming A Software Engineer

Computers are a critical component of every day life—both at home and the office. But without software, computers would just be very large and rather useless paperweights. Here is a definition of software:

“Computer software is a general term used to describe a collection of computer programs, procedures and documentation that perform some tasks on a computer system. The term includes application software such as word processors which perform productive tasks for users, system software such as operating systems, which interface with hardware to provide the necessary services for application software, and middleware which controls and co-ordinates distributed systems. ‘Software’ is sometimes used in a broader context to mean anything which is not hardware but which is used with hardware, such as film, tapes and records.”

Thanks to the rise in reliance on computers, there is a need for highly trained workers to design and implement new software that incorporates all of the latest technology. You’d be hard pressed to find another area in the work force expected more growth.

There are several specializations within the area of Software Engineering. The most common are Systems Analysts (or Programmer Analysts); Network and Telecommunications Experts; and Database Administrators. Of course there are many others, particularly pertaining to the Internet such as web site designers, but they don’t technically fall into the Software Engineering focus. So what do these various types of software engineers do?

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Where Do I Start?

You’ve made the decision; it’s time to get your computer science degree. But how to begin? We’re here to help. Below you’ll find the Who, Why, What, Where and How of earning your computer science degree.

Who

You, of course, that’s who. What made you choose computer science? Do you have a specialty in mind? Do prefer solving problems or tackling programming? What about going to school? Take some time to consider things. What do you do well when it comes to school? Are you a social butterfly or a bookworm? Do you enjoy the classroom, or do you prefer hanging out online? What is important to you? What gave you trouble in school—writing papers, taking notes, or showing up to class prepared?

All of these are important factors to consider before moving forward. A good exercise is to sit down and write down answers to the questions above. Earning a degree can be challenging, and knowing your strengths and weaknesses before you go in is key. Take the time to really dig deep and understand yourself before taking the next step.

Why

This is important: WHY do you want to earn a computer science degree? Are you fulfilling a life-long dream, or simply following the expectations of your parents or friends? Are you hoping for a lucrative career and a computer science degree is the next step down that path, or are you someone who loves tinkering with a laptop? Whatever your reason, if you are doing it for yourself and the dreams you hold for your life, you are more likely to succeed.

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