Popular Technology Degrees

Hardware or Software, That is the Question

March 15, 2007
by Martin A. David
Technology Schools Columnist

The world runs on computers, and a career in computer engineering is a ticket to an exciting and secure future. Of course, the world of computers has many different branches. Your degree program will give you an opportunity to choose from any number of sectors, from software design to hardware repair. When you graduate, you'll face a wide world of computer hardware, firmware, and software engineering jobs.

Hardware or Software?

Many students enter computer engineering school with a clear picture of what kind of career they would like, be it software or hardware. Other students just immerse themselves in the exciting world of technology and sample everything their school has to offer. They make their decisions as they go along.

Computer hardware engineering jobs focus on the design, development, and testing of computer circuit boards, chips, processors, printers, and so on. The hardware engineer may be part of a team inventing new equipment or improving the function of existing tools.

If you decide to turn your computer engineering career towards the software side of the industry, you'll find yourself working on applications, operating systems, and systems development. You'll help analyze the needs of a particular market and you'll work on creating, testing, and maintaining the programs that fill those needs.

Whichever direction you choose when you enter computer engineering school, your computer degree program can open the door to a lucrative career.

About the Author
Martin A. David is the manager of technical publications for a Silicon Valley firm. He is also a translator, specializing in Danish, French and Spanish literary works.