15 Computer Engineer Skills to be best on the Job

Computer Engineer skills and qualities

To be best on your job as a computer engineer, you need to have certain skills and qualities.

15 Computer Engineer Skills to be best on the Job

If you are a computer engineer or looking to be one, desiring to succeed and be the best in your industry, the skills and qualities highlighted in this post will help you to achieve that goal.

The career of a computer engineer requires a great deal of skills and qualities, training, and certain level of formal education to be good on the job.

Before looking at the skills you need to develop to be a good computer engineer, let’s first see what the computer engineer job entails.

Who is a Computer Engineer?

Computer engineers are specialists who are responsible for designing, installing, developing, implementing, and testing computer-based hardware and software.

Computer engineers perform various duties, including setting up new PCs for people, upgrading hardware and software, fixing faulty equipment, testing systems, servicing printers, scanners and office equipment, estimating costs for new installations, and training of staff.

Work Environment

Computer engineers work in different environments such as businesses, IT support companies, industry, schools, colleges, and local authorities.

15 Skills and Qualities to Excel in Computer Engineering Career

1. Communication Skills. Computer engineering work is a type that involves teamwork and not a one-man affair. The engineer cannot do everything alone so they need to be part of a team, and being part of a team means that they need the ability to communicate and interact well with others, as they help the team to grow.

2. Creativity. Computer engineers have to solve technical problems so they need to think in a different way. Engineering is not considered among the traditionally “creative” professions, like art, writing, and acting, but applying some creative thinking will help greatly.

3. Hardware Experience. Computer engineers need to know how a computer is built and how different components are installed into computers. They should not be limited to only Windows computers, but also Macs and all computers that run Open-Source (OS) such as Linux.

4. Problem Solving Skills. Computer engineering work requires resolution of problems which can fall into electrical, technical, logistical, and many more. The importance of having strong problem solving skills is important in this field, and should be taken seriously if you want to be a good computer engineer.

5. Teamwork. Computer engineers need to work in cooperation with others, acknowledging and respecting the roles of various group members, as well as the different levels of dependence within the group. They need the ability to identify, manage, and resolve issues. They also need to adapt to multidisciplinary and international environments.

6. Mathematics Skills. Computer engineers will find it hard to develop their career if they shy away from mathematics. There is much math involved in the computer science field, hence analogue information is being converted into digital data. Depending on the specialist area you choose to work in, how much science you need differs. But a good grasp of it will help you get through your degree.

7. Patience. Considering the laborious process of solving a problem, developing a program, or maintaining a system, computer engineers need to be patient in order to get through these without complaints. In this career, you don’t take short-cuts or cut corners, but need to follow the prescribed methods for success. Success entails patiently working with others through various processes and departments.

8. Learning strategies. Computer engineers should be able to select and use training or instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things. Learning through different media will help computer engineers to excel in their career.

9. Good Testing Skills. For software engineers, they need to have little or more knowledge about Regression testing, Unit testing, Black box testing, White box testing and Grey box testing. This will help any software they build to stand the test of time.

10. Installation Skills. Computer engineers need installation skills to be able to install equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications. With their installing skills, they can get computers and their parts fixed up without seeking additional help.

11. Management of Material Resources. Computer engineers should be able to see that materials, equipment, and facilities needed to do certain work are used appropriately. With this skill, they will make sure that material resources are in safe hand.

12. Troubleshooting. Computer engineers with troubleshooting skills know how to solve any kind of computer problem under the sun. They troubleshoot different brands, models and programs and find solutions as quickly as possible. This also requires internet research needed for solving problems such as fixing software or firmware errors. Computer engineers must be able to also repair physical computer components which involve delicate parts like circuit boards.

13. Technical Skills. A computer engineer needs some technical skills to design and choose software components for a project. Some technical languages they should understand include HTML, CSS, C++, SERVLET, UML design, JavaScript, and Java. Computer engineers also need to recognize the major differences between operating systems such as Windows, DOS, Linux and Mac. Some computer engineers also work with computer databases like Oracle, MySQL and Access.

14. Research and Training Skills. Computer engineers, mostly those working in a managerial position, need research and training skills. They need the ability to research and learn new programming alternatives necessary for providing the best results for companies or customers. Computer engineers should be able to train coworkers or employees in these new skills.

15. Setup and Maintenance. Computer engineers need the skill of setting up and maintaining both software and hardware connections. This involves connection of various peripherals so that they can function with each other. Before computer engineers can install software programs or drivers, set up networks of computers or printers, or set up routers for wireless connections, they need to visualize and understand how one part of the computer system connects with another. Maintaining a network system is part of the computer engineer’s job and that ensures proper operation.

Computer Engineer Skills for Resume

If you are making a resume for a computer engineer job, you can complete its core competence section by applying the above skills and qualities if you have them.

With a good core competence or skills section, the recruiter can quickly see that you possess the required skills and qualities for the computer engineer job, which increases your chances of being called up for an interview.


This post shows the skills and qualities you need to develop as a computer engineer to be best on your job and to succeed in your career.

An employer looking to hire a good computer engineer can emphasize some of the above skills and qualities as necessary requirements that applicants should meet.

Did you learn new skills you need to become a good computer engineer from this post? Please share your thought of this article in the comment box below.

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