As more of the world’s services and companies shift online, there is a growing demand for systems engineers —to ensure that all aspects of a technical project are operating smoothly. The role of systems engineers in developing the technological infrastructure of a digital corporation means excellent career prospects attached to the job. However, this job market is becoming more competitive every year. Therefore, you need to make sure you have the right qualifications to obtain a high-paying position in this field.
As a systems engineer, you need to be able to efficiently coordinate among people, machinery, software, policies, and more. You may also have to protect your company’s data from several different threats. This could require you to develop both offensive and defensive security measures. A good systems engineer is educated in a variety of tools, software and resources that ensure the preparedness of a company.
With the help of this guide, you can take the necessary steps to pursue a career as a systems engineer.
Steps to Become a Systems Engineer
Before entering the IT industry, you need to plan out your potential career path. Knowing the qualifications and credentials, you need to obtain for certain jobs and roles can help you plan out your progression in the most efficient way possible.
If you’re interested in becoming a systems engineer, here’s how to get started!
- Getting The Right Education
The first step on your journey would be getting a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering from an accredited university. These can be extensive and diverse programs, where you will study subjects like calculus, linear algebra, physics, fundamentals of engineering, statics and mechanics, project management, engineering economics, engineering quality and reliability, among others.
To truly stand out to future employers, it would be a good idea to also get a master’s degree. You can get a degree in systems engineering or specialize in another aspect of the field. Some people prefer to get a masters in cybersecurity online as this teaches them some of the most in-demand and diverse skills. This includes cyber defense, threat evaluation, digital forensics, recovery, identity management, systems architecture and more.
- Getting Real-World Experience
Along with the right qualifications on paper, you need to show that you have on-the-job experience as well. The reason that people opt for online masters’ programs is that it gives them the chance to work whilst getting further education.
Entry-level jobs can include working as a database administrator or a software developer. The experience you obtain in these jobs will give you the knowledge and skills to handle cutting-edge modern technologies and operating systems. It will also improve your soft skills such as communication and leadership.
Moreover, obtaining a license in Professional Engineering usually requires four years or more of work experience. The PE license shows that you have obtained the highest standard of competence in the field and acts as a symbol of achievement and assurance of quality.
- Obtaining Further Credentials
The IT field is constantly evolving, which means that you need to update your credentials to show hiring managers that you are well-versed in all the latest technological developments. You can obtain these credentials from organizations like the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals.
Your credentials are dependent on your specialization, but there are certifications available for IT management, business, data, and computer professionals. You can also partake in online bootcamps centered around cybersecurity or coding to sharpen your skills.
According to the US Department of Labor, the certification that most increases your job marketability is the Systems Engineering Professional certificate from the International Council on Systems Engineering. These credentials will show employers—including those without IT knowledge—that your proficiency is validated by other experts in the field.
- Consider Obtaining a Ph.D.
There are very few people in the corporate or public IT sectors with a doctorate degree. While this level of education is typically associated with academic or research-based careers, you can use it to pivot into a high-ranking systems engineer position.
A Ph.D. requires you to obtain fellowships, defend your dissertation, publish in academic journals and more. While it can be challenging to pursue an advanced degree, it also shows your dedication and expertise within the IT field. Moreover, some programs allow you to start an accelerated Ph.D. right after your bachelor’s, so you can obtain your master’s and doctorate degrees concurrently.
What to Expect From the Work
Systems engineers generally work full-time, with many of them working more than 40 hours a week. If you choose this career path, you’d be expected to analyze clients’ existing IT systems and business models, help companies transition from legacy systems to new ones, and liaise closely with external or internal clients. Other responsibilities may include preparing project briefs, assessing potential problems, providing technical solutions, and direct involvement in the development of products and project feasibility reports.
Is It Worth It?
While the path to becoming a systems engineer is long and hard, it can lead to a very satisfying career. If you have a passion for data management, math, and software, this sort of job is perfect for you. Moreover, as a highly in-demand job, you will also earn a great deal.
An estimate from 2016 showed that systems engineers make twice as much as the average salary of all US workers, at an approximate $84,310 per year. This salary becomes even higher if you go into the top-paying industries, such as aerospace parts or product manufacturing.
Another sector in which systems engineers are wanted is healthcare, as more and more hospitals adopt newer systems to integrate electronic medical records and other IT structures. As a result, your career options are diverse with this degree.
Final Thoughts
The growth in this job market has been driven by many factors, such as the adoption of cloud computing, increasing cybersecurity threats, and the adoption of technology in healthcare and other industry sectors.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that the job market will increase by 7% by 2029, which is faster than most other occupations in the US. Taking steps to obtain the needed qualifications now can ensure you have a high-paying and sought-after degree in the future.