FAQs

Pursuing a Career in Systems Engineering? Here’s Everything You Need to Know…

If you’re thinking about a career in IT, you’ve probably already considered working as a systems engineer. ‘Systems engineer’ refers to various designations across a number of fields, so it’s easy to get confused if you’re not careful.

To clear the air an aid you on your quest for a job, we break down what it means to be a systems engineer.

What Does Being a Systems Engineer Entail?

Systems engineers play a key role in any organization. They ensure that the internal networks of the company function optimally and without any hitches. Since most of the work done in any business is stored on the company’s network, the systems engineer is integral to the functioning of the organization.

Another major role that systems engineers play is in information security. They keep tabs of the company’s communications and storage systems and make sure they are secure. This is a valuable service to the business and an integral requirement for the proper functioning of the workplace.

Systems engineers are required in any organization that has information systems. This includes both private and government sectors and covers companies that deal with healthcare, IT, finance, and various other things.

Depending on the size of the organization, systems engineers might work alone or with a team. They are tasked with developing, upgrading, and maintaining the intra-company network. Let’s take a look at what jobs in systems engineering involve.

What Systems Engineers Actually Do?

As a systems engineer, you’ll be working in a field that melds math, computer science, and business. This might sound overly complicated, but once you’ve learned the concepts involves, it’s actually straightforward and engaging.

Your work timings as a systems engineer will usually follow the rest of the company’s pattern. That being said, if there is an emergency, like a bug that affects the workings of the rest of the organization, you’ll have to step up and work till it’s fixed.

Since you will be dealing with a lot of software, you’ll need to know a number of major coding languages well enough to work with them.

Qualifications and Certifications That Systems Engineers Require

If you want to work as a systems engineer, you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering or a related discipline like computer science.

To beef up your resume and improve your chances of getting hired, you can obtain officially recognized certifications. These serve as proof of your skills as a systems engineer and will greatly improve your chances of landing a job.

If you don’t have a degree in a field related to systems engineering and have picked up everything you need to know by yourself, these certifications are especially handy. Some employers might consider the certification when you’re applying for the position of systems engineer but don’t have the required degree or experience. It is highly recommended to obtain a relevant degree though, because it will greatly increase your value to the company and make it easier to climb higher in the hierarchy. A master’s degree is also useful in the same way.

Some of the certifications that you can opt for include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE). Other certifications that you could pursue after CISSP include Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP), Information Systems Security Engineering Professional (ISSEP), and Information Systems Security Management Professional (ISSMP).

All of these have prerequisite requirements that you need to fulfil in order to be eligible.

What Skills Do Systems Engineers Need To Possess?

According to Payscale.com, knowledge of UNIX, Linux, VMware ESX, and virtualization will help your prospects in systems engineer jobs. Interpersonal skills are also important since you need to interact with people who have sound technical knowledge and laymen as well.

You will need to have a strong grasp on programming languages that the company’s systems run on.

What Is The Scope And Compensation For Systems Engineers?

Systems engineer careers are flourishing because systems engineers are widely sought after because every organization runs on systems that need regular maintenance, updating, and security. According to Payscale.com, the median salary for systems engineers is $66,246. The approximate maximum a systems engineer salary can go up to is $101,434 considering experience, expertise, and bonuses.

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