Computer Hardware Engineers

            A computer hardware engineer must consistently use both science and math in their job. The primary focus in this career is to create computers and computer-related parts that are ready to be sold. Technology is increasing at a steady rate because of people such as computer hardware engineers; they are the ones who are constantly working to improve our computers and technology. Without the work of computer hardware engineers, many businesses and government agencies would not be able to function as efficiently as they currently do, as computers play a big role in Canadians’ lives. Their job involves a lot of physics and study about electricity and its components. Their work has helped get this journal to you, whether it is a digital or paper version.

            To become a computer hardware engineer, a 4 year bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a similar study such as electrical engineering is required.  For advanced positions, a master’s degree may be required, or in some cases such as that of an engineering professor, a PhD is required. A master’s degree takes 1-2 years in addition to a bachelor’s degree and a PhD is another 4 years. Currently, I plan on studying electrical engineering. With a degree in electrical engineering I can get a job as a computer hardware engineer as electrical engineering is quite similar. Many of the same things are taught in both, electrical and computer hardware engineering. Many universities throughout the GTA and Canada offer these programs; however the best universities to study computer hardware engineering include McMaster University and U of T.  In the first year of university you will be amongst other engineering students ranging from chemical to mechanical engineering as they all need the same engineering foundation, after the first year, you will go into the branch of your choosing. A computer engineer should have a liking in technology as they will have to learn about the latest technology constantly.

            Personally, I would like a job which pays fairly well and a computer hardware engineer typically gets paid at least $40,000 annually at an entry-level job. I would appreciate earning that much at an entry-level job as it would greatly assist me in paying off any remaining school bills. Your wages gradually increase and by the time you have 5-10 years of experience on your resume, you could be making $80,000 annually. Senior or supervisory positions can earn well over $100,000 a year but it does not come easily. My two favourite subjects are math and science which have been my favourite for quite a while and which I excel in. I've also had an interest in electrical components for many years, I used to make simple circuits involving LEDs and motors as the loads. All of this makes this career a good choice for myself.

            One of the main benefits I would gain from this career is that I would always be up to date with the latest technology; it would definitely improve my scientific literacy, particularly in the computer and electrical sectors. The variety of possible employers and workplaces entices me, I could be working for the federal government in a development firm or in a research lab. Almost all computer hardware engineers work in urban metropolitan areas which I definitely prefer over rural areas as it is where I have lived all my life. Another fairly good point of becoming a computer hardware engineer is that as long as we continue to use computers, there will be jobs in this sector. With the rate that technology is increasing at, the job availability for this career can only go one way, which is up.

Sources Used

Career Cruising-Computer Hardware Engineer-

https://www2.careercruising.com/careers/profile-at-a-glance/641

What Computer Hardware Engineers Do-

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/computer-hardware-engineers.htm