How to become a Computer Engineer

Computer engineers are professionals who design, implement, and maintain computer hardware and software to ensure it works in smooth harmony. They are involved in the design, development and operation of computer software such as computer operating systems, software drivers, computer programs as well as the hardware that includes servers, circuit boards, chips and peripherals like keyboards or routers. They work to develop new computer equipment, optimize the capabilities of the existing equipment, and engineer new ways of applying computer technology to other systems and machines. There are three broad roles that a computer engineer can occupy, namely software engineering, hardware engineering, and network engineering. They can choose to further specialize in computer architecture, artificial intelligence, operating systems, information systems, computer networks, virtual reality, mobile applications and so on.

• Design computer equipment and produce blueprints for the design
• Test the prototypes of the design
• Make necessary adjustments and modifications to the design
• Work on upgrading the existing hardware or software
• Regularly perform analysis of the computer hardware/software to test smooth integration and functioning
• Provide technical support for all computer hardware and software issues to the executive staff
• Design and develop memory devices, processors, circuit boards, routers and networks.
• Oversee the installation of software applications and systems
• Oversee the manufacturing of new computer hardware

Computer engineers should be innovative, highly analytical and detail-oriented in order to excel in this field. Strong working knowledge of the relevant computer programming languages such as Javascript, HTML, C++ is necessary to occupy this position. For computer engineer, decision-making and creative problem-solving skills are crucial for their projects. Their interpersonal and communication skills are important in order to liaise with their team members, managers, marketing professionals, technicians and clients as well as to effectively convey technical information to a non-technical audience. They should possess good leadership abilities in order to manage and motivate a team while also being comfortable with working as a part of a diverse team of professionals. Keeping updated with the current developments in the field and in the corresponding business sector is important for computer engineers to guide their projects. Their time management and organization skills are necessary to optimize their work and perform effectively under time pressure.

The salary of a Computer Engineer can vary based on factors such as experience, location, level of education, type of employer, and the specific role they hold.

• Minimum Monthly Salary: The monthly salary can be from INR 25,000 to INR 35,000.
• Maximum Monthly Salary: The monthly salary can be from INR 80,000 to INR 1,50,000 or more.
• Annual Salary: The salary can be from INR 3,00,000 to INR 18,00,000 or more.
• Highest Paying Job and Scope: The highest paying job in Computer Engineering is often as a Machine Learning Engineer or Artificial Intelligence Specialist. The field offers a promising scope with continuous innovation, high demand for AI expertise, and opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies. Various industries seek skilled professionals for complex problem-solving and data-driven decision-making.

In order to enroll into a Bachelor’s program at an esteemed university, aspirants are expected to clear the engineering entrance exams - JEE main and subsequently, the JEE Advance exam -which makes the aspirant eligible to apply at any engineering colleges in India. It is a very difficult and challenging exam to crack that requires hard work as well as rigorous and consistent preparation. Some states have their own entrance exams that are admissible in their respective universities. Many educational institutes conduct their own entrance tests.

Depending on one’s educational background, experience, and skillsets, aspirants may apply for the following computer engineering jobs:

• Computer Programmer
• Computer System Analyst
• Web developer
• Database Administrator
• Computer Network Architect
• Robotics Engineer
• Information Security Analyst