InterviewQ&A

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The following is an interview with a Computer Software Engineer and was copied from CareerCruising.com (Actual Source)


 * **1)** || **Tell me about your job. Is what you do different in any way from what others in your occupation do? **

I work for a large engineering consultancy firm. The company manages an internal network of all the high-level technical staff in each of the engineering disciplines (such as civil, electrical, and environmental). I work in collaboration with my colleagues to develop database and project management tools to ensure that knowledge can be shared between all corporate offices around the world, and that the work we do is as efficient and reliable as possible.

An example of a tool I recently developed is a database of all technical staff. This skills matrix houses 800 employees’ aptitudes in certain technical skills, providing a database for knowledge sharing about various projects. Employees are able to update the areas in which they have skills—such as CAD design or bridge work, or mining for certain minerals—and what aptitude their skill set is at. When my employer submits proposals for projects, the database is used to determine the best people to use for a specific project, based on their skills and their experience.

My job differs from other computer engineering jobs in that all the work I do is internal. I don't work with outside clients. Rather, my work helps the company operate more effectively and efficiently.

My area of specialty is database control and project management. Other computer software engineers may work in telecommunications, finance, aerospace, or even in specialty areas such as the development of drinks machines. Computer software engineers can be involved in the design and development of almost anything. ||
 * **2)** || **Can you tell me about your background and how you got into this field?**
 * **2)** || **Can you tell me about your background and how you got into this field?**

I am originally from Australia, but I moved to North America when I was a teenager. In high school I was involved in a challenging advanced placement program. I did well in both math and science, but one of my favorite classes was multimedia.

During high school, I spent a summer volunteering at a visual effects studio and although I liked the creative aspect of computers and learned about different 3D programs, I was more intrigued by what went on behind the scenes. How did a computer work? How did it know how to do what you tell it to? How can we make them better and faster? Computers have revolutionized the way the world operates, and I had a desire to understand the details of how they work.

I studied computer engineering at college. Although the core course load was challenging, I think it’s very important to have a diversified degree, so I took a minor in arts.

I was attracted to my field because the opportunities that are available when you graduate from computer engineering are unlimited! I was interested in understanding project management and organizational behavior. But there are so many types of jobs that a computer software engineer can do. ||
 * **3)** || **What personal characteristics are required for someone to be successful in your job? **
 * <span style="color: #336633; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**3)** || **<span style="color: #336633; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What personal characteristics are required for someone to be successful in your job? **

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You must be able to analyze a situation from all angles and use problem solving ability to develop an innovative solution. Analytical skills also come into play when you look past the basic requirements of a program or design, and dig deeper to understand how the program will be used in daily life. You must be able to predict changes in usage and user error.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Creativity is important. It’s critical to think of the end user, and to have fun with your projects. Imagine how much fun computer software engineers have designing the latest console gaming systems! ||
 * <span style="color: #336633; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**4)** || <span style="color: #336633; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**How much job security is there for people in your field?**
 * <span style="color: #336633; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**4)** || <span style="color: #336633; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**How much job security is there for people in your field?**

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If a person becomes an expert in a certain field, like telecommunications for example, then they can count on having their job until retirement, provided they continue to learn about new technologies (and potentially develop some of those new technologies).

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jobs in computer software engineering have a lot riding on innovation and the ability of people to come up with new and creative uses and solutions for current technology.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Every industry in the world relies on computers in some way, shape, or form, and there is a constant need for improvement and development. There will never be a lack of jobs for computer software engineers. ||
 * <span style="color: #336633; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**5)** || **<span style="color: #336633; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What other jobs could you do with the skills you have gained in this field? **
 * <span style="color: #336633; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**5)** || **<span style="color: #336633; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What other jobs could you do with the skills you have gained in this field? **

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The skills acquired in software engineering can be applied to any number of industries because every area has some sort of automation and control needed. If you become bored with the industry in which you work, you could move into another sector. Jobs in telecommunications, automotives, or aerospace are only a few examples of the many options to choose from.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Research and development, and academic positions are other avenues you could pursue. ||
 * <span style="color: #336633; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**6)** || <span style="color: #336633; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**What do you think the future holds for people in your occupation?**
 * <span style="color: #336633; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**6)** || <span style="color: #336633; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**What do you think the future holds for people in your occupation?**

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Changes happen all the time in computer software engineering, and these changes happen quickly. There is a lot of investment in research and development both in colleges and companies around the world, so it’s important to stay up to date with new computer technologies that are released.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Computer software engineering products continue to become smaller and faster. Cool new toys like the latest video game console system or cell phone are only a small sample of the new and exciting things going on in this industry. ||
 * <span style="color: #336633; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**7)** || **<span style="color: #336633; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What are the biggest challenges in your job? **
 * <span style="color: #336633; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**7)** || **<span style="color: #336633; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What are the biggest challenges in your job? **

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One of the most challenging parts of my job is the fast paced life of the corporate world. It’s very important to be punctual with your projects because every minute you’re late can cost your employer. Adherence to deadlines is crucial. ||
 * <span style="color: #336633; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**8)** || <span style="color: #336633; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Are there many opportunities in your field? What should people do to get started?**
 * <span style="color: #336633; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**8)** || <span style="color: #336633; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Are there many opportunities in your field? What should people do to get started?**

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Entering the faculty of engineering is like opening a thousand doors to contacts in the industry throughout the globe. In college, you will find there is a great deal of support from professors and administration to ensure that graduates have the best opportunities.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you are interested in this type of career, it’s important to prepare yourself in high school by obtaining A’s in math and at least two sciences. However, it’s also advantageous to do well in humanities, as working with people is just as important as working with computers. Computer software engineers must be able to communicate ideas in oral and written form. ||