Jobs in it & Telecoms

1. Computer Engineering

Computer engineering is an evolving field of engineering. The field really began with the emergence of the computer in the 1980’s: many hobbyists built their own hardware and developed their own software.

In the past, computer engineering was split into two sub-categories: Computer Hardware Engineering and Computer Software Engineering. Now with new technology and the need for a new area of expertise, the field consists of specialties that really deserve their own category. Networking, infrastructure, architecture, as well as application and web development all play their part in computer engineering.

Today, computer engineers are very highly sought after. Computer engineers are now developing the most complex and innovative forms of technology that we all use today. Virtually every modern machine and process is computer-controlled. Some computers are tiny, as in the smallest cell phones and MP3 players. Other computers are actually massive networks of thinking machines, working on terabytes of data and cranking out billions of calculations per second. The common factor making these machines possible is the Computer Engineer.

Computer Engineering differs from Software Engineering and Computer Science in that it focuses on the actual hardware that’s responsible for performing the work. Software is the set of instructions used by a computer to get work done. While they need to know the principles of software operation, Computer Engineers are responsible for designing the components of a computing system.

Computer Engineers design everything from the Central Processing Unit to primary and secondary memory storage to input and output methods. Even if they are using off-the-shelf components, they’re responsible for making sure the integration works flawlessly. Computer engineers are and will continue to be in high demand.

2. Software Engineering Degrees

Most people are familiar with older, more traditional engineering fields such as mechanical, civil, or electrical. Software Engineering is a relatively new discipline, but in today’s increasingly interconnected world, it is becoming more and more important.

Engineering differs from Computer Science or Web Design in that you are formulating how the overall software system functions, and how it works within its intended hardware environment. Software Engineering is the discipline that makes sure computer systems are developed methodically and result in building the right product with quality built in from the beginning.

Software engineering is a practical, intuitive, creative and analytical field. Software Engineers are responsible for every phase of a development project, not just for writing the computer code. Upon the initiation of a project, they make sure requirements are documented and validated. Then they move on to system design, often overseeing the creation of software prototypes to present to clients for additional validation. Once the design is solid, Software Engineers manage the overall development effort to make sure the pieces are coming together as planned. Finally, they create and oversee test cases which assure system functionality is complete and traceable to the requirements generated at the time of project initiation.

Software engineers may have different areas of focus. Some tend to work on software development while there are other people who prefer to concentrate on system design. Some will focus on medical software. Game design is also growing in popularity. All of these professionals work using the same software engineering principles.

3. Telecommunications Engineering

Telecommunications engineers are electrical and electronics experts who may specialize in a certain type of technology, such as telephone networks or broadband telecommunications.

Communications engineers work within a number of industries, including:

• internet and computing technologies;

• networking and telecommunications;

• radio.

Telecommunications engineers design and install equipment used for transmitting wired phone, cellular, cable and broadband data. Their day-to-day responsibilities can include working with copper or fiber optic cabling, complex networks and switching systems. Telecommunications engineers may be employed by wired and wireless telecommunications companies, engineering consulting firms or government agencies. Some engineers concentrate on applying technical knowledge, while others focus on managerial activities. Many posts include elements of both managerial and technical responsibilities.

Telecommunications engineers are analytical, creative and methodical problem solvers with excellent concentration and math skills. As members of manufacturing teams, they are also collaborative professionals and good speakers with interpersonal intelligence and the ability to work well with others.

Wireless telecommunication engineers are electrical engineers that specialize in developing, manufacturing, and testing wireless technologies, such as cell phones, the satellite systems that support them, and wireless computer networks. The fields of wireless telecommunication engineering changes rapidly as new technologies develop. Wireless telecommunication engineers must constantly update their skill sets to stay current.