Contents 1. Working as a Computer or Software Engineer... 2 2. Skills, Education and Experience... 7 3. Finding a Job... 9 4. Applying for a Job... 13 5. Getting Help from Industry Sources... 14 1. Working as a Computer or Software Engineer Job Description Computer engineers research, plan, design, develop, modify, evaluate, and integrate computer and telecommunications hardware and related equipment, and information and communication system networks including mainframe systems, local and wide area networks, fibre-optic networks, wireless communication networks, intranets, the internet, and other data communications systems. Computer and telecommunications hardware engineers perform some or all of the following duties: Analyze users requirements, and design and develop system architecture and specifications Research, design, develop and integrate computer and telecommunications hardware such as microprocessors, integrated circuit boards, and semiconductor lasers Develop and conduct design verification simulations and prototype bench tests of components Supervise, inspect, and provide design support during the manufacturing, installation, and implementation of computer and telecommunications hardware Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and clients May lead and co-ordinate teams of engineers, technologists, technicians, and drafters in the design and development of computer and telecommunications hardware. Sources: http://www.workbc.ca/careers/ [search computer engineer OR 2147] http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/noc/english/noc/11/profile.aspx?val=2&val1=2147 Software engineers and designers research, design, evaluate, integrate, and maintain software applications, technical environments, operating systems, embedded software, information warehouses, and telecommunications software. They are employed in information technology consulting firms, information technology research and development firms, and information technology units throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed. 2`
Software engineers and designers perform some or all of the following duties: Collect and document users requirements and develop logical and physical specifications Research, evaluate, and synthesize technical information to design, develop, and test computer-based systems Develop data, process, and network models to optimize architecture and to evaluate the performance and reliability of designs Plan, design, and co-ordinate the development, installation, integration, and operation of computer-based systems Assess, test, troubleshoot, document, upgrade, and develop maintenance procedures for operating systems, communications environments, and applications software May lead and co-ordinate teams of information systems professionals in the development of software and integrated information systems, process control software, and other embedded software control systems. Sources: http://www.workbc.ca/careers/ [search software engineer OR 2173] http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/noc/english/noc/11/profile.aspx?val=2&val1=2173 Industry Overview Computer engineers create hardware and software components. Job prospects are expected to be good for computer engineers looking for work due to the growing use of information technologies. Currently, there are not enough new computer engineer graduates to meet the need. Employers will have problems finding computer engineers with the right mix of experience and skills. Source: Outlook for Human Resources in the ICT Labour Market, 11 16 http://www.trios.com/career/share/ictc_report.pdf Software engineers research, create, and maintain software products. Job prospects are expected to be good for software engineers looking for work due to rapidly changing technology and fewer graduates from software engineering programs. Employers expect to experience difficulty recruiting qualified candidates with relevant technology and business experience. In this field, employers attach a high importance to prior work experience. Graduates with co-op or internship experience, the most current technology knowledge and the ability to work in a multi disciplinary environment will be in demand. To meet the need for highly specialized skills, employers will sometimes need to make use of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program when it operates or 'fast track' channels in the immigration system to meet their skill needs. It is reported that the health care industry will increasingly demand software engineers to design, develop, evaluate and maintain safe and secure ehealth information systems. Source: Outlook for Human Resources in the ICT Labour Market, 11 16 3`
http://www.trios.com/career/share/ictc_report.pdf Job Outlook in BC Computer engineers, NOC 2147 Source: WorkBC. http://www.workbc.ca/navigator/occupations/2147 [search NOC 2147, computer engineer ] Software engineers, NOC 2173 Source: WorkBC. http://www.workbc.ca [search NOC 2173, software engineer ] The Regional Employment Projections for 10-15 provides job opening projections for computer engineers and software engineers within BC regions: Region Vancouver Island Computer Engineers Software Engineers 10 Estimated Employment 170 230 15 Estimated Employment 180 260 Avg Annual % Change 2.0% 2.4% 4`
Lower Mainland / Southwest Computer Engineers Software Engineers Thompson-Okanagan Computer Engineers Software Engineers Kootenay Computer Engineers Software Engineers Cariboo Computer Engineers Software Engineers North Coast & Nechako Computer Engineers Software Engineers Northeast Computer Engineers Software Engineers 2,660 5,090 100 110 10 10 3,080 6,040 110 110 30 10 10 3.1% 3.7% 0.7% 1.0% 2.1% 4.0% 4.6% 0.8% 2.9% 1.3% 10 10 2.8% 1.4% Source: Regional Employment Projections, BC Stats. Projections for development regions. http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/statisticsbysubject/labourincome/employmentunemployment/regional EmploymentProjections.aspx You can learn more about working as a computer engineer or a computer software engineer in BC from WorkBC, Career Profiles at http://workbc.ca/careers [search NOC 2147 and 2173] Types of Employers Computer engineers are employed throughout both the public and private sectors by computer and telecommunication hardware manufacturers, engineering, manufacturing and telecommunications firms, information technology consulting firms, government, education, and research institutions, and the health industry. Software engineers are employed in information technology consulting firms that provide software-related information technology services. They are also employed in information technology research and development firms or in companies that manufacture and market software products or devise embedded software for inclusion in other products. They may also be self-employed. Salary In BC, the average annual salary for computer and software engineers is between $66,000 and $95,000. Earnings vary according to their level of education, their experience and the type of company they work for. Some may make more. In addition to their salaries, full-time computer and software engineers may receive benefits. Usually this includes health and dental insurance and paid vacation and 5`
sick leave. Some companies may also provide their engineers with the use of a company car and annual profit-sharing or performance-based bonuses. Selfemployed engineers working as consultants pay for these benefits themselves. Source: Career Cruising database, Computer Engineer profile. Available from the Online Articles, Encyclopedias & More page: http://www.vpl.ca/electronic_databases/alpha/c In BC, computer engineers can earn: Source: Job Bank, Canada http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/ In BC, software engineers can earn: Source: Job Bank, Canada http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/ 6`
In its 12 Report on Members Compensation and Benefits, The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC) provided these salary figures: Industry Lower Upper Mean Median Quartile Quartile High Technology $91,018 $66,000 $90,446 $107,500 High Tech Manufacturing $88,975 $64,690 $82,900 $104,234 Product Development $97,105 $70,000 $88,000 $1,000 Research & Development $85,265 $65,000 $83,000 $100,000 Software Development $97,812 $65,000 $95,000 $1,000 Systems Integration $82,768 N/A $84,000 N/A Source : https://www.apeg.bc.ca/apegbc/media/apegbc/compensation%survey/apegbc- Ccompensation-Survey-12.pdf Working Hours People in this career usually work an average of 5 days, Monday to Friday totaling 40 hours per week. However, they frequently put in extra hours in the evenings and on weekends as project deadlines approach, or when there is an emergency. 2. Skills, Education and Experience Skills Curious Aptitude for math and science Logical and detail-oriented Work well as part of a team Problem-solving skills Analytical skills Communication skills Source: http://www.vpl.ca/electronic_databases/alpha/c Education and Experience Computer engineers require: Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical or electronics engineering, engineering physics, or computer science Master's or doctoral degree in a related engineering discipline may be required Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering, and passing a professional practice examination Supervisory and senior positions in this unit group require experience. Source: http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/noc/english/noc/11/quicksearch.aspx?val65=2147 7`
Software engineers require: Bachelor's degree, usually in computer science, computer systems engineering, software engineering, or mathematics, or completion of a college program in computer science Master's or doctoral degree in a related discipline may be require Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering, and passing a professional practice examination Experience as a computer programmer is usually required. Source: http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/noc/english/noc/11/quicksearch.aspx?val65=2173 Online Self-Assessment Tool for Internationally Educated Professionals: The tool is for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs) and is available in both French and English. It provides IEPs with a better understanding of Canadian ICT workplace culture, communication and competencies. http://www.ictc-ctic.ca/?portfolio=test-2 Qualifications Entry level engineering positions do not require professional designation in BC Licensing Requirements for Computer & Software Engineers The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (APEGBC) (http://www.apeg.bc.ca/) regulates and governs the engineering profession under the authority of the Engineers and Geoscientists Act by setting and maintaining high academic, experience, and professional practice standards for all members. Individuals licensed by APEGBC are the only persons permitted by law to undertake, and assume responsibility for, engineering and geoscience projects in the province of BC. Licensing is required to approve engineering drawings and reports, and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P. Eng.). Engineers are eligible for registration with APEGBC following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination and completing the law and ethics seminar. 8`
Internationally trained engineers who have completed their P. Eng application process may qualify as a Provisional Member with the APEGBC. This designation recognizes and provides member status to internationally trained engineering or geoscience graduates who have completed the academic, experience, professionalism, character, and residency requirements for registration as Professional Engineers. Engineers Canada has extensive information for internationally trained at A Roadmap to Engineering in Canada http://newcomers.engineerscanada.ca/ For more information please contact APEGBC https://www.apeg.bc.ca/become-a-member Also, see the APEGBC's Online Resource for Internationally Trained Engineers and Geoscientists for assistance with career development, including a personalized Career Development and Job-Search Plan and First-hand advice : Self assessment tool: https://www.apeg.bc.ca/news/articles/apegbc-makes- Self-Assessment-Tool-Available-for-In Resources: https://www.apeg.bc.ca/resources For Job Mentoring Programs for Foreign Trained Engineers, see: https://www.apeg.bc.ca/for-members/mentoring-program The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials has information on accreditation for internationally trained computer and software engineers. Computer Engineers http://www.cicic.ca/684/engineers.canada?prof=2147 Software Engineers http://www.cicic.ca/684/engineers.canada?prof=2173 International agreements between professional engineering associations http://www.engineerscanada.ca/mobility-international 3. Finding a Job You ll find job advertisements in local newspapers, trade journals, and electronic sources, as well as through professional associations publications. Local Newspapers You can look at the Vancouver Sun & The Province at Vancouver Public Library for free. Check the job postings daily, the careers section in the Vancouver Sun on Wednesdays and Saturdays and in The Province on Sundays. 9`
Job White Pages This print publication contains job postings with information on the employer, job title, job description, industry, salary, and qualifications. Available in print at the Central Library or online at http://jobfreeway.com/memberdocs/vpl-home.htm NOTE: You can only access this database from the Central Library or VPL branch libraries. Access is NOT available from home or outside the Library. Online Job Postings BC Jobs.ca http://www.bcjobs.ca/ Keywords: software computer engineer and check off search job title only Engineering Central Canada http://www.engcen.ca/ Indeed http://ca.indeed.com/ IT Job Universe Canada http://jobs.itworldcanada.com/ Monster http://www.monster.ca/ Skilled Workers.com http://www.skilledworkers.com/search_job/search.php Search by province and employment category, Engineers T-Net British Columbia http://www.bctechnology.com/statics/employmt.cfm Covers the technology industry in BC. Click on Job Search Working.com http://working.canada.com/vancouver/index.html 10`
Professional Associations Career Resources APEG Employment Centre http://www.apeg.bc.ca/services/employmentcentre.html https://www.apeg.bc.ca/careers/career-listings Job seekers can review job postings and can post their qualifications for employers to review BC Technology Industry Association (BC TIA) Careers Page http://www.bctia.org/resources/bc-tech-jobs Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) http://careers.ieee.org/ Careers page includes articles about opportunities in the technology industry For additional tips on job hunting see: Networking for Employment http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/images/uploads/pathfinders/networking.pdf Identifying the Right Position When you browse job advertisements, you ll find a range of different job titles that are relevant. For Computer Engineers, look for these related job titles (from NOC 2147): Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) Design Engineer Computer Hardware Engineer Engineer, Computer Hardware Engineer, Telecommunications Hardware Fibre-optic Network Designer Hardware Circuit Board Designer Hardware Design Engineer Hardware Development Engineer Hardware Engineer Network Systems Engineer Network Test Engineer Systems Designer Hardware Technical Architect Hardware Wireless Communications Network Engineer For further information see National Occupational Classification http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/noc/english/noc/11/profile.aspx?val=2&val1=2147 11`
For Software Engineers and Designers, look for these related job titles (from NOC 2173): Application Architect Computer Software Engineer Embedded Software Engineer Software Architect Software Design Engineer Software Design Verification Engineer Software Testing Engineer Systems Integration Engineer Software Technical Architect Software Telecommunications Software Engineer For further information see National Occupational Classification http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/noc/english/noc/11/profile.aspx?val=2&val1=2173 Creating a List of Potential Employers You can use directories to produce lists of employers who work in the computer industry in the Lower Mainland. BC Tech, Technology Guide Includes company lists for: biggest BC tech companies, BC telecommunication companies, BC software developers and the top 100 tech companies in BC. (special issue of BC Tech magazine) Available at the Central Library, 380 EL3CBh Business in Vancouver. Book of Lists. Biggest Engineering Firms in BC Available at the Central Library, 338.9711 B97b and online at: http://www.biv.com/lists Pacific Northwest High Technology Directory Includes BC companies working in the computer industry, e.g. see code 54151 Computer systems design & related services Available at the Central Library, 380 EL3ad 12`
Reference Canada http://www.vpl.ca/electronic_databases/alpha/r Go to the Reference Canada database and look for Canadian Businesses at top of page and choose the Custom Search tab. Select Business Type and click on Keyword/SIC/NAICS and then enter keywords, for example, enter computer or software and click LOOKUP and then select appropriate headings. You can combine these headings with a location by clicking on Geography, select the province, choose the cities and click the View results button at top left side of page. Available from the Online Articles, Encyclopedias & More page. NOTE: You can access this database from a Library computer. If you are using a computer from outside the Library, you will need a Vancouver Public Library card to login to this database. After clicking on the database name, you will be asked to enter your library card number and PIN (usually last four digits of your telephone number). 4. Applying for a Job In Canada, employers usually expect to receive a resume (curriculum vitae) and a cover letter that identifies the position you are applying for and summarizes your relevant experience. Use the library catalogue, http://vpl.bibliocommons.com/ to find books on writing resumes and cover letters specific to your industry. To learn about applying for jobs in Canada, use the following pathfinders which are available in print at the Central Library or online at http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/. Writing Resumes and Cover Letters http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/images/uploads/pathfinders/resume_cover_letter.pdf Getting Canadian Work Experience http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/images/uploads/pathfinders/canadian_experience.pdf Networking for Employment http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/images/uploads/pathfinders/networking.pdf Learn More About Working in BC and Canada http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/images/uploads/pathfinders/learn_more_about_seeking_ further.pdf 13`
5. Getting Help from Industry Sources Industry Associations There are many associations for computer and software engineers in BC and Canada. These associations provide assistance to individuals working in the engineering profession. Some require paying a fee for membership. Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists of BC (APEGBC) http://www.apeg.bc.ca/ The licensing and regulatory body responsible for BC s more than 24,000 engineers and geoscientists. BC Technology Industry Association (BCTIA) http://www.bctia.org A not-for-profit, industry-funded organization. The BCTIA has more than 2,100 member companies that range from startups to market leaders. Association of Consulting Engineers Companies of British Columbia http://www.acec-bc.ca/ The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies British Columbia, (ACEC- BC) formerly known as the Consulting Engineers of BC (CEBC), is BC s provincial association of engineering consulting firms. Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC) http://www.eic-ici.ca/ A federation of technical societies that promotes continuing education and technical professional development in the Canadian engineering community. Engineers Canada http://www.engineerscanada.ca/ Engineers Canada is the national organization of the 12 provincial and territorial associations that regulate the practice of engineering in Canada and license the country's more than 160,000 professional engineers. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Canada (IEEE Canada) http://www.ieee.ca/ http://vancouver.ieee.ca/ Vancouver Chapter An organization representing electrical, electronics, and computer engineers. Society of Internationally Trained Engineers of British Columbia (SITE) http://www.sitebc.ca/ An independent, non-profit society founded in 04 to represent the interests of British Columbia s internationally trained engineering community. 14`
Society of Punjabi Engineers and Technologists of British Columbia http://www.speatbc.org/ SPEATBC represents all disciplines including Electrical, Computer, Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, Environmental, Metallurgical Engineers, and all Applied Science Technologists and Technicians. Industry Journals Search the Vancouver Public Library catalogue for journals related to your profession. www.vpl.ca Examples at the Central Library include: ComputerWorld Canada http://www.itworldcanada.com/publication/computerworld Canadian Consulting Engineer Available at VPL Central Library, 6.5 C212 and online at: http://www.canadianconsultingengineer.com/ Innovation: Journal of the Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists of BC Available at VPL Central Library, 6.5 B86 and online at: https://www.apeg.bc.ca/resources/news-and-publications/innovation-magazine/innovation- Past-Issues Questions? Please ask the Information Staff in the Central Library, Vancouver Public Library or telephone 604-331-3624. Please note that the information in this guide is also available online through the Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre website at http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/ 15`