People- Careers

Customer services engineer

Employed by computer manufacturers and suppliers, computer retailers, computer bureaus and companies with large computer installations.

Key Tasks

Install and service computer equipment and software.
Repair (mechanical, electronic and software), carry out routine checks, upgrade equipment, and liaise with clients.

Personal Qualities

Need to be a good communicator, able to work under pressure and with minimal supervision. Must be able to combine "head" and "hand" ability, good with the hands and a logical thinker.

Entry Requirements

Because computer equipment varies from company to company, most firms train their own customer engineers. Entry requirements vary, but most firms will expect a tertiary qualification in either electronics or computer science.

Training

Tertiary qualifications gained at University or Polytechnic provide entry level requirements.
Most firms will then provide in-house training.

Prospects

Hardware and software consultancy, computer telecommunications and own business.

The Windows cure

There are three engineers in a car: an electrical engineer, a chemical engineer, and a software engineer. Suddenly the car stops by the side of the road, and the three engineers look at each other wondering what could go wrong.

The electrical engineer suggests stripping down the electronics of the car and trying to trace where the fault might have occurred.

The chemical engineer, not knowing much about cars suggests that maybe the fuel is becoming emulsified and getting blocked somewhere.

The software engineer, not knowing much about anything, comes up with a suggestion. "Why don't we close up all the windows, get out, get back in, open up the windows again, and maybe it will work?"