My formal title now is "Mad Inventor". I invent and entertain to make others see technology as magic. I use aspects of my history as a circus performer, professional whistler, roboticist, and inventor to bridge the gap between art and engineering by inventing, producing and selling an array of technological amusements and games; creating and hosting “immersive” private or community events; and producing “interactive theater” featuring puzzles, performances and video-propelled competitions.
CAREER
Computer Systems Engineers / Architects
Overview
Salary Median (2023)
$104,920
Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)
+5.7% (as fast as the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Computer Systems Engineers / Architects Do
Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.
Other Job Titles Computer Systems Engineers / Architects May Have
Infrastructure Engineer, IT Architect (Information Technology Architect), IT Engineer (Information Technology Engineer), Network and Infrastructure Engineer, Solutions Architect, Systems Application Engineer, Systems Architect, Systems Consultant, Systems Engineer, Web Architect
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
I spend most of my time having conversations with customers and understanding their needs. This can be a combination of conference calls or on-site meetings. During our conversations, we could be discussing an upcoming project / initiative or I could be demonstrating an AWS service that is of interest to them.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Communicate with staff or clients to understand specific system requirements.
- Investigate system component suitability for specified purposes, and make recommendations regarding component use.
- Provide customers or installation teams guidelines for implementing secure systems.
- Direct the analysis, development, and operation of complete computer systems.
- Direct the installation of operating systems, network or application software, or computer or network hardware.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Computer Systems Engineers / Architects
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Post-secondary certificate (41%)
Post-secondary certificate
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video...
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Information Technology
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Get involved in every sort of activity on and off campus that tickle one of your broad interests. Constantly challenge your creativity!
Aside from a technical background, it's critical to have the ability to listen and effectively communicate in a prescriptive manner based on the conversation.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
Get involved in different interactive technology programs or take classes that fall under this. Getting a wide variety of technical knowledge is extremely valuable.
Take whatever technology (computer) classes offered. Find a mentor. ASK questions. The path may not lead directly to a job in the Mainframe environment, but there are so many directions one can choose. Don't forget you can also change direction.
While an undergraduate degree is always helpful, I recommend focusing on what type of learner you are and finding educational resources that support you. Certifications have always worked better for me because it focuses on industry importance and principles. I'm also a visual learner so workshops and university classes were helpful in learning important technical concepts.
College Students
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 29.2 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
