Unit4-01: Careers in Technology

Learning Outcome

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

  • D3.1 describe various careers related to computer technology and electronics that require postsecondary education (e.g., computer engineer, systems analyst, network analyst, information technology technician);

  • D3.2 describe entry requirements, including computer expertise, for careers related to computer technology (e.g., apprenticeships, university programs, college programs, industry certifications);

  • D3.3 identify groups and programs that are available to support students who are interested in pursuing non-traditional career choices in computer technology (e.g., mentoring programs, virtual networking/support groups, specialized postsecondary programs, relevant trade/industry associations);

Lesson

Overview

Today, computers are used in almost every aspect of our lives: in car engines, microwave ovens, video games, watches, telephones, desktop computers at home and at work, mainframe computers in the government and industry, and supercomputers such as the ones at NASA pushing out the frontiers of science and technology. The computer industry is one of the fastest growing segments of our economy and it promises to continue to grow well into this century.

Why Study Computer Engineering?

Currently in Ottawa, there are not enough computer engineers to meet the growing workplace demand. If you actually were qualified, you could get a job tomorrow. While enrolment in computer related courses at the secondary and post-secondary level continues to decline, demand for people with these skills continues to increase. There are three main reasons why there is a demand for computer scientists and computer engineers:

  1. To maintain a competitive edge, American and Canadian industry must continue to make creative scientific and engineering advances and produce high quality products.

  2. Entrance to computer engineering programs at university and college is minimal due to the perceived difficulty in graduating in the field or receiving a diploma.

  3. Computer engineers currently in the industry are not renewing, or are reluctant to renew, their skills on an ongoing basis.

Below is a list of Career Options in the area of Computer Engineering:

This list is not exhaustive but it provides a solid idea of what graduates have gone on to do and the potential careers a career in Computer Engineering can offer.

  • Author

  • AI designer/developer

  • Blogger

  • Business Systems Analyst

  • Client Support Representative

  • Computer Engineer

  • Computer Security Analyst

  • Database Developer

  • Entrepreneur

  • Hardware Systems Designer

  • Hardware Engineer

  • Industry Consultant

  • Information Technology Technician

  • Interface Designer

  • Inventory Control Manager

  • Journalist

  • Laboratory Technician

  • Logistics Specialist

  • National Security Consultant

  • Marketing Coordinator

  • Media Correspondent

  • Network Analyst

  • Network Security Specialist

  • Operations Manager

  • Patent/Computer Lawyer

  • Product Developer

  • Professor/Teacher

  • Project Manager

  • Researcher

  • Reporter

  • Robotics Specialist

  • Satellite Communications Specialist

  • Smart Phone Designer

  • Software Engineer

  • Software Security Engineer

  • Systems Analyst

  • Systems Designer

  • Technical Support Representative

  • Technical Writer

  • Telecommunications Engineer

  • Video Game Programmer

  • Web Designer

Daily Assignment

  • complete the Daily Assignment section in Hãpara Workspace for this day

    • if Hapara Workspace is NOT working, make a copy of this document

    • move it to your IMH-TEJ folder on Google drive