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For a telecommunications career is computer engineering or software engineering more applicable?
I am a senior in high school looking at two college option. One has a computer engineering option and one with a software engineering option both are ABET accredited. Any tips or possible career routes are greatly appreciated. #Spring25
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4 answers
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Vimit’s Answer
Choosing between computer engineering and software engineering for a career in telecommunications really depends on where your interests lie.
Computer Engineering
If you're into the nitty-gritty of both hardware and software, computer engineering might be your thing. It's all about the blend of electrical engineering and computer science, which means you’ll be working on things like routers and switches, and understanding how they talk to each other. You’ll dive into networking, design embedded systems, and maybe even work on signal processing for better data transmission.
Job Roles: Think network engineer, telecommunications engineer, or even systems architect.
Software Engineering
On the flip side, if you love coding and creating awesome software, then software engineering is the way to go. Here, you’ll focus on developing applications that make telecommunications work, like VoIP systems or mobile apps. You'll get to flex your programming skills, work with cloud solutions, and even play around with data analytics.
Job Roles: You could be an application developer for telecom services, a network software developer, or a systems analyst.
In a Nutshell
Both fields are super relevant in the telecommunications world. If you’re more excited about hardware and how things fit together, go for computer engineering. But if coding and software solutions are your jam, then software engineering is the better choice.
And don’t forget, these days, a lot of companies are looking for folks who can handle a bit of both!
Computer Engineering
If you're into the nitty-gritty of both hardware and software, computer engineering might be your thing. It's all about the blend of electrical engineering and computer science, which means you’ll be working on things like routers and switches, and understanding how they talk to each other. You’ll dive into networking, design embedded systems, and maybe even work on signal processing for better data transmission.
Job Roles: Think network engineer, telecommunications engineer, or even systems architect.
Software Engineering
On the flip side, if you love coding and creating awesome software, then software engineering is the way to go. Here, you’ll focus on developing applications that make telecommunications work, like VoIP systems or mobile apps. You'll get to flex your programming skills, work with cloud solutions, and even play around with data analytics.
Job Roles: You could be an application developer for telecom services, a network software developer, or a systems analyst.
In a Nutshell
Both fields are super relevant in the telecommunications world. If you’re more excited about hardware and how things fit together, go for computer engineering. But if coding and software solutions are your jam, then software engineering is the better choice.
And don’t forget, these days, a lot of companies are looking for folks who can handle a bit of both!
Updated
BHARATESH’s Answer
Computer Engineering is more suitable. As it would build your base with the required skills which will ease in the Telecom field that you are looking ahead.
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
This very much depends on the role you want to fill. On my end of things I do systems support on the construction and engineering end of telecommunications. In my role software engineering has suited my support role. My end is virtual field support, I take the design as written by the field visit and smooth any rough edges and errors that show up in the system once the job is entered into our system. On my end I work exclusively within the software parameters. I understand what they are doing in the field and make sure it lines up on the virtual end as we build the job for billing, layout, material to be ordered, time allotted for placing the material, splicing the material, payroll involved. In my role software engineering was more useful. If you were looking for a boots on the ground role with site visits and planning you might find computer engineering more useful.
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Vimit has shared some great insights into computer and software engineering, showing how important they are in the telecommunications industry. Both fields offer exciting career paths, but computer engineering is particularly great for roles like network engineer, IP engineer, embedded systems engineer, network administrator, cybersecurity specialist, and IT manager. This is because it builds a strong base in hardware, networking, and system design.
On the flip side, software engineering opens doors to roles such as cloud engineer, systems developer, DevOps engineer, and network automation specialist. These jobs focus on creating, deploying, and maintaining scalable software systems, often in cloud settings.
As you start your career journey, here are some tips to boost your success: Before applying for your first job, think about getting certifications like CCNA for networking or AWS for cloud computing to boost your skills. Joining groups like IEEE or engineering clubs can help you meet others in the field. Also, working on personal projects, contributing to open-source projects on GitHub, and connecting with professionals on LinkedIn can increase your experience and visibility.
Make sure to tailor your resume and update your LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills and achievements. Don't forget to apply for internships or volunteer roles at telecom or tech companies for hands-on experience and networking. Keeping up with new technologies and industry trends will help you stay ahead and ready for the future in this dynamic field. You've got this!
On the flip side, software engineering opens doors to roles such as cloud engineer, systems developer, DevOps engineer, and network automation specialist. These jobs focus on creating, deploying, and maintaining scalable software systems, often in cloud settings.
As you start your career journey, here are some tips to boost your success: Before applying for your first job, think about getting certifications like CCNA for networking or AWS for cloud computing to boost your skills. Joining groups like IEEE or engineering clubs can help you meet others in the field. Also, working on personal projects, contributing to open-source projects on GitHub, and connecting with professionals on LinkedIn can increase your experience and visibility.
Make sure to tailor your resume and update your LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills and achievements. Don't forget to apply for internships or volunteer roles at telecom or tech companies for hands-on experience and networking. Keeping up with new technologies and industry trends will help you stay ahead and ready for the future in this dynamic field. You've got this!