Computer Engineering
By Danso Marfo Philip Thompson
What’s computer engineering?
Computer engineering combines computer science and electrical engineering. It involves the electronic aspects related to computers, such as CPUs, motherboards, integrated circuits (ICs), and networking systems. By "computer," I don't just mean personal computers but also servers, mainframes, and similar systems.
In addition to the hardware side, computer engineering covers the software aspects, including programming, software development, application interfaces, websites, and cloud-based systems. Essentially, computer engineering is the intersection of hardware and software.
Could you use an example to differentiate between Computer Engineering and Computer Science?
People often confuse computer engineering with computer science. Think of building a house as an analogy: A computer engineer designs and constructs the house, creating the structure and framework. Then, computer scientists come in to handle the internal systems, like installing wiring and configuring doors and windows. Finally, IT professionals maintain and use the facilities within the house. This is a simple way to illustrate the distinctions between these fields.
What are the jobs you can get after learning computer engineering?
Computer engineering doesn’t have a singular career path because it combines two fields. Depending on your interests, you can pursue careers in either the electrical/electronic or software fields. Career options include:
Software-related fields:
Cybersecurity
Cloud computing
Full-stack development (creating websites and applications)
Electrical-related fields:
Electronics systems engineering
Electrical/electronic engineering
Hardware engineering
Why did you choose computer engineering?
Since childhood, I've been fascinated by how computers work. I wondered about the processes involved, how screens display information, and how computers respond to commands. I was curious about the inner workings of text, characters, and other aspects. As I grew older, my interest led me to consider a career in computer engineering, which became the best choice for me.
Why not choose Computer Science instead?
I considered both computer science and computer engineering, but ultimately, I chose computer engineering because it encompasses both hardware and software aspects. This broader knowledge allows me to understand how computers work at a deeper level, from the hardware to the software and networking systems. Other fields like telecom, computer science, or electrical engineering would have limited me to one of these aspects.
What were the surprises you had when you started working?
One of the biggest surprises was realizing that what you're taught in school is just the surface of what's required in the field. The tech world presents many challenges and concepts that aren't even mentioned in the classroom. So, it's important to continually expand your knowledge and explore new areas outside the syllabus. Hands-on experience is invaluable and helps you learn things you didn’t even know were part of the field.
Did you ever feel like giving up?
In Senior High School (SHS), I never considered giving up, as I was eager to start my career. However, during university, I faced two major challenges. The first was when I missed an exam due to illness. I felt lost and unprepared during the exam and briefly considered giving up. The second challenge was during my final year project. We were pioneers in that area, and our supervisor was often unavailable, leaving us feeling confused and stuck when our code didn’t work. Despite these difficulties, I learned that knowing your purpose and having passion for your goals is vital. Determination, self-motivation, and handling criticism are essential for overcoming obstacles.
Is there a difference between life as a student and life as a worker?
Yes, definitely. In school, you focus on theory and some practical work, but in the professional world, it's mostly practical, and you're often on your own. This independence makes you more passionate and interested in the field because you're constantly researching and coming up with new ideas. This hands-on work deepens your interest and gives you more insight than a classroom setting can provide.
Is Computer Engineering financially lucrative?
Absolutely! Computer engineering offers high earning potential and often allows for flexible, remote work. You can comfortably earn thousands of dollars or cedis while working from home, making it a very lucrative field.
How easy is it to get a job in computer engineering?
Landing a job in computer engineering depends on your career path. Computer engineering is a broad program, it doesn't leave you in a certain pattern, there are many individual career paths to choose from. Having employment after pursuing computer engineering will depend on your interest. Getting employment is quite easy, it depends on what you want and your passion for it. Because you learn many things, you'll be able to go anywhere, even in healthcare, law firms, anywhere, because you have a broad range of knowledge.
Can you balance your personal life and your work well as a computer engineer?
The work-life balance in computer engineering can be stressful, depending on the company. However, it's a field that involves solving problems daily and finding ways to make solutions easier and faster. With a flexible routine, computer engineers can balance work and family life effectively. They can access work files from home, allowing them to work flexibly. Unlike some firms, this field doesn't have strict rules. Balancing work and family life is manageable; you can do both. When working, it's serious business, but you can also work from home and meet family commitments without a tight schedule. When you are working, you're fully engaged.
How do I increase my chances of getting a job?
To improve your job prospects, focus on building your skills beyond what is taught in school. Employers value practical expertise, so:
Master your craft through self-learning and personal projects.
Take additional courses to enhance your skills.
Stay curious and constantly explore new areas in the field.
Remember, it’s not just about having a degree but also about demonstrating what you can do.
A personal message
To SHS students interested in computer engineering, be determined and self-motivated. Engineering is challenging, and math is a critical part of the field. You’ll need to be independent, creative, and able to think critically. Failure and criticism are part of the learning process, so resilience is key. Remember to:
Stay determined and self-motivated
Embrace math
Think critically and be creative
Handle criticism positively
Maintain composure under pressure
Success in engineering requires perseverance—don’t give up easily.
One more thing
Don’t procrastinate—it’s a time-waster. Take advantage of online resources, and explore the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI is the future and venturing into it can provide exciting career opportunities while keeping you competitive in the job market.