We surveyed 898 computer systems engineers to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical computer systems engineer. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a computer systems engineer?
Low
High
Working as a computer systems engineer typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that computer systems engineers are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.
Can I learn to become a computer systems engineer?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a computer systems engineer typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a computer systems engineer?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a computer systems engineer. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for computer systems engineers.
Do computer systems engineers work full-time or part-time?
90% of computer systems engineers work in full-time roles while 10% work part-time.
Is being a computer systems engineer stressful?
Low
High
Stress is not uncommon amongst computer systems engineers, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.
Is being organized important as a computer systems engineer?
Low
High
Some level of organization is generally required to be a computer systems engineer.
How competitive is the workplace for computer systems engineers?
Low
High
Computer systems engineers tend to see lots of competition in the workplace, with desire to get ahead of co-workers being common.
Does being a computer systems engineer require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Computer systems engineers will have to sometimes face time pressure on the job.
Are computer systems engineers allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Computer systems engineers are afforded a certain level of ability to express themselves creatively, compared to other careers.
Do computer systems engineers have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally computer systems engineers will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.
Is being a computer systems engineer physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as a computer systems engineers is not the most physically demanding of careers, falling in the bottom half of all careers.
Are computer systems engineers exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Computer systems engineers tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being a computer systems engineer require attention to detail?
Low
High
As in many careers, attention to detail is quite helpful for computer systems engineers.
Does being a good computer systems engineer require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as computer systems engineers.