I want to become a computer engineer but I have no programming experience can I make it?

Question

Helo, I am at a community college and am getting ready to transfer into an engineering major at a four year college. THe problem is choosing, I have a 3.5 Gpa and so I can choose from any engineering major. lately I have seen that there is growing need for computer engineers and so I would like to become one. the problem is can I make it without prior computer programming experience? against kids who have been working with computers all their life?My other option is industrial engineering but I dont think that there are enough opportunities as in computer engineering. please let me know what you think

Answer 1

The computer engineering degree I'm familiar with deals with the physical design of the hardware not the programming aspect, software.

However, I believe ABET accredited colleges require that engineers take at least 1 computer programming class. In the long run I believe it will help so I wouldn't shy away from taking a computer programming class or two.

In regards to IE's, the one's I know deal with manufacturing processes. Some deal with the actual tooling required to make a part, others deal with the planning, requirements and steps to make a part - Systems engineering. Depending upon the field, IE's in short supply.

In the US, with outsourcing of engineering work, I believe someone with a system's engineering background would be helpful. Although systems engineering has a specific meaning for a specific discipline. I'm referring to an engineer that looks at the whole picture of a project - what the customer wants (defines requirements), what your company will deliever (the finished product), produces the requiments document (a well defined document of what needs to be done in order to meet - the customers needs, your companies needs, government regs... etc). These types of systems engineers are very detailed oriented, process driven and paper generators. If you're looking for an engineering job where you can touch or have a direct hand in designing, the systems engineering may not be your gig.

Just a few things to consider.

Answer 2

You might have a harder time than some others, but you can still do computer engineering if you want. The first few programming classes you will take will be an "intro" into programming. Of course you will have an easier time if you have programmed before, but you can still do them without having done so.

Another option would be to just do electrical engineering (computer engineering is really a subset of electrical engineering... at Georgia Tech electrical/computer engineers probably took 75% of the same classes). In it, you still will do some programming (most engineering schools still require electrical engineers to take those first few "intro" programming classes). In most cases, an electrical engineer is qualified for computer engineering positions while still be qualified for other positions that would be harder for a pure computer engineer to qualify for.

The main thing is to do what ever branch of engineering interest you the most. You are correct about there being more jobs open for computer (or electrical) than industrial though.

If you do decide to do CompE, download a free C compiler off the web and start learning to program a little.

www.bloodshed.net/devcpp.html is a really good, free compiler

Answer 3

I work in the semiconductor field and you have different levels of engineers. We have the design engineers, support engineers, application engineers etc. The design engineers use simulation programs and programs that do the math for them i.e matlab, maple etc. Support and application engineers are more of a mix between programing and understanding the methods to characterize the products. If your testing isn't automated then you won't make it in this business. The point of this is the support side is a mix of programming and understanding test methodology. The design side is using simulation programs to do most of the design work then you make a product and see how good your simulation was. Depending on how the department is staffed the design engineer may not do hardly any characterization of the part or may do almost all of it. Either route you pick in my field you need a good knowledge of computers and it expected the engineers know how to program. It won't hurt you to have some programing under your belt and you can try to intern with a company to see more of how things are structured and pin down what you want to do.

Answer 4

You still can go for it. But you got to keep in mind their's some kids that been working in computers all their life, and they can probably learn a new computer language faster then you can. But the con is this that your perusing a degree in computer engineering.

And yes, sooner or later you'll need to know some computer language's (C++, Java etc.) Cause mainly theres two diffrent type of computer engineer's. Hardware and Software.

Hardware builts the little components you see in the computer and programs them so they can "react" with each other so you can have a successful computer.

Software actually sits in an office typing at a keyboard. But without them you wouldn't have your MS Word, Paint etc. The programs that operates windows.

In conclusion, you should go for your computer engineering and while your not at school i reccomend that you learn the basics of computer languages, so you can actually have an overview of what your going to be studying.

Answer 5

If you have the aptitude then you can become an accomplished and successful software engineer even if you aren't one of those people who grew up living and breathing computers.

I made a very successful career change in my 30's with no prior experience. It's all about whether you have the aptitude. 99% of the software companies out there are NOT looking exclusively for the "computer geek" kids.

Ideally, you should take a beginner's programming class (I'd suggest C++) to see if you have the aptitude and see if you like it. It shoud grab hold of you and make you obsessed for hours and days until you get it right, then you should want to start looking for ways to make it smarter and better just because it's a rush to figure out how and see it work. If you don't end up feeling that way, it's probably not the right career for you to pursue.

Answer 6

Yes. You can make it. Computer Engineering deals only with the hardwares. You're going to learn electronics, semiconductor devices, electrical circuits, signal processing, etc. It is the Computer Science or Software Engineering degree programs which deal with computer programming. However, most schools today include some introductory computer programming courses in Computer Engineering curriculum. But don't worry, computer programming is easy to understand. Experience is not required. If you're still afraid, try buying any introductory computer programming books, install some softwares in your PC and try it on your own.

Answer 7

If you have no experience then you better get some. Do the transfer and get the degree. As far as not having a lot of experience it can be made up for with a lot of fight in you to get good at this and do it fast.

Answer 8

you mean that graduate of electrical engg have their experienced? everything start at zero zone. thats life . start now . nobody become expert without starting things