am jst gettin into computer engg... wat should i do to be one of the bst when i come out in 4 yrs ??

Question

i do know the basic knowledge in computers..
n langs like java,c,c++,.net,j2ee flash-- but only da basics.. How do i go about ??????????wat should i do besid.. jst coll

Answer 1

I think what you want to get into is software engineering, not computer engineering.

For starters, I'd seriously spend some time to clean up your grammer and spelling. Yeah, I know, you think 'wat' and other abbreviations are cool, but they won't fly in a professional environment. Computer engineers do a LOT of writing, and their writing needs to be clear and concise. If you try to write up a feature or a bug report with lots of question markes (????????) and arcane abbreviations they won't take you seriously. If you use things like "bst" because it's easier than typing "best," than definately spend some significant time improving your typing. Computer programmers type a lot.

Second, know the algorithms. Learn how things work, not just how to work them. Understand how various sorts and searches work in addition to how to use them. Learn how parameters are passed and return values are returned, not just how to tell the language to do them. (For example, if you pass an array as a value parameter in some languages it copies the array, in others it passes by reference. There can be a a huge performance difference there.) Knowing how things work will make you a better programmer.

Third, pay attention to two things 99% of all students will gloss over and ignore in school: commenting and structure. Commenting in college seems pointless at times, because you only work on your project for a month or so and then forget it, but remember that in the real world, you could be coming back to the project years later. You'll be glad you picked up the habit. Good structure and design principles feel like they're holding you back, especially if you're a talented programmer. Use them anyway. Again, you can knock out a college project without some of these design principles, but when the projects get bigger you'll be glad you picked up the habits.

Last, think modular. Let's say you're writing a function that does some string processing and you have a need to isolate a last word out of a string. It'd be easy just to write the code to do it in your function and that's what 99% of your classmates will do. But a better way to do it (and you want to be the best, right?) is to stuff that into a function. Call it ReturnLastWord() or something. It's a little bit of a hassle, but it's worth it. It'll make your code look cleaner, which is a very good thing, and it'll give you a tool you can use again a year or so down the road. Get in the habit of breaking your program into smaller and smaller chunks and you'll be writing cleaner and less buggy code than all your classmates. That's how you get to be the best.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Computer engineering is not just programming, it is also about electronics. I recommend start applying for interships before summer break and work the whole summer.

Many I know start planning out their future at 15-17 - at that age you really have not found yourself yet. Do some self realization, explore your life as an engineer and if it gives you fulfilment. Intership work will help you on how to apply the tools you have learned in school and know other sub-disciplines in computer engineering.

Get involved in student groups such as IEEE, groups that enter design competition or other professional societies. Network.

After graduation, you will have an edge compared to your peers.

Answer 3

Learning how to spell or use the english language might help.

Computer (or software) Engineering is not only about hacking away at a computer, you must know the economics, physics, electronics, business, and sales worlds.

Be well rounded, a well rounded engineer is extreamly valuable. A well rounded engineer's job doesn't get outsourced overseas.

Answer 4

Try improving your typing skill. That will save you a lot of time from compiling errors.

Answer 5

Study your subjects well... work hard... also do your extra curricular activities well, this is very important... Focus on communication skills etc... Good luck!