Skills you’ll develop
While studying Computer Engineering, you’re learning to apply your knowledge of computer architecture, networks, and communications to develop novel technology solutions from website chatbots to streamlining drug discovery. You’ll develop important skills to work at the interface of hardware and software systems.
These skills may include:
- Application of computer hardware architecture and software design principles to build embedded systems (e.g., avionic systems, industrial robots, anti-lock brakes)
- Research, design, development and testing of new hardware and software solutions that are technically competitive, cost-effective, and supportable
- Design, coding, testing, debugging, and documenting high-quality desktop or web applications
- Development of protocols and tools to conduct verification tests
- Integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning features in the design of computational devices and systems (e.g. smart personal assistants, ridesharing apps, mobile check deposits, drones)
- Collaboration in cross-functional development teams towards a challenging common goal
- Usage of specialized programming languages and open source tools including Ruby, Python, Java, HTML, JavaScript, LINUX, and MySQL
Career possibilities
Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including computer systems and design, multimedia applications, embedded and autonomous systems, mobile computing, industrial instrumentation, data analytics, cybersecurity, healthcare, banking, and others.
There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.
Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.
- Application architect
- Artificial intelligence engineer
- ASIC design engineer
- Aviation systems software engineer
- Back-end developer
- Business intelligence developer
- Business systems consultant
- Cloud application architect
- Computer architect
- Computer engineer
- Computer integrated manufacturing engineer
- Computer systems network designer
- Control and automation engineer
- Cybersecurity analyst
- Data communications specialist
- Data scientist
- Electronic business software developer
- Embedded software engineer
- Fibre-optic network designer
- Firmware engineer
- Full stack web developer
- Game designer
- Hardware development engineer
- Informatics applications analyst
- Information technology consultant
- Machine learning research engineer
- Microprocessor designer and application engineer
- Mobile applications developer
- Network test engineer
- Operating systems programmer
- Optical communications engineer
- Radio systems engineer
- Sales engineer, computer applications
- Software architect
- Software systems engineer
- Special effects programmer
- Systems security compliance analyst
- Telecommunications engineer
- Wireless communications network engineer
- Front-end developer
Make the most of your program
Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help clarify your values and interests.
- UBC Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Student Branch
Attend technical workshops, participate in industry field trips, and join student competitions. - UBC Launchpad
Join other tech enthusiasts to develop new apps and apply cutting-edge technologies. - UBC Open Robotics
Collaborate with peers from multiple disciplines to work on unique and interesting robotics projects. - UBC Thunderbots
Design and create competitive robots to compete in the Small Size League of the International Robocup Federation. - UBC SailBot
Develop your technical skills and work as part of a team to design and construct an autonomous sailboat. - UBC Rocket
Gain hands-on technical experience in designing, manufacturing, and launching suborbital rockets. - UBC BizTech
Participate in case competitions and attend panels and showcases to connect with business and tech professionals. - UBC Emerging Media Lab
Attend a workshop or become a volunteer in emerging technologies, such as virtual reality. - UBC Competitive Programming Team
Collaborate with a group to work on algorithmic programming challenges and compete in the annual ACM ICPC competition. - entrepreneurship@UBC
Get the resources and mentorship support you need to take your startup idea to the next level. - UBC Engineering Co-op
Gain work experience in computer engineering between study terms. - UBC Esports Association
Attend events and meet people from various gaming communities across the Lower Mainland. - Snowbots
Join a multidisciplinary team to research and design autonomous navigation technology. - Code the Change Foundation
Use your technical skills to create innovative software solutions for non-profit organizations. - Creative Destruction Lab Artificial Intelligence Stream
Access resources and get mentorship support from experienced researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors. - Departmental research opportunities
Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions. - Vancouver Startup Week
Attend the recruitment fair, network with professionals in the tech space, and tour startup workplaces. - #BCTECHSummit
Attend the conference, network with industry professionals, or join an innovation challenge. - Internet of Things (IoT) Events
View upcoming events and conferences on new technologies for different sectors. - Major League Hacking
Check out upcoming hackathons and job opportunities. - BCTech job board
Check out tech and engineering job opportunities within BC. - ACM Student Research Competition
Present your original research at this international student conference in term 2 and receive cash prizes and awards.
Build your network
Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.
The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.
- Association for Computing Machinery
- Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence
- Association of Consulting Engineering Companies Canada
- BC Tech Association
- Canada’s Association of IT Professionals – BC Chapter
- Canadian Artificial Intelligence Association
- Canadian Association of Computer Science
- Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology
- Canadian Society of Professional Engineers
- CompTIA
- Engineering Institute of Canada
- Engineers & Geoscientists BC
- Engineers Canada
- Entertainment Software Association of Canada
- IEEE Computer Society
- IEEE Robotics and Automation Society
- Information and Communications Technology Council
- Information Technology Association of Canada
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Vancouver Section
- Lighthouse Labs
- Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology
- Special Interest Group on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques
- The Institution of Engineering and Technology
- Vancouver Entrepreneurs Forum
- VentureBeat
- Women in Communication and Technology
- Women in Tech World
Connect with alumni on LinkedIn
Find UBC Computer Engineering graduates on LinkedIn, to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.
More information
From your Applied Science degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Engineering degree.