Anthony Tu
Mrs. Passfield
ICS4U
October 8, 2014
Computer Software Engineer
A computer software engineer is the person who creates and designs all of the software
that people use on the computer. Computer software engineers design software intended to fit
all of the user’s needs. In fact, the word processor that I’m using to create this document is
designed and created by a computer software engineer. However, being a computer software
engineer requires a lot of post-secondary education. With my current skills and abilities, I will
also evaluate whether this occupation is for me. In this essay, I’ll talk about the in depth
description of a computer software engineer, the post-secondary education requirement, and
whether or not I suit the characteristics of an ideal computer software engineer.
A computer software engineer writes computer applications and software fit to a
client’s specifications. They design, develop, and test the programs that tell a computer what to
do. When software engineers are faced with a new assignment, they first analyze the
requirements for the software or system they are creating. Once they have a design they
believe will work, engineers can make a test version of the software. To do this they often work
with other engineers and programmers. When the test version is complete, the engineers
spend a lot of time looking for and correcting flaws, or “debugging” the software. A bachelor’s
degree in computer software engineering, or a related subject like computer science, is usually
the minimum requirement for this career. Some computer science programs offer an optional
software engineering component in the course. New computer software programmers start out
earning between $35,000 and $60,000 a year. With experience, salaries typically increase to
somewhere between $60,000 and $150,000 a year. With the constant advancement of
technology in the current generation, computer software engineers likely to be a demanding
job in the future.
There are many universities that include computer software engineering courses. These
universities include McMaster University, Waterloo University, and York University. For
McMaster University, the length of time required to obtain a degree is around four years. It is
estimated that it also costs $10,233 for tuition, books, and any additional fees. Required
courses needed to take a computer software engineering program include grade 12 university
level English (ENG4U), grade 12 calculus and vectors (MCV4U), grade 12 university level
chemistry (SCH4U), grade 12 university level physics (SPH4U), and two additional university
level courses.
Computer software engineers apply their knowledge of computer science, engineering,
and mathematics to create and customize a wide range of different types of software.
Therefore, high grades in such courses are essential for a computer software engineer. A
computer software engineer must be logical and analytical, have computer skills,
communication skills, problem-solving skills, and be up to date with technological advances. I
believe that I do the skills required to become a successful computer software engineer if I
decide to be. For example if a problem arises, I think I have the analytical mind to solve that
problem or work my way around it. This would be a very useful characteristic to have as a
computer software engineer, because computer software engineers strive to solve problems
using the computer programs that they create. Therefore, if I work hard to become a computer
software engineer, I believe that I’ll ultimately reach my goal and eventually become an ideal
one.
After researching about the job description of a computer software engineer, the postsecondary requirement for it, and the characteristics of an ideal computer software engineer, I
have concluded that I have the necessary skills to become one if so I choose to be. Computer
software engineers design all sorts of cool things. . Whether it’s connecting to a surfing the
Internet, writing an essay, or playing a video game, it is made possible by a different piece of
computer software. I will take this into consideration when deciding my future for years to
come.