Landing a job after graduating with a bachelor of science degree in computer technology is the next step towards building a career as an industry professional. Yet always bear in mind that technology is evolving at a fast pace. As a computer engineer or computer scientist, you have to keep your computer tech knowledge and skills up to date, especially when working for an employer who prefers to be ahead of adopting new technologies.
Setting aside time and money to further develop your professional qualities and skills can increase your potential in becoming the next candidate for promotion. While some companies open up opportunities for employees to pursue tech courses they need to learn in line with future corporate plans, these are usually given to those who demonstrate strong professional and technological skills.
Besides, adding marketable knowledge and skills to your resume can increase your chances of being recruited by other companies that can offer higher pays and better benefits.
Fortunately, there are several options available in enhancing and expanding one’s tech skills; from bootcamps, to online courses, to master’s and doctorate programs.
Overview of Salary Growth in Computer Engineering Careers
Based on a report, a regular computer engineering professional generally starts at an annual average of $64,420. This could increase to an average median salary of $102,450 annually. Computer engineers receiving salaries ranked in the top 10 percent, have salaries averaging at $158,500 yearly.
Tech Bootcamps for Expanding Skills that will Allow Quick Transitions to New Jobs
When contemplating on looking for work in another company that offers higher salaries and greater opportunities for career advancement, it would be best to enroll in tech bootcamps that can help you transition into new roles as a computer engineer or computer scientist.
However, it’s important to choose the right bootcamp, to which the criteria depends on your experience, career goals and timeframe. Moreover, before enrolling in one, it’s important to consider the content focus, the cost and and your ability to commit, as some offer only in-person or hybrid sessions (online and in-person) as delivery format.
Generally, bootcamps do not extend accreditation, although some college boot camps do, the accreditations given apply to computer technology and science programs accredited by ABET or the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, and other similar organizations.
Expand with Advanced Certifications Offered by Computer Tech Vendors
Some vendors of software systems or hardware, offer advanced training that employers may demand as a requirement in designating employees to onboard in higher-paying special projects.
Pursuing and receiving vendor certifications are often regarded as benchmark skills, which employers often look for in employees or potential hirees. The most popular vendor suppliers that offer training, testing and certification include Cisco Network, Microsoft Systems Administration, VM Ware and Project Management.
While bootcamps and vendor course certifications can improve your entry-level computer engineering knowledge and skills, you’ll need to take on post graduate education programs to attain managerial and executive leadership positions. This is especially true in the field of computer hardware engineering, which typically calls for a master’s degree.
Now if you are looking to advance into a leadership role of heading university-sponsored advanced lab-based research. you have to be a computer engineer with a doctorate degree (PhD) equipped with extensive experience as Head of University Science Department, or as a Chief Technology Officer or Chief Computer Science and Research Officer of a tech or science firm.