Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.
| Job Prospects | Good; employment for this occupation is expected to be strong to 2010. |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $50,000 to $60,000 plus |
| Brief | Computing systems, including hardware and software and the overview of these to see what improvements can be made to enable their more efficient running is a computer systems engineering associate's working domain. There are approximately 8,200 computer systems engineering associates in South Australia. Employment is largely full-time and most work in the Property and Business Service industry. Most persons in this occupation are males. The median age for those employed in this occupation is 35 years. |
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TAFE SA courses that may be relevant for: Computer Systems Engineering Associate
Introduction
Computer systems engineering associates assist in the design, selection and installation of computer systems. They can assist organisations in the acquiring and setting up of affordable, workable data processing systems suitable for both current and projected needs. During the design phase, systems engineering associates envision the type of components and their interconnections, in order to build a computing system that meets the client's needs and specifications. Once this is established, systems engineering associates select the hardware and software components and peripherals (accessories) needed to achieve the most effective system.
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Education Requirements
Of those currently employed 45% have Bachelor Degrees; 14% have either an Advanced Diploma or a Diploma; 10% have Postgraduate Degrees; 8% have either a Certificate III or IV; and 14% have no post school qualifications. In order for you to have the best possible chance of finding employment it is recommended that you gain the available qualifications.
TAFE SA offers the following courses that may assist you in gaining employment in this occupation: the Diploma of Computer Systems Engineering and the Advanced Diploma of Computer Systems Engineering. For further information about these courses please check the TAFE SA website, www.tafe.sa.edu.au. Still Unsure! Then contact the TAFE SA Information Line on 1800 882 661 to enquire about the availability of related short courses.
The University of South Australia offers the following degree courses: Bachelor of Engineering (Software Engineering), Bachelor of Comp Sci (Software Engineering), Bachelor of Software Engineering.
Flinders University offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Engineering (Software Engineering) degrees.
Career Path
There are several factors which look set to contribute to a very positive employment outlook for computer systems engineering associates. These include:
A continuing expansion of electronic data processing in business, telecommunications, scientific research, utilities and government and the increasing sophistication and complexity of computers.
Size and cost of computers falling encouraging more small business to computerise their operations.
Capacity for data storage and processing becoming greater than ever. · Companies attempting to maximise the efficiency of their computer systems.
The continued expansion of computer-controlled appliances into industry, offices and the home.
This is a dynamic growth industry with opportunities for working for companies or setting up for self-employment. Long term employment prospects are good.
Industries
Communication Services, Electricity, Gas and Water Supply, Mining
Interview
To be updated.
Nature of the Job
Computer systems involves the application of electronics to computers and the accessories that connect to computers but it also includes an understanding of the programming that is required to make the electronics in the computer work. Today, computers are used to operate many of the items we use in every day life. Cars, telephone systems, trains, television and radio stations are just some of these. This specialist area of engineering is based on electrical engineering and computer science.
According to Michael, a computer systems engineering associate, systems engineers first liaise with clients to determine the client's needs. From here they can determine what the new component or system needs to do before actually designing and then testing components. Then the various components are fitted together and tested to ensure they function properly. A written report on the finished product would be the final phase of the design process. Documentation is essential in a system engineer's work and includes documenting any installation and maintenance of software and network connectivity problems.
Michael says that any number of major activities are undertaken in building a computing system. However, some of the more common tasks include the design and development of electronic controllers for automated processes, including robotics; the design and development of new and efficient systems architecture, including both hardware and software components; configuring local area network servers and workstations; and overseeing the installation and testing of application software and computer peripherals (such as printers, modems, scanners, or digital cameras) on a number of workstations and servers.
Typical Physical Working Environment
A combination of intellectual, practical and interpersonal skills are useful to systems engineers. They must be able to understand and analyse technical and business problems and to develop creative yet workable solutions. An understanding of hardware as well as software will enable those people interested in this job to do it well. In this occupation you will also come to rely on excellent communication skills because aside from clients, systems engineers also liaise with engineers across a host of other disciplines, as well as programmers, business owners and top-level corporate executives.
Typical Occupational Example
Many computer systems engineering associates work in the private sector with computing manufacturing and service companies, business consulting firms, the information systems divisions of companies and a wide range of government activities. They also find employment in the telecommunications industry and in any industry that seeks to introduce, maintain or develop automated processes.
Earning Potential
The salary for someone new to this occupation is in the vicinity of $40,500 and this may go as high as $100,000 plus. Consulting computer systems engineers are more likely to earn this top end figure.
Further Information
For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au
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This Career Profile information was last modified: 6/11/2007 1:48:19 PM
The information was accurate at the time of publication. TAFE SA and their agents reserve the right to make any changes necessary
