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what are some steps i should take to become an computer hardware engineer

#stem #technology #computer-hardware #computer-science i want to major in computer science because my mom has her masters in that field and i really enjoy working with technology.

technology computer-science stem computer-hardware
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Monica’s Answer

that is great news! well, depending on what stage you are in you career right now, middle/high/college, there's actually some cool and fun and free things you can do. the Miami dade library system has a amazing STEM projects and events that as a preteen you can enjoy and participate in for free. they have a program called Zaniacs in south Miami, that you can volunteer at, its a STEM camp for little kids, and you could help to teach kids about robotics and programming. in high school, you can still participate in the library's program, or also join the robotics club at school. mostly you want to have fun doing things that revolve around the classes that you should be taking: physics, maths, science. in college, if you decide to major in computer engineering with a focus on hardware, then i would suggest something similar to what my friends and i did. we all got jobs at the IT department in the university. we all learned so much about hardware and the network, and it was great to have mentors at work that could help provide guidance and advice during the studying.
Thank you comment icon Hi, Monica! I'm really interested in computer hardware also, and I had a few follow-up questions if you'd be willing to expand on your knowledge! 1.) Can you give a brief summary of the basic steps required to become a computer hardware engineer, for example, how to get into a college program, what degree is needed, what employers may be looking for, etc.? 2.) Do you know of any programs similar to the ones you mentioned that are in the New Orleans area where Damon is living - or even remote opportunities online that either me or him could do/apply for? Thank you so much! Alexandra, Admin
Thank you comment icon so would u say that public libraries have opportunities in that field?? damon
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Phil’s Answer

Hello Damon. You didn't tell us what school grade and skill level you're at? Also, you mention Hardware engineer in your question title but say "Computer Science" in the body of your question, which is a little confusing since there are many, many aspects to "Computer Science", one of which is "Hardware". For now, I'll assume that you're at a lower grade level and did, in fact, mean Hardware engineering.


First, there is no discipline in "Computer Science", including Hardware, that doesn't require programming of some type so start with programming. If you haven't programmed a computer before, start by using a common spreadsheet app - successfully creating a spreadsheet uses all the same fundamental principals as actual programming with far less frustrations than learning a programming language. Once you're able to create a few spreadsheets, learn the "C" programming language. This will give you a good foundation for more advanced programming languages and for the common hardware description languages such as Verilog - if you want to go into Hardware, you'll almost certainly be using a hardware description language at some point. There are many free "C" development environments out there for programming a Windows computer.


Next, to be a hardware engineer you'll need to know digital electronics, and quite possibly analog electronics, so get some basic electronics training - circuits (voltage, current, resistors, capacitors, inductors), semiconductors (transistors & diodes), integrated circuits (for digital - logic gates, registers, flop-flops, etc., and for analog - Op-amps).


Then, generally, you'll need to have good reading, writing and math skills, and learning some physics would be helpful.


And, finally, if you're in Middle or High school there are a few organized science and technology programs that you can join in your school, if your school participates. Most notable of these is STEM and FIRST Robotics. Ask your teachers and/or counselors about these.


Feel free to post more questions.

Good Luck!
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伟’s Answer

With a growing, insatiable desire for technological advancements—both by businesses and consumers alike—the need for trained, skilled and qualified computer engineering professionals seems to know no bounds. Becoming a computer engineer requires an extensive college education that can take from four to seven years to complete. In the first two years of a bachelor’s degree program, students typically finish computer engineering prerequisites and general education courses. The last two years focus on foundational classes in computer science, electrical engineering and mathematics. Students typically study software, hardware, networking and security. Many employers prefer engineers with advanced degrees, which means two more years of master’s degree work to qualify for those jobs. Finally, if professional goals include applied research or a career in academia, a PhD in computer engineering may be the answer.
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