Every organization has a variety of technology systems that require maintenance and further development. If you’re looking for a career with growth opportunities, becoming a systems engineer may be the right choice for you.

The job requires a strong technical foundation, which can be obtained through a bachelor’s degree. However, learning doesn’t just end with a diploma, especially in a developing field. There are various ways to keep yourself competitive in the journey towards taking on this professional role.

Read this comprehensive guide on how to become a systems engineer to help you start.

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A systems engineer is a tech professional in charge of designing, implementing, and maintaining information technology systems. They work with various departments and are commonly the primary point of contact between the manager and the rest of the employees.

Systems engineering is a combination of engineering and management. Systems engineers play an important role in the computer world. They are known to wear many hats in the industry.

To become a systems engineer, you should attend a university and get a bachelor’s degree. Most companies prefer hiring candidates with such a degree because it shows they have the basic knowledge to be a systems engineer. A master’s degree can also be helpful in this field.

Programs in the tech field such as computer engineering, information systems, or web development are popular degrees for systems engineers. However, it is possible to be a systems engineer without a degree. Some employers will accept an associate degree, certifications, training, or relevant work experience.

There are numerous education tracks to choose from. With the availability of courses, colleges, and bootcamps, systems engineers have many options for building their foundation.

Community colleges are known for providing two-year degrees. This is helpful for students who want an easier transition to a four-year education. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition cost for state residents in a two-year degree is approximately $3,300 per year.

Systems engineers usually have at least a bachelor’s degree in a technical field such as computer science or computer engineering. Some senior-level positions require a master’s degree. Depending on the college, some students have the option of completing their degrees online or on campus.

According to the NCES, the average tuition and fees for a four-year degree program in a public university are approximately $9,000 per year. For out-of-state students, this is approximately $26,000. Although university is expensive, it will be worth it in the long run.

Bootcamps are training crash courses, usually designed for those who already have basic knowledge and some professional experience. They usually complement prior training by further developing fundamental skills and knowledge. Bootcamps are not designed to provide the same depth and scope that a degree can.

It is important to check the programs and training offered by each bootcamp to ensure it is relevant to your field. There are many in-depth coding bootcamp reviews that can give you the information you need to make a decision.

There are many basic and professional courses available for the systems engineering field. These courses are usually industry-specific and provide a deeper dive into fields like cyber security, data analytics, and systems analysis.

Coursera, an online learning platform, offers extensive training for system engineers. The platform partners with private institutions to teach job-specific skills. The majority of courses are available for free, but certain features like certificates and mentorship require a small fee.

You should plan your pathway to becoming a systems engineer early. Choosing the right school and courses will equip you with the much-needed foundational skills. You’ll need to start soon, especially if you’re looking to work in specialized industries such as aerospace, AI, or robotics.

These are the few basic steps you can take to become a systems engineer.

Although systems engineers can work alone, most are required to work with other departments. Due to the nature of their work, they are expected to have a balance of soft skills and hard skills to excel in the workplace.

Below are some of the key systems engineering skills you should have.

Your salary as a systems engineer depends on the industry you’re in. Certain industries will have more demand than others, but the overall growth for this career is stable. PayScale reports that the average salary of a systems engineer is approximately $76,466.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that computer systems job opportunities will grow by four percent by 2029. This is the same as the national average. Although systems engineering isn’t growing exponentially, it still has a steady rate.

Entry-level systems engineers are sometimes known as junior systems engineers. The qualifications you need generally include a degree and substantial programming knowledge. As this is an entry-level position, previous work experience might not be necessary. Knowing common programming languages such as C++ and Java will also be helpful.

Systems engineers perform many tasks on the job. The role of a systems engineer varies based on the company they work for. They generally use computerized systems to keep track of the moving parts within their organizations.

Some key responsibilities of a systems engineer are described below.

Systems engineers can obtain formal certifications confirming their demonstrated knowledge, education, and experience. Various institutions and professional bodies offer these certifications, including the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). Below is a list of certifications that INCOSE offers.

The Associate Systems Engineering Professional certification is the first level of certification for recent graduates. An ASEP has a basic understanding of systems engineering but lacks work experience. The requirement to get this certification is passing the knowledge examination.

This is one of the most sought-after certifications for systems engineers. A CSEP is a systems engineer who has demonstrated knowledge and work experience in more than one job. This certification requires a minimum of five years of work experience, three references, and a passing grade on the knowledge examination.

This certification is for those who have at least 25 years of work experience in systems engineering. An ESEP has demonstrated substantial experience and technical leadership. Instead of an examination, eligible recipients will be subject to a peer review panel.

Preparing for a systems engineering job interview is just like prepping for any other interview. Make sure your resume is free of mistakes and you have read about the company that’s interviewing you beforehand.

Systems engineers need the necessary skills to solve problems, work with multiple teams, and handle difficult situations. You may be asked how you would manage a difficult situation or solve a challenging problem at work. So, have some specific work experiences to mind that you can share with the hiring manager.

The time it takes to become a systems engineer depends on your education pathway. As most companies require entry-level systems engineers to have a bachelor’s degree, the most common timeframe is four years.

If you decide to attend a bootcamp or community college, it can take an average of 18 months to two years for completion. This timeline doesn’t include additional training if you choose to specialize in an industry or transfer your credits to a four-year program.

Yes, you should become a systems engineer in 2021. Systems engineering jobs continue to be in high demand. If you are interested in computer software and are proficient in designing specific solutions for problems, this career may be a good choice for you.

Along with certain experiences enhancing professional development, a formal education makes the journey easier. Given that many opportunities for this are online, you can start pursuing this high-paying career from the comfort of your own home right now. There is no better time to become a systems engineer.