Expert: Todd Johnson - 11/3/2007

Question
Hi ,
Fist of all , I 'd like to say thank you to you !
I am applying to college (US) , but there are some things I wonder,
By your experience , do you think after Computer engineering study I could get a good job , what particular kinds of company I likely to work ? How about the salary , aprroximate ...? I uncle told me not to choose Computer engineering because the salary is very low , even in comparison to Software engineering .Still ,I dont belived that. My dream is getting a job in Intel ,Cisco , big brand name in hardware engineering .Could it come true ? What courses should I take besides colleges ?....
Waitng for your replying !
sincerely,
Gibran

Answer
Gibran,

Thanks for writing. Most computer engineering programs that I am familiar with include both hardware and software although some have more emphasis on one or the other. I would generally be more concerned on what will make you happy than what a job might pay. Computer engineering is one of those fields that has seen a fair amount of outsourcing meaning that the jobs have been sent to engineers in countries other than the US because the pay is typically less in many other countries. If you are in one of these countries then a background in this type of engineering could be very helpful.

Where you might get a job is not something I would worry about at this point. Although the companies you mention are indeed large and hire many engineers there are many other smaller companies where you might find your talents better used and the work more interesting. It is really difficult to say until you have the training and find out what jobs are available.

As far as other courses, I would consider a strong background in English language both verbal and written. Although people don't often consider it the ability to write technical manuals is also a great area to find employment. Also in most companies the ability to give presentations to others on your work is always an asset. Because English is becoming such a universal language having those skills in addition to the engineering skills would do you well.

Good luck.