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How do I become a computer engineer?

How to become a computer engineer (hardware)?

  • A computer engineer designs hardware, right? How do I become one of those? I am in ninth grade, so I can still take courses and stuff for the next three years. Which courses would help? What degrees would I needs? How much does a computer engineer usually make? Which companies are best to work for? Thanks!

  • Answer:

    You major in Computer engineering in college. EDIT: Computer engineer is a generic term, which MAY OR MAY NOT involve hardware. Some people say computer engineering when they actually mean software engineering. On the other hand, electrical engineering is also a generic term, when it can describe power system engineering (i.e. designing generators, transmission systems, transformers, and so on) as well as computer hardware design. (I know, as I have a BSEE degree, though I specialized in computers) Thus, the proper field is STILL "computer engineering". You just need to make sure you specialize in hardware design. As others said, you need math, and science (all sciences, even the stuff you don't think are related, such as physics, chemistry, and biology). When you're sophomore or junior in high school, then you study the college you want to go to, and see if they have a computer engineering program, and what sort of electives you can get to prepare you in a certain specialty, such as hardware computer engineering when you graduate, and whether double-major or a minor makes sense. If they don't offer that specialty concentration, then you may need to look elsewhere. However, even if they don't have a program specifically as computer engineering / hardware, you may be able to do a hybrid program, by taking mainly computer electives in the electrical engineering program, or you can take electrical / computer hardware courses while enrolled in computer science. There are ways around restrictions and courses. But you have to study what each school offers carefully. A prestigious school helps, esp. if they are well known in the world. Carnegie Mellon, Cal-tech, UC Berkeley Engineering, Stanford Engineering, and so on are obviously top choices in the world of engineering, but certainly NOT the only choices. In your junior year, you talk with your counselor and the prospective college admissions (after you have narrowed down your choices) to plan your course load in college. You have to be very flexible as not all courses are offered all the time, so you have to plan accordingly. You also don't want to overload yourself with too many courses. And you have to do this with each of the colleges you plan to attend. After all, they don't offer the same program and same courses or concentrations. You plan for your senior year the same way, with choices narrowed down to one or two colleges, and you line up your financial aid and such so you can concentrate on your studies once you get there. You are doing well starting your plans now, but there is a long road ahead. As they say, "knowing is half the battle".

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Engineering in general is the best occupation to have right now. Now as far as a specific discipline, you may want to determine that after you have tested the great waters of MIT. Yahoo did a best paying jobs and guess what number one was? Thats right Engineer! I believe starting salary was 65K. Not bad change for just falling out of school. If you do real well in school you won't even have to look for a job as they will come looking for you. Advanced placement classes will aide you greatly in High School, as most will count towards college. Start looking around and request literature from some Engineering University and start you plan now. You have your head in the right direction, just need to keep at that plan and get excellent grades. Good luck!

Z

The one who designs hardware is not a computer engineer. I am a computer engineer & we don't have any professional line involving hardware designing. We only interact with hardware through soft-wares. We use soft-wares & make them too. So if you need to design hardware & wish to get a job at Intel, you need to pursue a career in Electronics engineering. Study hard to get into a good college. This is the time to begin. Browse the best universities that offer these courses. Know what pattern they follow in their entrance exams. And you will be good to go. Also there is a stream that is a blend of Computer Engineering & Electronics Engineering, that is Network Engineering. For that you can pursue any related graduation field but need to clear up a number of certifications - MCNA - Microsoft Certified Network Administrator/Engineer/Professional (is a must to get your basics clear). CCNA - Cisco Certified Network Administrator (is a must to have a flourishing career). CCNP - Cisco Certified Network Professional (Not required until you have some years of experience).

Alienware

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), a non-profit trade association, was created in 1982 as the Association of Better Computer Dealers, Inc. See bellow link: http://certification.comptia.org/getCertified/certifications/a.aspx

Poresh

Take the most advanced math classes you can get into. plus physics and any electronics classes they have. Computer electronics is the most complicated, complex field you can get into. Hope your really good at math

Mike Michaels

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