Topic

What can I do with a degree in Computer Engineering?

18 August 2023

Whether you want to be a Systems Developer or a Validation Tester, see what you can do with a degree in Computer Engineering from UC.

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Computers are at the heart of innumerable modern products, most of which would not be identified as computers. Computer engineers develop the electronics and software for such "embedded" computers. Computer Engineers combine strong technical and scienctific knowledge, creativity, and design skills to develop practical solutions to real world problems.

Computer Engineering combines knowledge of circuit theory and digital electronics with computer programming, systems and networking. This provides students with the knowledge and expertise to create the next era of reliable, smart electronic embedded devices.

With about half of New Zealand's ICT industry located in the Canterbury region, Christchurch is the ideal location for such skills, offering abundant opportunities for work experience and excellent employment opportunities for graduates.

Through their Computer Engineering degree graduates develop a valuable set of skills that are transferable to a range of careers. These skills include:

Creativity and innovation
Understanding of computer hardware
Designing programs, writing code and testing software
Applying engineering and scientific knowledge in real-world situations
Analytical, logical and quantitative thinking
Technological understanding
Problem solving.

Applied learning is an important part of your degree, through work placements, consulting projects and team projects. These experiences can deepen your skillset, awareness of others, working knowledge and employability.

Computer Engineering graduates are able to develop hardware and industrial software, so the range of industries in which computer engineers are found is extensive. There are plenty of exciting job opportunities locally, nationally and internationally.

Graduates are able to find employment in both public and private sectors, including:

Government
Telecommunications
Healthcare
Manufacturing
Transportation
Product development.

Many find employment with companies who create devices with embedded systems.
Recent UC graduates have found roles in :

IT companies eg, Tait Communications, Intergen
Internet giants eg, Google
Smart technologies and network connectivity companies eg, Allied Telesis Labs, Silver Peak

Systems, Aviat Networks, PMC Sierra

Banks eg, Kiwibank
App developers eg, Smudge Apps
Technology companies eg, ABB Ltd
Software companies eg, ARANZ Geo
Electronics manufacturers eg, Toyota Tsusho Electronics, Dynamic Controls Ltd
Energy companies eg, Cortexo
Medical innovators eg, ARANZ Medical, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
Tracking systems companies eg, Blackhawk Tracking Systems, Telogis.

Computer Engineering graduates are employed in a wide variety of jobs — see some examples below.

Note: Some of the jobs listed may require postgraduate study. See the ‘Further study’ section.

Computer systems engineer

Designs complex systems based on computers
Researches and develops hardware and software modules for products eg, healthcare products, telecommunications systems

Embedded systems engineer, firmware engineer

Creates and programs embedded software (firmware) in electronic devices
Assists in manufacturing and design
Works on debugging and testing firmware

Hardware engineer

Designs the physical components of computer systems
Researches and tests hardware components
Considers the costs of hardware to end users

Software engineer, graduate software engineer

Analyses customer needs, evaluates computer software and researches new technologies
Identifies solutions and develops software programs for new products
Manages software development projects

Systems developer

Works with both hardware and software systems to analyse and resolve system faults
Designs and writes diagnostic programs, operating systems and software
Troubleshoots inefficiencies, system security

Design engineer, junior design engineer

Uses software/technology to develop new ideas
Designs and tests prototype components
Liaises with suppliers, manufacturers
Oversees quality control

Software developer

Identifies requirements and writes programs
Tests programs and systems are working
Maintains and upgrades programs
May develop and integrate technical aspects of websites along with other workers eg, designers

Test analyst, validation tester

Designs and develops tests for computer software and systems to detect problems
Identifies defects and bugs, and suggests fixes
Records issues and tracks solution results

Mobile application developer

Researches the user market, and works with clients to meet their needs
Builds and tests mobile applications
Uses coding techniques and software

Telecommunications and network engineer

Designs and maintains telecommunications equipment and systems
Supervises the installation and use of equipment
Provides training to staff after installation

Entrepreneur and CEO

Develops an idea to form their own business
Gets involved in a start-up

Get started with Entrepreneurship here.

As they progress, students and graduates often join professional bodies or organisations relevant to their area of interest. These organisations can provide regular communications and offer the chance to network with others..

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
Association for Computing Machinery
Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand
Institute of IT Professionals NZ
New Zealand Information and Communication Technologies Group

Social media networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter can provide avenues to keep up-to-date with industry knowledge, networking opportunities, events and job vacancies.