Computer EngineeringChoosing a career is very important in a person's life. Over the past two decades, many professions have changed significantly with the influx of technological developments. You have to think about the things that interest them and the kind of lifestyle they want to have. Some things a person should think about are what qualifications are needed, what type of training is needed and the future needs of the career they choose. Some other things to consider would be how much money they will earn, what the likelihood of advancement is, and does the career satisfy their need for an enjoyable life. One career in the technology sector is that of a software engineer. A software engineer is a person who designs computer hardware or software. Software engineers conduct research to determine what people want and need to make their lives easier. Software engineers sometimes work in groups to think of new ideas and concepts. Engineers generally should enjoy technical, problem-solving, and mathematical activities. An engineer should probably like working with numbers and thinking logically. A career as a software engineer requires the most education of any computer science career. Some school subjects that are useful for preparing a person who wants to become a computer engineer are algebra, geometry, calculus, trigonometry, computer science and English. Software engineers must be able to think logically, communicate ideas clearly, and work well in a team environment. To become a software engineer, a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering or physics is required. Software engineers spend a lot of time typing. A software engineer should also expect to work long hours and enjoy working with new ideas and concepts. Becoming a proficient typist would be something to consider when a person is interested in becoming a computer engineer. In 1947, Howard Aiken, an engineer, predicted that six computers would meet the computing needs of the United States. By the year 1955, 244 computer systems were in use, and by 1984, U.S. businesses and individuals purchased over two million personal computers. In 1994, over 47 million personal computers were shipped worldwide. The use of personal computers has increased rapidly over the last half century and so the need for new hardware and software will maintain the need for computer engineers to continue producing new products. The first position for a person who becomes a software engineer is a junior software engineer.