Thread: education

I'm in the UK, and learnt programming in college in the late 80's using BBC Basic and Pascal on a 086/286. Since then I went into sales and first line end user support and by today, work as an account manager selling hardware solutions to public sector bodies - but I miss the fun programming offered me.

The question is, I have recently applied to enrole on a HNC Computer Software Engineering course with the grand idea of learning how to program properly in C++ and get paid for it. (Im getting to the question!) .. so, is it a sensible thing to aim for?

I notice that most programmers tend to be quite young and become consultants and analysts by their 30's so would I be better aiming to go in this direction?

A big interest of mine is embeded technology - even though I don't currently have the programming skills to offer any employer - I also have a big interest in Linux - something I can do something with!

Could I have some feedback on what you think?

im guessing its engeneering technology and not actually engennering...

I'm not from the USA, so I don't know about job there and also your education system is different from ours.

Requirements for a starting embedded engineer are different for different companies. Both they all require education on HTS or TU level. HTS = higher technical school and TU is technical university. The TU is a level higher than HTS. Our TU is the same as what in other countries is also called technical university.

Usually the directions computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering are fine to go into embedded. A study should have covered software development and hardware development.

Some basic requirements for starting embedded engineers:

Programming languages: C, C++ and Java would be nice, but it is not necessary.

Modelling language: UML is used most.

Used design/analysis methods: That differs very much, some are OMT, OOMD, OOSE and Booch.

And you need to have some basic knowledge of digital systems, which is computer architecture, the working of chips, digital electronics, and datacommunication, things like protocols (I2C, RS232 etc.). But that also differs very much. Some companies in embedded require only basic knowledge of electronics.

Perhaps you could take a look at what subjects they have on computer science and electrical engineering studies to get an impression of what current students learn. I think a company expects from you the same requirements as students who just left school.