Career Compass: Computer Engineering

Computer engineering encompasses the design, implementation,
and continued improvement of the computing systems, interfaces
and devices that improve our abilities to observe, learn, control and
interact with our world. Whether real-time embedded systems, high
performance computers, robotics, or consumer electronics, computer
engineering makes it work. Students may focus their studies in the following areas:

• Biomedical: Application of engineering techniques to medicine and life sciences.
• Computer Networks & Communications: Specification, analysis, design and optimization of architectures, algorithms and protocols of communications systems and networks.
• Embedded Systems: Analysis, design and implementation of algorithms, hardware and software.
• Software Engineering: Analysis, design and implementation of software systems.
• Mechatronics: Analysis, design and implementation of systems combining mechanical and computing components.
• Entrepreneurship: Business fundamentals for students with an interest in starting their own companies.

All B.Sc. programs in the Price Faculty of Engineering are accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB). B.Sc. Engineering graduates meet all educational requirements for registration as Professional Engineers (P.Eng.) in all Canadian jurisdictions.

Skills you will gain by studying COMPUTER ENGINEERING

• A demonstrated understanding of both scientific and engineering methods and be able to use these methods to rationally and effectively analyze complex problems affecting both individuals and society.
• The ability to generate conceptual and detailed designs for complex engineering problems, demonstrating the proper use of equipment and instrumentation in the solution, and to lead the development of new technologies and systems.
• To communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with colleagues, clients and the general population.

Year 1 - 37.5 credit hours

Course requirements: CHEM 1100, CHEM 1122, COMP 1012, ENG 1430, ENG 1440, ENG 1450, ENG 1460, MATH 1210, MATH 1510, MATH 1710, PHIL 1290*, PHYS 1050, plus written English requirement. 

*Recommended Complementary Studies elective

Students need 8 of the 13 (excluding CHEM 1122) courses to apply to engineering departments.

To do this year:

1. Consider meeting with an academic advisor in the Price Faculty of Engineering to help you plan your program. 
2. Apply online for entry into the Computer Engineering degree program by March 1st.
3. For academic support, visit the Math Help Centre or contact the Academic Learning Centre to register for a supplemental instruction session.

Year 2 - 73.5 credit hours

Course requirements: COMP 1020, COMP 2140, ECE 2160, ECE 2220, ECE 2262, ECE 3610, ECE 2400, ENG 2030 or ENG 2040, MATH 2130, MATH 2132, MATH 2136, PHYS 2152.

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements of your department, review program models. Credit hours will vary depending on course selection. Some courses may not be offered every year, talk with an advisor for more information.
2. Consider applying to the faculty’s Co-op/IIP program.
3. Consider specializing your education by focusing on Biomedical, Computer Networks and Communications, Embedded Systems, Software Engineering, Mechatronics or Entrepreneurship.
4. Consider an approved minor to add to your studies.

Year 3 - 120.5 credit hours

Course requirements:
ANTH 2430, one of either (COMP 3010, COMP 3430, ECE 3630 or ECE 4530), ECE 3700, ECE 3740, ECE 3760, ECE 3780, ECE 4240, ECE 4830 and either ECE 4150 or ECE 4260, ECE 3400, STAT 2220, plus one Natural Science elective course.

To do this year:

1. Credit hours will vary depending on course selection. Consider meeting with a department advisor to review your program.
2. Meet with your co-op advisor, if applicable.
3. Discuss your program with your professors and industry professionals for advice regarding the best choice of electives for your needs.

Year 4 - 152-157 credit hours

Course requirements:
ECE 4600, ENG 3000 plus one Complementary Studies elective, one Natural Science elective and five technical elective courses.

To do this year:

1. Meet with your co-op advisor, if applicable.
2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with your academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

Year 1 - 37.5 credit hours

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Research careers matching your skills and interests, attend events in the faculty to learn about engineering programs and career choices.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Explore your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

Year 2 - 73.5 credit hours

Make professional connections:

1. Apply to the Young Professionals Mentorship program with ACEC Manitoba.
2. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
3. Attend career fairs, such as ASE, to connect with employers.
4. Become a student affiliate with and consider volunteering with Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba.
5. Develop professional connections by attending networking events offered by the Faculty or UMES.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

Year 3 - 120.5 credit hours

Investigate your career options:

1. Identify gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships.
2. Reflect on your classroom learning and identify skills that can be transferred to the workplace.
3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning such as the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg and the Manitoba Government.
4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other academic institutions.

Year 4 - 152-157 credit hours

Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to graduate school: Finalize your application materials and contact computer engineering professors recruiting graduate students. Use the graduate awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your education.

Year 1 - 37.5 credit hours

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including University of Manitoba Engineering Society (UMES) and the University of Manitoba Students' Union (UMSU).
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as UM Community Volunteers and the Student Leadership Development Program.

Year 2 - 73.5 credit hours

Gain relevant experience: Consider applying to the Co-op/IIP Program.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Represent the faculty as a Student Ambassador or check out Let’s Talk Science or Science Rendezvous.

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for a research assistant position, Undergraduate Research Award or NSERC grant.

Consider joining technical societies and competition teams: Visit the Price Faculty of Engineering for team listings.

Year 3 - 120.5 credit hours

Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition or an international internship through the International Engineering Programs Office.

Check out student job opportunities with: the City of Winnipeg, Manitoba Hydro and WISE Kid-Netic Energy.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Eco Canada, Science.ca, Job Bank, Find My Job, Indeed or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

Year 4 - 152-157 credit hours

Ensure you have references in place: Ask three work-related references who are willing to expect calls from potential employers. If applying to graduate studies ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation.

Assess your resumé: Update your resumé for each job application. Focus on the knowledge, skills and attributes that are of interest to the employer.

Year 1 - 37.5 credit hours

Considering international opportunities?
Visit the International Centre website to learn about international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit ENGAP, Migizii Agamik, the International Centre or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

Year 2 - 73.5 credit hours

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange through the International Engineering Programs Office, Co-op/IIP students can also take advantage of the Canada-Japan program, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday."

Staying local? Check out Engineers without Borders or one of the local service-learning programs. Consider learning a new language and about a new culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

Year 3 - 120.5 credit hours

Did you travel abroad? Become an exchange mentor for the International Student Mentorship Program, join the exchange student community at the University of Manitoba or write an article or speak about your experience.

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Join the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program or take part in Graduation Pow Wow.

Year 4 - 152-157 credit hours

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment:
Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus. Get access to LinkedIn Learning through the Winnipeg Public Library and take courses to develop your cross-cultural intelligence.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Avionics Engineer
• Biomechanical Engineer
• Cloud Engineer
• Computer Networks Engineer
• Computer Programmer
• Computer Scientist
• Consulting Engineer
• CSIS Agent
• Database Engineer
• Embedded Systems Engineer
• Hardware Engineer
• Intelligence Officer
• IT Consultant
• Medical Device Engineer
• Network Consultant
• Process Engineer
• Project Manager
• Software Designer
• Software Engineer
• Technical Salesperson
• User Experience Designer

Options requiring other education

• Aerospace Engineer
• Artificial Intelligence Specialist
• Clinical Engineer
• Computer Network Technician
• Computational Biologist
• Computational Biomedical Engineer
• Cryptographer
• Data Scientist
• Lawyer
• Patent Agent
• Physician
• Researcher
• University Professor

Industries are seeking top quality engineers who are skilled at designing and engineering custom digital hardware and software systems to solve real-world problems. Valuable skills include:*

• Industry specific knowledge
• Problem solving
• Analytical skills
• Oral and written communication
• Teamwork
• Personal management
• Project management
• Continuous learning

Attain skills through your classroom education and take advantage of experiential education opportunities.

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.