What should you know as a CSE Engineer?

Computer Science and Engineering is a potentially growing field in the world of Science and Technology, and many aspirants take this path either because they have a thing for computers (especially programming and stuff) or they are trying to land a well-paid job after they graduate. Either way, once you have started walking down the path of a CSE engineer, there is no going back. Especially if you are in this field for your personal interest in computers and programming, well, in that case, you don't want to go back.

Certain misconceptions which need to be cleared first

1. You have to be a computer science graduate to break into the IT field
   
   
   
   Charles Babbage
        This is one of the biggest myths going around for generations. Because the unknown fact is that many people around the world are working as software developers or as cybersecurity consultants for a company even without a degree in computer science. Well, they have honed their skills day and night to reach this level, but it doesn't change the fact that they don't have a degree in CSE. If you have good problem-solving skills, and you are good at writing programs, you will be welcomed in the field with open arms. Not to mention the world's first programmer, Lady Ada Lovelace was a mathematician. Charle's Babbage known as the father of computing was a mathematician too.
2. You have to be good at mathematics
   
        The last two lines of the previous point might have put you under this misconception too. No, you don't need to be good at maths, but of course, if you are it's a huge benefit. Trust me I wasn't either when I started programming, not even when I decided to study engineering. I had really low marks in mathematics in class 10. That's a different thing that because of the challenging nature of the subject, I started studying it even harder. Anyway, it is not important to be good at mathematics. But the fact that the whole world of computing is based on mathematics, makes it look like mathematics is important to survive in this field.
3. Computer Science is for man, nerds, geeks, intelligent people
   
        The second last sentence of the very first point tells you everything which counters this particular myth. Lady Ada Lovelace was the world's first programmer. So, this industry has nothing to do with your gender. Other than that, if we talk about the words "nerds" or "geeks", trust me you will become one by the time you land a job. As for being someone intelligent, if you are in this field you are intelligent. Don't underestimate yourself. Although, you should not become arrogant about your skills.
4. You have to learn everything
   
   
   
   Lady Ada Lovelace
        No, you don't have to learn everything to become successful in this field, or it's more like you can't, no one can. How can someone study and remember every bit of data that they studied? Following the words "nothing is impossible", let's say you learned everything, but trust me you won't need everything. You just need to be a master of your domain, and by domain, I mean one programming language for those who aspire to be a developer or one subject for those who want to be in other departments of IT.

What you do need to know?

• Master at least one language
  
  
  
  Photo by luis gomes from Pexels
       Remember what I said about being the master of your domain?. That's it, you just need to select a programming language that you feel comfortable with, and master it. Master it to the extent, that no one can challenge you. Of course, there will be developers far better than you, but what's wrong with being a little optimistic. You see, the more optimistic you are, the more perfection you will seek. The more perfection you seek, the more you will learn. The more you learn, the more you get closer to their level, or who knows, maybe far beyond their level. But keeping all the motivational stuff apart, it's really important for a CSE engineer to master at least one programming language. Of course, there is no harm in adding more weapons in your arsenal but do remember these wise words by Bruce Lee - "I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times."
• Data Structures and Algorithms
  
       Well, it's all about data these days. And to handle it you have to know the method in which it should be stored. We know that data is not an object that we will pick it up and store it in a cupboard. We have to know the algorithm to be used to store it in the memory. Other than that, being good at coming up with algorithms to solve certain problems faced in programming, will be an extra advantage. Just like "an Ace in a hole". If you are good at data structure too, congratulations you have two Aces.
• How to assemble and de-assemble a PC
  
  
  
  Photo by Pixabay from Pexels
        If you don't know about your friend, then you should not call yourself a friend. The friend here is your PC. It's not important to know how to repair major problems, but knowing a little bit of troubleshooting can keep you away from trouble. You also have to clean your PC once a year in order to preserve it's longevity, and the best way to do that is to de-assemble it. You might wanna pay a professional to do that, but the professional ain't gonna come in mid-night.
• Teamwork
  
       As a child, you must have experienced collecting money among friends to buy a new ball, and the reward you recive is a good game of cricket and happiness after that. That's how teamwork pays off. You might wanna be a shining star standing alone, but the time it will take, well you will waste all your life just to shine and be dead after few years. Why not work with a team to shine and let them shine too, and let you reach your goal sooner so that you can enjoy the rest of your life. All the IT companies have teams for their jobs, so you won't be able to survive if you are not a team player.
• Soft skills
  
       Being a computer engineer, you must know how to code. But learning soft skills is just like adding another weapon to your arsenal. Being good at soft skills can have a huge impact on your annual package. Being an active listener will let you understand a problem better than those who are not. Being good at public speaking and presentations can impress your boss. Being a good writer can make all the difference in letters and emails. Being good at negotiations can get you an unbelievable deal for your company and a good increment in your salary. Teamwork is a part of soft skills too. And of course, if you are a good leader, and can make people follow you, wanna bet on you, believe you, you will reach your goals in no time.

Even after you learned all you need, you need to keep yourself updated according to the industry standards. If you have learned to code in Python 2 and don't know the features of Python 3. Your skill is of no use to this industry.

The most important for any Engineering student is to believe in themselves, many people will make statements like, "there is no scope in engineering", "you won't be able to make it", "you are not suitable to be an engineer". Just ignore them. And do remember to slap non-physically by showing your offer letter from an MNC with a six-figure salary. You might not land a six-figure salary job right off the bet, but you gotta start somewhere right. So, just hang in there. If you have worked hard to hone your skills, those late nights and those early mornings will pay off.

The fact that you are reading this blog by clicking on a link from a google search, simply means you haven't done anything that I mentioned above, or maybe you've just started. So, instead of feeling inferior to others and wasting your time searching this type of stuff on the internet, you should be searching for hot topics like Machine Learning, Deep Learning, AI, Robotics, etc. So stop wasting your time and get on with it. And I saved the most important for the last, "Never Give Up!