My name is Amir Magar, and I am currently enrolled in Computer Engineering Technology at New York City College of Technology. This field of study incorporates both my interest in the electrical, and programming aspect of engineering. This versatile major makes this engineering field not only broad and sophisticated, but also makes job opportunities limitless. My decision to join Computer Engineering has always been my first option in this engineering department, and I am privileged to be in this major. This is a perfect major for me because, jobs in technology are understood to grow rapidly in the future and the passion I have for this industry is second to none. In addition to that, working with computers for a very long time, I understand how technology advances can have a huge impact in our society. Through various internet researches and, peer-reviewed articles guided from my school resource, I will explain how my commitment to this major is worth every second in the long run.
In this major, I expect that the department will prepare me to utilize my knowledge, and the skills that I will acquire, and be able to perform in the professional world. As an Computer Engineer, I am required to know hardware and software. This school gives exactly that, and furthermore, it gives students an opportunity to provide hands-on classes. Few of the classes that I am really interested are, Electronics, Electrical Networks, and Applied Analysis Lab (NYCCT Catalog 224-225). These classes involves circuits, software, and mathematics. Without these background, it is impossible to work as a Computer Engineer. When I graduate with an Bachelor of technology degree, companies such as, Apple, Microsoft, IBM, or JetBlue, are just the few employers that expects their potential employees with this degree (NYCCT Catalog 218). However, it is important to gain experience before graduating, to do this, I have to apply for internship which this schools is known for its internship opportunity.
Technology is one of the few reasons why this major has grabbed my interest. The reason because, technology live to exists everywhere. It is a universal scientific knowledge that is bound to expand, and grow exponentially in the coming years. Businesses have started using computers as their main gate to sell, and advertise their goods and services. According to Lauren Csorny, businesses that uses computers has had a positive effect as “employment in the industry rose quickly, as many businesses began to invest in computer systems.”(Csorny par 6). Even though the employment has rose significantly, statistics has shown that employment in technologies has a fair amount of decline just like any industry. However, the decline in employment is due to the fact that “for certain positions, thousands – even tens of thousands – of positions remain unfilled, largely because they are so new and lack qualified candidates”(DISYS par 3). Technology is fairly a new industry when it comes to modern business collaboration. Both depends on one another in terms of supplying and demanding. It is only matter of time when in result, as technologies advances, business benefits at the same time, or vice-versa
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It is inevitable that technology continues to improve even though we may think it has reached its limit. Take an example, in the late twentieth century when calculator was first invented, people in the past, thought this was a huge technology break through (Ball & Flamm Par 1). It provided a way to calculate without manually calculating, and which, allowed nations to safely land on the moon, or send a satellite. Calculator was then further improved so much so that, everyone has a calculator application in their phone. It did not take that long for calculator to be portable, but the process that it took based on an underlying procedure showcase that the inventions is limitless. The idea from this example shows that not only did calculator triumph the science, but it also revolutionized how technology can have a big impact in our society.
The society is dependent on technology as time goes on, and this is supported through my “calculator theory”. Even though calculator may not appeal to many people, it is an necessary advancement. It is important because, a future society will always look for more efficient form of productivity. According to Tim Wu, who wrote an article “As Technology Gets Better, Will Society Get Worse?”, states that, ” Technological evolution has a different motive force. It is self-evolution, and it is therefore driven by what we want as opposed to what is adaptive.”(Wu Par 12). In short, humans want to improve things that makes our life better, and that technology is never about “getting used to”. If the technology is not up to the standard, it needs to be improved or it will be improved. From the following quote by Kevin Kelly in his book “What Technology Wants”, it illustrate the main idea of his book, it states ” Technology wants what life wants: Increasing efficiency; Increasing opportunity; Increasing emergence; Increasing complexity; Increasing diversity; Increasing specialization; Increasing ubiquity; Increasing freedom; Increasing mutualism; Increasing beauty; Increasing sentience; Increasing structure; Increasing evolvability “(Wu Par 4). It will always improve, not because it is compulsory, but because it is our interest that drive us to have a better life. Definitely, even the smallest changes in an idea can lead to bigger things.
As an engineer it is naive to only look at the possibility of innovating, and not at the business aspect. As mentioned, both business and engineering works together in this modern society. However, to become successful computer engineer, the main thing that a person must have is, mental strength. It is a characteristic trait that will only happen through personal life. As Elvis Michael mentions in an article “What qualifications do I need to become a computer engineer?”, he describes many aspect of engineering qualities to become a computer engineer. However, he points out the most important quality in this article, he states, “Along with the appropriate education, qualifications for a computer engineer include analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as an aptitude for mathematics.”(Michael Par 3). Thinking critically is in my opinion the best attribute that I have. I like to visualize problems through various ways. Understanding both the correct and the wrong, is the way how it should be in the engineering field. Especially in computers, and as technology involves, thinking critically is the best attribute to offer in this engineering field.
City Tech is fundamental in my journey to have a successful career. It provides necessary skills that allow me to become versatile in computers, electrical, and mechanical. The benefit of this major consist of multiple engineering fields combined into one major. According to the catalog from the computer engineering technology it states, “It is multidisciplinary in nature in that students are taught the fundamentals of electrical and mechanical technology, computer hardware, software, data communications and networking.”(NYCCT Catalog 218). Accredited by the ABET, or also known as Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, the employers understand that, “with ABET accreditation, students, and the society we serve can be confident that a program meets the quality standards that produce students prepared to enter a global workforce.”(ABET). Just recently, the school announced that students in city tech that are to graduate from Computer Engineering Technology are eligible to take the professional engineering exam. Not only does that build up our resume, but as an engineer, the responsibilities that I will uphold in my future job will hopefully make a significant effect to the community. City tech provides numerous opportunities for students to be well prepared before graduating.
This is a course that requires extensive effort from students. If an individual is bound to make bad choices all the time, I fear this may not be the right major for him or her. Students must be open-minded, and disciplined in time management. The work that will be given out in this course gives you an ability to work under pressure, thus allow you to gain real life experience. Last of all, you need to be versatile. In other words, being able to adapt new things quickly. Especially in this industry, technology grows rapidly, and engineers’ responsibility is to keep in date with all things. However, my personal advise would be is to do what you are told to do and, always ask question. It will take time to settle with the amount of work that will be given, but at the end of the day, the amount of effort you have put in will benefit you in the long run. Always strive for best, and be hungry for success.
Works cited:
ABET. “Setting the Standard Worldwide.” ABET Accreditation Comments. Web. 25 April 2015
Ball, Guy, and Bruce Flamm. “History of Electronic Calculators.” History of Electronic Calculators. Vintage Calculators Web Museum. Web. 18 April 2015.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014- 15 Edition, “Computer Hardware Engineers“. Web. 12 April 2015.
Csorny, Lauren. “Careers in the growing field of information technology services”. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, “Beyond the Numbers“. April 2013 | Vol. 2 / No. 9. Web. 12 April 2015.
Digital Intelligence System. “High-Tech Sector Job Growth Continues to Outpace Overall Employment”. “DISYS IT Staffing and Services.” 20 Jan.2013. Web. 15 April 2015
Michael, Elvis. “What Qualifications Do I need to Become a Computer Engineer?”. Computer Software Job. Demand Media. Web. 25 April 2015.
New York City College of Technology (City Tech). “Computer Engineering Technology.” New York City College of Technology College Catalog 2014-15.Web. 11 April 2015.
Wu, Time. “As Technology Gets Better, Will Society Get Worse?.” “The New Yorker“. 6 Feb 2014. Web. 17 April 2015
