Vous débutez votre carrière en génie informatique. Quels postes de premier échelon devriez-vous viser ?

In a project's lifecycle, your job does not end at the moment you release a final version of the hardware, but you will be constantly contributing and helping the software engineers overcome their challenges, whether it is testing, or unexpected behaviour, or advices within your expertise regarding the best approach to implement the software on your given hardware.

Role Overview: As a Hardware Engineer, you'll focus on the design, development, and testing of physical components for computers, networks, and embedded systems. This includes working on circuit boards, processors, memory devices, routers, and other hardware components. Skills Required: Strong understanding of electronics, circuits, and microprocessors. Proficiency in hardware description languages (e.g., VHDL, Verilog). Experience with CAD tools for designing circuit boards. Problem-solving skills for debugging hardware issues. Career Path: This role can lead to specialized positions like FPGA Engineer, PCB Design Engineer, or transitioning into systems engineering roles.

It can maybe seen a bit overwhelming to see all these topics, types of applications, languages, and methodologies. The key in engineering, is to always be improving - Documentations and learning materials are available everywhere, and a top tier developer's first step is to read the documents from the creator.

Role Overview: As an Embedded Software Developer, you’ll be responsible for writing and optimizing code that runs directly on hardware. This typically involves working with microcontrollers, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and embedded systems. Skills Required: Strong programming skills in languages like C/C++. Understanding of microcontroller architecture and low-level programming. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS). Knowledge of hardware interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART) and embedded protocols. Career Path: This role can lead to senior software positions, embedded systems architect, or roles in firmware development and IoT.

Typically, a Systems Analyst role is not an entry-level position due to the need for a deep understanding of both technology and business processes. However, aspiring Systems Analysts often start in related roles such as Business Analyst, Software Developer, or IT Support Specialist. Gaining experience in these areas, along with strong analytical and communication skills, can help in transitioning to a Systems Analyst role.

What makes a software tester really great is that if they are able to reach the point where the code is handed to them with a little responsibility, they can go on their own and not only describe the observed misbehaviour, but point at the location which could be problematic, use debuggers to see the incorrect variable, and this way basically guide the developers in terms of where the problem lies and what is your proposal to solve it.

Role Overview: As a Network Engineer, your focus will be on designing, implementing, and managing networks that support communication and data transfer between devices. This includes setting up routers, switches, and configuring network protocols. Skills Required: Strong understanding of networking concepts like TCP/IP, DNS, and routing protocols. Experience with network hardware (routers, switches) and software tools. Troubleshooting and diagnostic skills for network issues. Basic understanding of cybersecurity principles. Career Path: This role can evolve into positions like Network Architect, Network Security Specialist, or roles in cloud infrastructure and systems administration.

Maybe a point here that it is mostly Network Engineers' job to control and track the usage of the company networks, run and maintain the servers, and to set up secure protocols between in-office communiations, company locations, and third party clouds.

I have been looking at data analyst roles as being a good entry point. One has to admit that the idea of immersing oneself in large data sets and finding something that might influence decision-making is rather thrilling. I have been preparing myself by refreshing the SQL and trying out different analytical tools that are available. The fact that one can be able to transform a huge amount of data into something that is useful and actionable is fascinating to me The skills that one acquires as a data analyst can be used to pivot to other interesting niche roles later on.