Ask HN: Does the word engineer matter?

#1

Post by craked5 » Thu, Apr 02, 2015, 9:42 AM UTC

Hey HN :) I am a student from Portugal currently taking an IT degree. This is almost exactly the same as Computer Engineering but its a bit more pratical and the main diference is the lack of 2 math courses and one physics course. I just want to ask if i should change to the Computer Engineering degree, if that would make a diference in the future in the job market.

Thanks!

Re: Ask HN: Does the word engineer matter?

#2

Post by kngspook » Thu, Apr 02, 2015, 10:15 AM UTC

I don't know about the Portuguese job market, but in Silicon Valley, I think it would make a difference. (At least at a first glance; you could probably explain it away to an individual -- but the problem would be getting to the point where you would have the opportunity to talk to them.)

If you're not highly adverse to math and physics, I would make the switch.

Re: Ask HN: Does the word engineer matter?

#3

Post by iamjdg » Thu, Apr 02, 2015, 10:30 AM UTC

Engineering programs in North America must be accredited by either ABET (USA) or APEG (Canada) in order to use the term engineering in the degree. After this you must pass tests from these organizations to legally use the word engineer in your job title.

So in North America they would see it as a difference. Often there are agreements between ABET or APEG and other countries the local engineering association (Portugal in your case).

I think for getting a first job and maximizing your salary with your first job, it would matter. As time goes on and you gain experience, it will matter less, especially for Computer Engineering.

Re: Ask HN: Does the word engineer matter?

#4

Post by MichaelCrawford » Thu, Apr 02, 2015, 6:06 PM UTC

In the US, it is quite common for just anyone to call themselves a "Software Engineer". This gives one an air of respectability over "Computer Programmer". There is no particular qualification required to call oneself a "Software Engineer" though it would help to read a book like "Learn Java in 21 Days".

My understanding is that in Canada, it is a civil offense to denote yourself as an engineer of any sort unless you have a license. For that reason when I was employed by an industrial control systems firms, none of the computer programmers were called engineers, they were called computer programmers. Our engineers were all the Canadian equivalent of america's Professional Engineers.

I call myself a Software Engineer because I regard my work as being of the required caliber. My degree is in physics and my software expertise is largely self-taught.