What do you do if you want to gain practical experience in computer engineering?

1 Join a project or a club

One of the easiest and most fun ways to gain practical experience in computer engineering is to join a project or a club that matches your interests and goals. For example, you could join a robotics club, a hacker space, a maker space, or a coding challenge platform. These are great opportunities to work on real-world problems, collaborate with other enthusiasts, and learn from mentors and peers. You can also showcase your projects on your portfolio, resume, or social media.

2 Take online courses or certifications

Another way to gain practical experience in computer engineering is to take online courses or certifications that offer hands-on learning and feedback. There are many platforms and providers that offer courses and certifications in various aspects of computer engineering, such as programming languages, algorithms, data structures, operating systems, embedded systems, networks, security, and more. Some of these courses and certifications are free or low-cost, while others may require a fee or a subscription. However, they all provide you with valuable skills and credentials that can boost your confidence and employability.

3 Volunteer or intern

A third way to gain practical experience in computer engineering is to volunteer or intern for an organization, company, or project that needs your skills and expertise. Volunteering or interning can help you gain exposure to real-world scenarios, challenges, and solutions in computer engineering. You can also network with professionals, mentors, and potential employers, and learn from their feedback and guidance. Volunteering or interning can also help you discover your passions, strengths, and weaknesses, and refine your career goals and aspirations.

5 Participate in competitions or hackathons

A fifth way to gain practical experience in computer engineering is to participate in competitions or hackathons that challenge your skills and knowledge in computer engineering. Competitions or hackathons are events where you have to design, develop, and test a hardware or software solution within a limited time frame and with certain constraints. Competitions or hackathons can help you improve your technical, teamwork, and communication skills, as well as your speed, accuracy, and quality. You can also win prizes, recognition, and opportunities for further development or collaboration.

6 Read books, blogs, and podcasts

A sixth way to gain practical experience in computer engineering is to read books, blogs, and podcasts that cover topics, trends, and best practices in computer engineering. Reading books, blogs, and podcasts can help you expand your knowledge and perspective, and keep up with the latest developments and innovations in computer engineering. You can also learn from the experiences, insights, and advice of experts, leaders, and influencers in computer engineering. Reading books, blogs, and podcasts can also inspire you to explore new ideas, concepts, and techniques in computer engineering.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?