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Posts Tagged ‘Engineer’

Computer Software Engineer
What is this job like?
Because computers are so important to our lives, there is a constant need to develop new software. Computer software engineers apply computer science, engineering, and math to design, develop, and test software. (Computer hardware engineers design computer chips, boards, systems, modems, and printers.)
Software engineers first analyze users’ needs. Then they design, construct, test, and maintain the needed software or systems. In programming, or coding, they tell a computer, line by line, how to function. They also solve any problems that arise. They must possess strong coding skills, but are more likely to develop algorithms and solve problems than write code.
Software engineers often work as part of a team that designs new hardware, software, and systems. A core team may have engineering, marketing, factory, and design people who work together until the product is done.
Computer applications software engineers design, construct, and maintain computer programs based on what people need. They can develop a program for just one person or for many people to use separately.
Computer systems software engineers construct and maintain computer programs for companies. For example, they might develop programs that do recordkeeping and payroll. They might also set up an “intranet”an internal and secure computer networkfor a company. Many software engineers work for companies that make or install new and more advanced computer systems.
Software engineers normally work in well-lighted offices or labs. Most work at least 40 hours a week. If a big project is due, they may have to work nights or weekends to meet deadlines.
Software engineers who are employed by vendors and consulting firms spend time away from their offices to meet with customers. As networks expand, they may be able to use modems, laptops, e-mail, and the Internet to identify and fix problems from their own office.
How do you get ready?
Most employers prefer to hire people who have at least a college degree and experience with a variety of computer systems. Students seeking software engineering jobs can improve their chances by signing up as interns to get some experience. Large firms that can train new hires may take new grads with no experience.
Persons looking at jobs in this field must have strong problem-solving skills. They also must be able to work with team members, other staff, and customers. Because they often deal with many tasks at the same time, they must be able to focus and pay close attention to detail.
As technology advances in the computer field, employers want workers to keep up. Software engineers must learn new skills if they wish to remain in this advancing field. To help them keep up, employers, vendors, private training schools, and others offer a large number of courses.
How much does this job pay?
Average yearly wages for computer applications software engineers were ,900 in May 2009. Average yearly wages for computer systems software engineers were ,520.
How many jobs are there?
Computer applications software engineers held about 514,800 jobs in 2009, while computer systems software engineers held about 394,800. Although they have jobs in most industries, many computer software engineers work in computer systems design and related services. Employers range from startups to well-known industry leaders. A growing number of these workers get jobs on a temporary basis, or work as consultants.
What about the future?
Both computer applications software engineers and computer systems software engineers are projected to be among the fastest growing occupations from 2010 to 2018. Rapid growth in the computer systems design industry should mean good opportunities for college grads with a degree and some experience. Employers will look for software engineers with a strong background in programming and systems analysis, along with business and people skills.
The number of computer software engineers is expected to rise much faster than the average, as businesses are looking for new ways to get ahead of competition and make their computer systems the fastest. Also, growing concerns over “cyber security”making sure only certain people can see private informationwill mean more jobs for these engineers. Job growth will not be as fast as during the last decade because some work is outsourced to foreign countries.  Read more... (703 words, 1 image, estimated 2:49 mins reading time)

Anyone looking at a career in this field must have strong investigative and analytical talent. They must also be able to work well as a team member, with other staff, and relate to clientele. They often deal with several tasks at the same time (multi-tasking), they must also be able to focus on detail. A video game programmer is a computer programmer who primarily builds video games or associated software (such as flight simulators for the government). Video programming has a lot of the same functions that a regular computer programmer uses but the graphic interface is the biggest difference. The design of the programs that create these video games can be a rewarding and money-making endeavor. Why is that? Well, the video game market has been a real growth industry for most of the last decade. If you know nothing to very little about programming or game programming, just go to this web site: GameDev dot net. You will find a great beginning reference for anyone that wants to get into the business of programming games. It answers many fundamental questions about how to start and where to get more information about game programming.  Read more... (615 words, 1 image, estimated 2:28 mins reading time)

The field of computer software engineering can be a difficult one to break into for the average graduate. While many graduates leaving university have a high knowledge of computers and software design, there is a need for creativity, comprehensive knowledge, and practical experience that is often lacking in young professionals. Indeed, the creation of flawless computer software is not just about the knowledge of programming or troubleshooting, it is often about knowing the potential pitfalls and problems that are only able to be learned through years of experience. In the course of searching for the right jobs in computer software engineering, many graduates need to consider several factors that may assist in building valuable experience.

Many computer software engineering graduates need to think about taking project positions before leaping into the corporate world. Indeed, project work and side projects can combine to create a compelling and rich experience that will translate into a great position down the road. Project positions could range from a few weeks in an engineering position with an educational software company to a six month position working on a design team for a new operating system. Indeed, project work has a number of positive factors working in its favour for the right graduate. The practical knowledge and the ability to work with various design teams that is built through project work is invaluable to the job hunt.  Read more... (444 words, 1 image, estimated 1:47 mins reading time)

The field of Computer Software Engineering has become more popular among UK university graduates in recent years. Students are entering university with a more sophisticated knowledge of information technology than undergraduates from a generation ago. This knowledge is coupled with a realisation that many of the best jobs available in the UK involve computer technology, creating a desire within university students for success in the IT world. However, as graduates leave the university setting for the professional world, they begin to realise that their dream of working as a computer software engineer may be difficult to achieve.

The rising number of computer jobs in the United Kingdom has been met with an exponential increase in applications over the last decade. Professionals interested in software engineering, IT graduates, and candidates on the international market make the application process a log-jam. Hiring managers often have to set high standards in order to reduce the numbers of applicants that proceed to the interview stage. As such, talented software engineers may not be able to distinguish themselves enough to land their dream job. By understanding what a software engineer does on a daily basis, a young applicant is better able to tailor their application to suit a specific position.  Read more... (438 words, 1 image, estimated 1:45 mins reading time)

Computer software engineer jobs provide excellent career opportunities for technology minded people with skills and education for the 21st century. The salary is excellent, and the demand for this job should remain high for many years to come. As a computer software engineer, you may be responsible for creating business applications, computer games and word processing software; designing and developing software; developing programs to communicate with operating systems and putting together operating systems and network communications. With career information and an understanding of the degrees needed, you should be ready to decide if this career is right for you.

The degrees needed for computer software engineer jobs sometimes vary depending on the company you are applying for, but most software engineers have a bachelor’s degree in some field of computer system technology. This is one of the fastest growing jobs in our technology driven society, but you will also need to continue your training throughout your career to keep up with the job market. With continued education, you will always be able to design and develop software long into the future.  Read more... (359 words, 1 image, estimated 1:26 mins reading time)