6 answers
Zinic
Student
Colleyville, Texas
1
Question
Updated
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What skills should you consider when choosing a field?
I'm interested in computer engineering. I'm wondering about other helpful skills to have like communication, problem-solving, etc.
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6 answers
Bill Valles
Technical Solutions Architect
4
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Bill’s Answer
Computer engineering is a pretty great field to go into for a career choice. Of course, you need to have a pretty good foundational interest in things like math and science to be able to understand many of the concepts that go into that field in particular. Just the name of the profession tells you what to expect, right?: "Computer" and "Engineering". You've got to know about computers, how they work, what they do, and how they are used in many types of industries as well as for personal and private use. The engineering part comes from understanding how things are put together, how to make the computers and what goes into building them.
But aside from the obvious things like computers and building them, there is another aspect of this field that sometimes gets overlooked, so I will share it with you. It's learning how to communicate what you know to other people. In the computer engineering technical field, you will have an opportunity to work with many kinds of people who are sometimes very different from yourself and at different levels of understanding than you will be. To be successful, you will need to also know how to talk to people and work with people to learn from them and they from you.
Sometimes you will hear people say that the people skills are what are called "soft skills". They call them soft skills because they do not come with a paper degree or something you can hold in your hands. They are skills that you learn on how to be a good work associate wherever you go and learning those soft skills is just part of any success story for any career choice you might make.
Stay learning, stay motivated, and move forward. You are doing great!
But aside from the obvious things like computers and building them, there is another aspect of this field that sometimes gets overlooked, so I will share it with you. It's learning how to communicate what you know to other people. In the computer engineering technical field, you will have an opportunity to work with many kinds of people who are sometimes very different from yourself and at different levels of understanding than you will be. To be successful, you will need to also know how to talk to people and work with people to learn from them and they from you.
Sometimes you will hear people say that the people skills are what are called "soft skills". They call them soft skills because they do not come with a paper degree or something you can hold in your hands. They are skills that you learn on how to be a good work associate wherever you go and learning those soft skills is just part of any success story for any career choice you might make.
Stay learning, stay motivated, and move forward. You are doing great!
Devna Webster
1
Answer
Glenview, Illinois
Updated
Devna’s Answer
Hello Zinic, fantastic inquiry! In considering a career trajectory in software engineering, you're absolutely right that communication and problem-solving abilities are vital. I would also emphasize the importance of clear communication with colleagues, both in written form and presentations. These are skills that are absolutely crucial. Best of luck to you!
Nithiyaluxmy Kumarasamy
Business Architecture Analyst
1
Answer
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Nithiyaluxmy’s Answer
Selecting a field demands thoughtful consideration of numerous aspects. If you're contemplating computer engineering, here are some key skills to ponder. A solid grounding in technical abilities like programming languages (for instance: Python, SQL, C++ and so on) and software development computer architecture is essential. Proficiency in mathematics will help you comprehend algorithms and intricate mathematical models. The ability to continually learn and adapt to new technologies, staying abreast of industry trends, is crucial. These are just a handful of skills to consider. It's equally vital to align your personal interests, values, and career aspirations to guarantee a satisfying fit. Remember, your passion and dedication can turn any challenge into a rewarding opportunity!
Gaurav Verma, SPC,PMP,PSM,SA,2xCloud
Software Consulting
1
Answer
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Updated
Gaurav’s Answer
Hi Zinic -- Great question! A positive attitude and ability to network, embrace change and continually learn/adapt skills is probably one of the best advise which can help a professional succeed in their career (any field).
Candia Ndayizigiye
Business Analyst
1
Answer
Whitby, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Candia’s Answer
When you're picking a career path, it's a good idea to think about the different skills that might help you do well in a specific job. These skills can be grouped into four types: behavioral, cognitive, technical, and sector-based. Remember, though, that not all skills are equally important in every field. So, make sure to focus on improving the skills that are most needed in the career you're interested in.
Jerome Levy
81
Answers
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
"Soft skills" like problem-solving and effective communication are essential for success in _any_ field, and that's true of the engineering disciplines as well. There's a lot of people who will tell you that engineers are grizzled beasts with no people skills who are best relegated to the nearest cave (or computer lab) but that's far from the truth. You need to interface with management, your customers (whether internal or external), and your peers.
Writing skills are often overlooked by technical workers, but in fact they're crucial. Too many engineers and managers cannot express themselves on paper (including "electronic paper") and that becomes a career-limiting factor. Technical writing courses and even a literature class or two will serve you well in your career.
In terms of the technical stuff, Nithiyaluxmy’s answer is spot on. I'd also suggest at least one introductory hardware course (electronics and digital logic) because understanding the basics of how computers actually work can be quite valuable.
Good luck in your career!
Writing skills are often overlooked by technical workers, but in fact they're crucial. Too many engineers and managers cannot express themselves on paper (including "electronic paper") and that becomes a career-limiting factor. Technical writing courses and even a literature class or two will serve you well in your career.
In terms of the technical stuff, Nithiyaluxmy’s answer is spot on. I'd also suggest at least one introductory hardware course (electronics and digital logic) because understanding the basics of how computers actually work can be quite valuable.
Good luck in your career!