Alexander
What steps did you take to become an engineer?
What do I need to become a computer engineer because I need to choose and academic path because I was really interested in it and I just want to find a college to go to please get back to me asap thx 😀 #engineering
5 answers
Peter Sturtevant
Peter’s Answer
The first two responders give you some good college-related information. But assuming you are still in high school, you should take all the STEM classes that you can. Definitely take four years of math, optimally taking calculus your Senior Year. This will enhance your chances of getting into a good 4-year college.
Personally, I can recommend my Alma Mater, the University of Washington. Seattle is the Home of Microsoft and Founder Paul Allen has heavily contributed to this university's most excellent Computer Engineering Department .
Good luck, Pete Sturtevant, PE
Mark Montz
Mark’s Answer
Hi! The previous post has some good points, but if you want a Computer Engineering job, you may need a four year degree. Getting the basics at a good community college (and being cost conscious in the selection of a 4 year school) may be the path for you... but also look at the financial assistance you may be able to get from the colleges you are looking at. Remember that "loans aren't free".. but you may also be offered grants or scholarships that would help out.
One item to look at: See if the alumni of the program are getting jobs with companies you would like to work for as a computer engineer. If they do, then that might be a good program for you.
One other advantage of community college: you may change your mind on your degree! Happens a lot... and nothing wrong with that. Can be cheaper to switch majors.
If you do decide on a four year college, look at reputable programs, but you don't necessarily need "Ivy league". I am a graduate of (a couple) of state universities, and there are a LOT of jobs out there for people with those degrees. Stanford and MIT are great schools... just not the only ones out there!
Best of luck and enjoy exploring your opportunities!
Greg Parker
Greg’s Answer
All great comments from others. I got involved with projects in school such as the 4-H science program. I also looked for opportunities to shadow other engineers at our local utility. This helped me understand a little better that it was a little more than driving a train. Haha
Nicole Baillie
Nicole’s Answer
So my apologies because I clearly missed the mark on answering this question ASAP :). But I am still happy at least 5 steps that I took to become an engineer.
1) I understood before I started college, that engineering was a type of work where I could do well. This was primarily because I was good at math and enjoyed analyzing problems and how to find solutions (not necessarily technical problems but problems nonetheless...so what is the best way to finish this assignment...or get an A :))
2) I did the research on how to get into engineering programs. This included summer jobs/internships and identifying colleges/universities that had strong engineering programs.
3)I did the research on getting scholarships. This included my role with respect to my grades and identifying companies and private entities that distributed scholarships (from one time to four year).
4) I graduated from my engineering program :) Not easy but so very worth it
5) I interviewed with reputable firms and took on tasks that allowed me (and still allows me) to do work that exercises my engineering skill sets including programming.
Lots of words here but I hope they are helpful. Best of luck!
Kris Kenney
Kris’s Answer
I would say that through most of high school, I was a regular student with no particular or specific in what I would want to do as career. The last year, I took a programming class, liked it, and decided to try and take that further if I could. I knew I wanted to go to a 4-year university, so when I did, I decided to major in computer science. After college, I was able to get a job as a software engineer.
As a separate side note: I think many would consider / have considered the path of getting a 4-year CS degree then becoming a software engineer as kind of the standard progression for the field, but now that I've had the time to work with others and understand their backgrounds, I see many more individuals becoming engineers and getting experience through coding schools and developing through personal projects and work.