Job opportunities as a computer engineer

Magemaster
Mon, 25 Jun 2012 17:29:42 +0000

I have been chosen at Purdue University, in the college of engineering. Now I wish to choose a computer engineering major but this decision has been influenced by a couple of factors. First of all, I am interested in computers in general and also, I loved the computer science class in high school, and enjoyed learning (and was good at) C++ programming language. Now, I hear that Purdue’s engineering program is regarded highly; according to Purdue’s official website its ranked 11th. So, I have decided to pursue computer engineering based on these 2 factors: my love for computers and the fact that engineering at Purdue is ranked high.

But I haven’t considered the job opportunities. Or what I I’d like my job description to be exactly. So that’s why I’d like to ask here about the kind of job opportunities that would be available if I pursue computer engineering. According to Purdue University’s description of the undergraduate program for computer engineering, it involves “Computer engineering encompasses all areas of research, development, design, and operation of computer systems and their components, including both hardware and software. In this area of study, you can pursue advanced coursework in: Computer Security, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Graphics, Networks, Operating Systems, and Compilers. As a computer engineer, you must have a strong background in mathematics and physics, a broad base in the humanities and social sciences, and excellent communication skills.”

So could I become a programmer at all with this course? I mean it doesn’t really mention any programming language. So what sort of companies or jobs could I get? If I do really well at uni, and if I were to work at Apple (let’s talk hypothetically, regardless of how many students from Purdue get jobs at Apple) what type of job would I be doing? Would I be a part of the team that develops iOS or be doing something else? Any way If you guys can fill me in about jobs (companies or what the job requires you to do e.g. programmer, analyst, etc.) if I pursue this major then that would be great.

Thank You for Your time.