Computer Engineering has always been one of the top career choices for young aspirants. This is primarily because the field branches out into many specializations, thereby creating a number of career paths for Computer Engineers. In fact, students who are still figuring out what they want in their professional aspect of life are always faced with one confusing question, what to do after computer engineering?
What to do after Computer Engineering?
Our answer – there is no one answer to this question! And that’s the beauty of Computer Engineering. There is no one single career options but several after computer engineering. Once you earn your Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, you will have a number of options before you. You can either choose to pursue higher studies or enter the corporate world. In this article, we will walk you through the entire process of building your career, and hopefully, this will answer the question “what to do after Computer Engineering.“
First, we’ll start with the higher educational opportunities in Computer Engineering.
M.Tech/M.S. in Computer Engineering – This is one of the best options for aspirants who want to pursue higher studies in the field. Usually, M.Tech is a 2-year long course, M.S. is a 3-year long course. After completing M.Tech/M.Sc in Computer Engineering, you can either apply for jobs or enter the research field (Ph.D.).
Ph.D. – After M.Tech, you can directly enroll in a Ph.D. program. This is an excellent choice for students who are interested in research in the field. Usually, Ph.D. programs are a 5-year integrated course involving two years of course and a minimum of three years of research work.
Dual degree (M.Tech + Ph.D.) – This is actually quite similar to Ph.D. The only difference is that a dual degree gives you both M.Tech and Ph.D. degrees.
Postgraduate Program in Machine Learning/Data Science/Business Analytics – Data Science and its related technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning are some of the hottest trending fields in the industry right now. Also, Business Analytics is an emerging domain that is growing parallelly to Big Data and Data Science. A postgraduate degree, either in Data Science/Business Analytics, is best suited for those who wish to enter the Data Science and Big Data domains.
MBA – An MBA course is best suited for aspirants who are inclined towards business management. You can pursue an MBA degree either from India or from foreign universities.
Pursuing higher education after completing Computer Engineering will further solidify your career prospects. Most companies and organizations allot a higher salary scale for candidates who have advanced degrees in their field. Plus, there always remains an option for entering academia or research field.
Now that you are aware of the higher education opportunities, we’ll talk about the different career options after Computer Engineering.
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Top Career Options after Computer Engineering
A degree in Computer Engineering opens up endless career possibilities before you. Some of the top career options after Computer Engineering include:
1. Big Data Engineer
Big Data Engineers are responsible for building, testing, and maintaining scalable Big Data ecosystems for the businesses so that the Data Scientists can run their algorithms on stable and optimized data systems. Big Data Engineers usually work closely with Data Architects, Data Analysts, and Data Scientists, focuses to help organizations obtain meaningful insights from large and complex datasets that can be transformed into actionable business decisions. Big data is one of the best career options after computer engineering.
Big Data Engineers work primarily with Big Data ecosystems, tools, and technologies. They are required to upgrade, troubleshoot, and optimize Big Data systems and software to improve the efficiency of the databases. Usually, Big Data Engineers need a few years of industry experience in working with Big Data frameworks like Hadoop, SQL-based databases, and also with popular data APIs and ETL tools.
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2. Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning Engineers are ML experts who specialize in designing and building intelligent machines and systems that can learn from experience and perform human-like tasks with minimal or no human supervision. They create advanced ML algorithms that can teach computers how to perform specific tasks without being explicitly programmed for the same. Also, Machine Learning Engineers develop state-of-the-art ML and Deep Learning systems and run various ML tests and experiments to innovate unique AI-powered machines.
Machine Learning Engineers are one of the most sought after professionals today. However, the job profile demands a high-level of expertise in Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science. You can see the demand for machine learning engineers by verifying the type of salary machine learning engineers receive. Machine Learning Engineers must be well-versed with the fundamentals of Computer Science, including data structures, algorithms, and computer architecture. They must be expert programmers who are proficient in multiple languages like Python, R, Java, C, Ruby, Perl, Scala, etc.
3. Data Scientist
Data Scientists are the masters of the Data Science domain. They are mainly concerned with creating value from complex data. Data Scientists gather data not only from the company repository but also from multiple external sources (social media, websites, blogs, etc.). They clean, organize and process this data to further analyze it for extracting the hidden patterns within it. This helps them understand how the data at hand can solve the present business challenges an organization.
Data Scientists work in close collaboration with Data Analysts, and together, they dig deep into the data to uncover meaningful insights that can be used to find solutions for real-world business issues. Often, Data Scientists play the leading role (like that of a Project Manager) in projects that deal with large volumes of complex business data. Data Scientists usually have extensive knowledge of Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, and Statistics.
4. Data Analyst
Data Analysts are the link between the two worlds – Data Science and business. While they spend a considerable amount of time in collecting relevant data from disparate sources, Data Analysts must also be able to present their findings in ways that can be understood by all the stakeholders involved in a project.
Data Analysts use their technical expertise to perform data munging, processing, and visualization tasks. Another crucial aspect of their daily job is to optimize the data and ensure its quality and accuracy. They not only create algorithms but also modify them to extract information from large databases without corrupting the data stored within.
Data Analysts must both understand the data before them and also provide clear insights to the non-technical stakeholders through lucid visual, written, and verbal communication. Attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and data visualization skills are the three most important qualities of a Data Analyst.
5. Blockchain Developer/Engineer
Blockchain Developer/Engineers are software experts who specialize in Blockchain technology. Blockchain Developer/Engineers handle and oversee the complete life cycles of Blockchain applications, right from research and analysis to their design and execution.
They use a combination of various Blockchain programming languages (Simplicity, Solidity, Rholang, JavaScript, C++, etc.) to create advanced interfaces, features, and architecture for Blockchain systems. Apart from setting up the necessary infrastructure for Blockchain applications and solutions, Blockchain Developer/Engineers also set up essential security measures to protect the systems from cyber attacks and also to establish standard work practices.
Blockchain Developer/Engineers must possess an in-depth understanding of the Blockchain architecture, Data Structures, cryptography, smart contract development, and web development.
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6. Software Developer
The role of a Software Developer is perfect for those who love coding and programming. Software Developers are always in high demand in the IT/ITES sector. They specialize in multiple programming languages like C, C++, C#, Java, Python, Ruby, Perl, Scala, and more. Software Developers create innovative software programs and applications with unique use cases and functionalities that cater to specific customer needs. Software development is one of the preferred career options after computer engineering.
Software Developers must possess both technical creativity and analytical thinking skills needed to solve various software related issues. They must create a reliable support system for software products to facilitate smooth workflows. Candidates aspiring for this specialization must be proficient in more than one programming language and also possess effective communication and problem-solving skills.
7. Computer Network Architect
Computer Network Architects are professionals who design, develop, implement, and maintain networking and data communication systems. This includes local area networks, wide area networks, extranets, and intranets. Also, they handle the job of upgrading both software (for example, network drivers) and hardware (like adapters and routers). Generally, Computer Network Architects work with the company’s CTO (Chief Technology Officer) to predict where new networks are needed the most in the organization.
Computer Network Architects must have a sound understanding of an organization’s business plan to be able to design and implement the appropriate network in the right places. They also need to plan the implementation of security patches and other countermeasures to protect the systems against vulnerabilities. Furthermore, Computer Network Architects also need to research new networking technologies to analyze current data traffic better and estimate how growth in traffic might affect the network.
8. Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analysts is one of the popular career options after computer engineering which focus on studying an organization’s existing computer systems, design information systems, and business workflows to help devise more innovative, efficient, and productive solutions. Since Computer Systems Analysts possess in-depth knowledge of both business and I.T. domains, they help bridge the gap between the business world and information technology (I.T.).
They employ many techniques to design effective computer systems and also conduct extensive tests for analyzing the hidden trends in the data to increase the efficiency and performance of computer systems.
While companies often hire Computer Systems Analysts as general-purpose analysts who develop new systems or fine-tune existing ones, they may also recruit some specialized analysts such as Systems Architects, Software Quality Assurance (Q.A.) Analysts and Programmer Analysts.
9. Database Administrator
The job role of Database Administrators is a pivotal one in the industry since these professionals are primarily focused on the everyday functioning of the company database. They maintain the database, monitor and track the database software purchases, manage database access, implement security measures, and supervise the modifications incorporated in existing software products.
Database Administrators are also responsible for quality control and the performance of company databases to protect and uphold the integrity and privacy of confidential data.
Database Administrators must possess excellent organizational and analytical skills. They need to have a sound understanding of the business requirements of I.T. and a willingness to stay updated with the latest technological developments. Database Administrators are recruited by I.T. firms, management consultancy firms, financial organizations, universities, and even by government agencies that deal with large volumes of data.
10. Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts are professionals who exclusively focus on the protection of an organization’s sensitive and mission-critical data. They must always stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and protect the network and systems from being violated by hackers and attackers. To do so, they must continually read up on new trends in cybersecurity and design innovative solutions to protect the security of data and systems of a company.
Information Security Analysts focus on three core areas – risk assessment, vulnerability assessment, and defence planning. Hence, this job role demands competent investigative and problem-solving skills required for safeguarding all sensitive information of a company.
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11. Full Stack Developer
Full Stack Developers are primarily involved with programming and coding. They design and create the blueprint for websites by adhering to standard HTML/CSS practices and according to client specifications and demands. They must also maintain appropriate software documentation. Since this role focuses on user experience as well as functionality, Full Stack Developers must be proficient in both graphic design and computer programming.
Thanks to the cut-throat competition between companies in the digital and e-commerce domains, they continue to be in high demand. Full Stack developers must have the technical know-how of client-side components, server-side languages, web application frameworks, and database management systems.
12. Information Systems Manager
Information Systems Managers are business executives who manage and implement computer and information technology (I.T.) systems within an organization. They act as a liaison between a company’s top management and I.T. specialists. They are responsible for the secure and effective operation of all computer systems, software applications, and other hardware/software components that are used by a company.
Information Systems Managers supervise and manage the work of other I.T. professionals, including Computer Engineers, Systems Analysts, Data Security Specialists, Tech Support Specialists, and so on.
The career prospects of Information Systems Managers are highly promising since most companies hire them to improve workplace productivity and business operations. Apart from strong organizational and managerial skills, Information Systems Managers must also possess soft skills like leadership, communication, project management, time management, and customer service skills.
Conclusion
1: Which of the following data structures allows elements to be added and removed in a Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) order?
So, these are the top 12 career options after Computer Engineering that you can consider! All of these career paths have a high industry demand, and hence, come with decent to very high yearly compensation.
