Ethan Gabriel

ICS3U8G-a

Post-Secondary Opportunities in Computer Science Assignment - Computer Software Engineer

Job Description
● Software engineers create complex systems or people to use every day (getting onto this
document required software).
● A combination of math, engineering, and computer science are used to create programs and
systems, while also having an understanding of computer hardware. Most of their profession is
used to work on algorithms and solving programming problems.
● The first general type of software engineering works in applications engineering. These
individuals design applications/platforms such as web browsers or operating systems (OS).
Operating systems in technology allow the hardware components of the object to work together in
harmony. For example, a Windows operating system uses the hard drive, battery, screen display,
etc. to produce an image on the screen.
● The second general type of software engineering works in systems engineering. These engineers
work in larger scales. They design and coordinate computer systems, which are usually
maintained for large businesses or governments. For these large scales, the engineers need to
understand both the hardware and software and what each component is used for.
● When a new task is given to a software engineer, they usually use specialized software to
analyze their project and design their work.
● Usually, after the design is created, the engineers create a test version of the software (other
engineers and programs are used to create the test software). After the test software is
completed, they dedicate time to find flaws in the software.
● A few software engineers tend to focus on system analysis, which they study an existing system.
Their task to update, enhance, and change the software to make it better.
● Two other focuses are on sales (selling software or services) and research & design.

Working Conditions
● Numerous engineers do the majority of their work at desks in front of computers in offices or labs.
These areas of work are usually clean and comfortable yet sitting in front of a computer all day
hurts many peoples backs and strains their vision.
● Since many companies strive to release the best quality software or new products first, software
engineers may work in stressful environments as well.
● Balancing work and family time for some engineers is difficult as they are always traveling to
meet clients or for troubleshooting of software.
● Engineering jobs are usually a 5-day 40-hour week profession. Closer to deadlines of products or
software, more hours are usually put in for final troubleshooting.

Earnings
● The majority of computer software engineers make between $50,000 to $150,000 per year. Your
education, experience, and position determine how much your salary is.
● Most people entering the software engineering field make between $40,000 to $50,000 per year.
● CEO’s and Vice presidents of software-based companies can make over $150,000 per year.
● As engineers, many benefits are provided such as vacation leave, dental care, etc.

Recommended high school courses in grade 12

● Business & Management

Canadian college/university that offers the program which allow you to get into your chosen field.
As well as the entrance requirements for the program. The number of terms/years to complete the
degree or diploma program. *I have included my three personal favorite programs to enroll into university/college*
● Option #1: Software Engineering Undergraduate
○ Where: Waterloo University
○ Entrance Requirements:
■ Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
■ Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
■ Chemistry (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
■ Physics (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
■ English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
■ Recommended courses: Grade 11 U Introduction to Computer Science, Grade
12 U Computer Science
○ # of terms/years to complete degree:
■ 10 terms/5 years
■ Each term will be for studying or co-op
● Option #2: Computer Engineering
○ Where: University of Toronto
○ Entrance Requirements:
■ English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
■ Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
■ Chemistry (SCH4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
■ Physics (SPH4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
■ Advanced Functions (MHF4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
■ One additional U or M course (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
■ Proof of English facility
○ # of terms/years to complete degree:
■ 10 terms/5 years
■ Each term will be for studying or co-op
● Option #3: Software Engineering
○ Where: McMaster University
○ Entrance Requirements:
■ ENG4U
■ MCV4U
■ MHF4U
■ SCH4U
■ SPH4U
■ A minimum average of 87%
○ # of terms/years to complete degree:
■ 10 terms/5 years
■ Each term will be for studying or co-op

Final Reflection
After reading and listening to the interview with Ajit, a computer software engineer, and
researching about this profession, I believe that I would be interested in pursuing this career. Being an
individual who has adored the software, products and operating systems of Apple since the first iPhone
was released, I love to see how these operating systems have evolved over time, aiding our needs as the
years go by. Ajit stated in his interview that lots of logical thinking is needed for a profession like this, and
 Ethan Gabriel
ICS3U8G-a

I enjoy solving problems and using mathematical skills together! Viewing the working conditions for
engineers, even though it may get stressful at times, I believe that I would enjoy the facilities they offer at
various companies, while also creating programs for others to use. Creating tools to make lives better is
something I love to do because I love to help people. Knowing that I can aid others through programming,
I'm now more determined to become a software engineer. I equally enjoy hardware engineering, and I am
flexible to choose either between software or hardware, more on the hardware aspect. However, software
engineering sounds like an exceptional profession and is something I am willing to do for the next 40
years.