Career Search

							                                                                   Chris Baldomero
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                                 Career Search



Career choice with duties, responsibilities and future outlook



      The basic computer engineer has the ability to manipulate various things.

Computer engineers are the people who basically create various computer

systems and software. They create computer programs and systems by actually

building the product, writing the specific code with language, designing the

interface, analyzing what needs to be done and correcting their problems for one

whole function. Computer engineers are usually specialized into what they do.

For example, one computer engineer may emphasize more on language, thus

focusing more on writing the program code. Computer engineers also work

together, allowing a group of engineers to develop something together than a

standalone. The creation of technology would advance, allowing consumers and

business people to work under various programs written by these engineers



      The future needs people to create new things and materials. Computer

engineers are responsible to create those things people need, such as new

programs and utilities to make life easier. With various skills and backgrounds,

the basic engineer must know a lot about computers and how to manipulate their

skills to create something. With this in mind, we may see that the computer

engineer is a highly respectable field in the future because engineers are the
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ones creating new programs and computers.



Monetary benefits of career



       The money is quite well since the starting yearly salary is averaged

around $50,000. The salary is based upon what the engineer knows and what

type of skills he/she is manipulating. If the engineer has more knowledge, the

more the engineer gets paid. The salary would also depend upon what company

the engineer works in. For example, an engineer working at a respectable firm

would get paid more than a small company trying to become noticed. The right

job and the right skills added together would equal a high pay salary with a

stabilized future. In the opposite context, an engineer would not be doomed, but

would be forced to settle for less.



Non-monetary benefits of career



       Because new programs and systems are being exposed everyday, the

engineer must find a way to learn these new systems. Learning these new

programs costs money because of textbooks and classes. If a company would

reimburse you if you decide to take classes for something, the engineer would be

able to get free education. Usually, education is not free sometimes, causing the

engineers to use their own money for the benefit in the long run. But with the

knowledge I would receive, nobody would be able to take that away from me. I
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would be able to use the education I have learned to do other things computer

related, such as writing programs, creating websites, or even doing some web

hosting. The skills that are available to learn now may come in handy whatever

you do, being either computer or socially related.



Skills & qualifications you possess now



       I enjoy working with computers and web designing. I am currently taking a

Cisco class, which is about networking, used to connect the Internet with people.

The education I receive from Cisco allows me to become versatile concerning

different fields. For example, if I work as a computer engineer for a firm and the

networking sector needs help, I could use what I learned in Cisco to help the

company, thus using what I know while being respected by knowing what other

engineers may not know.



       I also understand basic language for computers such as C+ as well as

action scripting in flash. If a company needs a web designer, I could probably

receive a raise if I tell them that I am capable of creating a website for the

company. With the programming skills may learn with this profession, I may

enhance my sites for more interactivity. Since I work with some companies right

now creating websites, those people whom I worked with could be used as a

reference if they believe in what I do.
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       I am also proficient in digital design and new media. Some programs I use

are consisted within Macromedia, Adobe, Microsoft as well as other 3D software.

I use all these programs to enhance websites that I create for others to see.

Microsoft Office is also something I have learned. Using various tools such as

word and excel are helpful at certain times. If I were to create a list of equipment

with prices and usage, I would be able to type that up in Microsoft Excel.

Knowing how to use programs is an asset in trying being a computer engineer.



Steps to be taken



       Education and knowledge is the key to success in this field. The people

who you know are also a good asset with finding a good job. First off, going to a

good college is the basic foundation. Finding which college is best in computer

engineering is one way to succeed in this profession. One college I am interested

in attending is Cal Poly SLO. Cal Poly SLO provides one of the best computer

engineering schools in the nation, along with UC Berkley. Once attended college

and graduated, the skills I have learned would then be focused on getting

certification within certain fields such as A+ for computer systems, C++ for

language and Microsoft Certification MCSE. Once those certifications are

compiled, I would be a versatile engineer, capable of doing various things instead

of just focusing on one specialized task. With the people I know, I may ask them

for a job or tell them to find a position I could work in. The knowledge and the

people are a strong resource to survive in this industry since there is a lot of
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competition today.



Sources of likely support (financial and emotional)



       Hopefully I would receive some support from my family and friends,

whether it is financially and emotionally. Because of this type of field, computer

engineering takes a lot of time and education. My family could support me in my

financial needs, as well as working myself to pay for college and books. I would

like to repay my family for sending me to school because they invested in my

future. My friends would hopefully support me in what I want to achieve as well.

Since my friends are knowledgeable of technology today, I may compare with

them what I have learned and use what I know to help them in the long run. With

everyone’s support, I may be able to achieve what I really want to be in the future



Sources of likely hindrance (financial and emotional)



       To achieve over various problems, I would like to focus in what I really

need to succeed. In some way, there will be financial problems that I may face in

the future. Keeping up with trends in the market as well as learning new

materials cost a lot, especially if I have no job. If I save money now and hold that

as an emergency fund, I could probably avoid that financial problem. Taking a

part-time job focused on my major would really help me as well. If I were able to

obtain a part-time job working with computers that stress my skills, I would be
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able to benefit financially and educationally. As for my emotional stress, I would

really like to have a close relationship with my family. My family is very important

to me, something that I just cannot forget. Because the profession requires a lot

of time, I may miss out on some special events. Overall, I would really try to go

out of my way for my family sometimes.



Personal reflection



       Becoming a computer engineer requires a lot of work, time, and patience.

Learning new material, as well as trying to stay ahead of the trends require a lot

of time because there are a lot of things coming out sporadically. Learning new

materials and trying to find a job at the same time requires patience, knowing that

there are a lot of people more qualified than others. With the workload, I

understand how I am restricted, but my love and passion for computers weigh

out my fears into coming into this field.