Computer Engineer

Today, computers have invaded every facet of our lives. Offices, industries, manufacturing processes, financial activities, medical, education, entertainment, home, and computers have changed the way of living, working, studying, entertaining etc. India is at the forefront of this expanding industry, and it is expected to grow exponentially in the next few decades.

Today, robots and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are creating a storm in the possibilities of using AI in medical, manufacturing and other areas to compete with human intelligence. Data Science is another vast field which has gained popularity in the last decade or more. On the hardware side, innovations like Drones, Chip hardware processors, Robots, etc. are the new areas which are throwing up vast opportunities.

Job Profile

With a growing demand for technological advancements in every sphere of economic activity, the need for trained, skilled and qualified computer engineering professionals is unlimited. At the initial stage of their career, a programmer does coding work in the language used by the organisation. With experience and added skills, the designing of the project is handled by the Senior Project In-charge. It is mostly a desk job, requiring long hours, diligently coding and programming on computers/laptops.

Teamwork is essential as each member creates different modules that fit into the total design of the programme. Timelines and adhering to schedules of delivery of the software to the client requires the programming team to work on strict time schedules, and this may require long hours of work. Most of the software companies take up offshore assignments and adhering to the schedule is paramount.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data management are jobs in high demand. It is predicted that about 2.3 million AI jobs will be created by next decade. Robotic programmers, Machine learning researchers, video game programmers will be in high demand in the coming decade. Data mining is another field in high demand and Data analyst, data miners will be most sought after in the job market.

Salary/Package

An entrant in software programming can earn about Rs 6 lakh p.a., while a software engineer with about 5-10 years’ experience will earn in the range of Rs 10-15 lakh. Top Companies pay about Rs 15-25 lakhs to their senior executives. A hardware engineer would receive about Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh p.a., at the start of their career. The salaries may vary based on experience, skills, roles, location, etc.

Skills required

Learning various languages like Java, C++, SQL, Python, HTML, etc
Analytical skills
Critical thinking skills
Clear communication
Upgrade knowledge of new languages, O.S.
Creativity to have unique ideas
Analytical mind
Articulation

Pros and Cons of career for Computer Engineers

Pros

Booming industry and vast growth prospects
New and innovative areas for up skilling and career advancement
Lucrative job opportunities in India and abroad, especially the USA
Excellent salary and perks
Work from home concept prevalent in this industry
Most innovative HR practices start in this industry
Offers scope to study new languages and skills to further your career

Cons

Mainly a desk job and long working hours
Health issues due to long hours in front of computers/laptops etc.
Supply of computer engineers is more than the demand
Stressful time schedules to meet deadlines
Shift timings to suit Offshore Client’s working hours

How do I be one

Student aspiring to be a Computer Engineer has to pass XII class in Science stream with Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry as compulsory papers. Many Boards have Computer as a subject in X and XII class too, and students can opt for this subject at the school level itself. For a B. Tech. or B.E. course, a candidate has to appear for IIT Entrance exam/JEE and based on the ranking; choose a college offering 4 years-Computer Engineering Course. There are broadly 2 branches in Computer Engineering – Hardware and Software. Specialization can be taken up as postgraduate courses. One can do a 2-year Masters in Computer Application or MSc. in Computers in India. One can also do MS abroad after clearing the GATE entrance test. Ph. D for research and super specialization is also available in most Universities. Diploma and varied certified courses are also available from many institutes for those desirous of learning a particular language. These courses can be taken up from school level.