Computer Engineers are the engineers who integrate the field of Computer Science with Electrical and Electronics Engineering to create hardware and software for the computer. They do not work only on how computer system work but they also work on integration of computers with other devices and systems. Like a Computer Engineer at a cricket ground will work on how to connect all the cameras to give us a live match feed.

As a Computer Engineer, you will work on various aspects of Computer Science, Electrical and Electronics Engineering like networking (connecting different computers), circuit designs, microcontrollers, personal computers, software, software design, mobile computing, etc. As a software computer engineer your major focus would be on the software side of computing, and as a hardware computer engineer, your focus will be on hardware.

Key roles and responsibilities

As a Computer Engineer, depending on your field of specialisation, you would have the following roles and responsibilities:

Software Engineer:

• You would analyse users’ needs and then design, test, and develop software to meet those needs.
• You will be responsible for software upgrades for customers’ existing programs and systems. You might see that after some time, you receive notification for android/iOS update on your mobile.
• You work to design different applications and then integrate them so that they work together.
• You help programmers by creating a variety of models and flowcharts to assist them in building applications.
• You ensure that software and maintained regularly and tested regularly so that the program continues normally. As many times you can see that your favourite game is updated with new features so that it does not hang.
• You will be required to document every aspect of an application or system so that it can be used in future reference.

Hardware & Network Engineer:

• You would be in charge of designing new computer hardware, creating schematics of computer equipment to be built.
• You would be required to test the new hardware that has been built.
• You would analyse the test results of new hardware and make necessary changes if needed.
• You would be required to update the existing computer hardware as per the new software.
• You would see the manufacturing of new hardware.
• You would check the organisation systems need an update, install required hardware and software.
• You will keep the system and network updated.
• You would be responsible for computer system security and maintaining the network

You should have the following occupational interests:

• Investigative - You should have interests for Investigative Occupations. Investigative occupations involve working with ideas and quite a lot of thinking, often abstract or conceptual thinking. These involve learning about facts and figures; involve the use of data analysis, assessment of situations, decision making and problem-solving.
• Conventional - You should have interests for Conventional Occupations. Conventional occupations involve repetitive and routine tasks as well as fixed processes or procedures for getting things done. These occupations involve working more with data, systems, and procedures and less with ideas or creativity.
• Realistic - You should have interests for Realistic Occupations. Realistic occupations involve more practical and hands-on activities than paperwork or office work. Realistic occupations often involve physical activities for getting things done using various tools and equipment.

Following personality attributes are required:

• You are always or mostly organized in your day-to-day life and activities.
• You are always or mostly disciplined in your action and behaviour.
• You are always practical or in most situations.
• You are always or mostly care about your actions and behaviour.

You should have the following skills and knowledge:

• Communication skills - You should possess excellent communication skills, as you may have to work on project teams with various departments.
• Reading Comprehension - Skills in understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, understanding the points being made by others, asking questions, etc.
• Critical Thinking - Skills in the analysis of complex situations, using logic and reasoning to understand the situations and take appropriate actions or make interpretations and inferences.
• Problem Solving - Skills in analysis and understanding of problems, evaluating various options to solve the problems and using the best option to solve the problems.
• Active Learning - Focused and continuous learning from various sources of information, observation and otherwise for application in getting work done.
• Computers - Knowledge of computer hardware and software, computer programming, computer networks, computer and mobile applications.
• Engineering & Technology - Knowledge of various applications of one or more branches of Engineering Science & Technology to manufacture and produce various goods or construct or erect various structures. This includes knowledge of design, development, prototype testing, manufacturing, construction, installation, repair and maintenance.
• Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, trigonometry, statistics, and other mathematical disciplines and their applications.
• Physics - Knowledge of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understand fluid, material, earth, ocean, atmosphere, and space dynamics, as well as mechanical, electrical, atomic and subatomic structures, properties and processes.

You should have the following aptitudes and abilities:

• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information from various sources, concepts, and theories to form general rules or conclusions. For example, analyzing various events or situations to come out with a set of rules or conclusions.
• Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules and common logic to specific problems to produce answers that are logical and make sense. For example, understanding the reasons behind an event or a situation using general rules and common logic.
• Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.