What do computer engineers actually do?

I'm considering a major in computer engineering, but I'm not fully sure what computer engineers do daily. Could anyone explain the main tasks they're responsible for and what their work environment is typically like?

Computer engineers often meld the world of hardware and software, focusing on how the two intersect and interact. They can typically be divided into two categories: software engineers and hardware engineers.

Software engineers may design, develop, and test software applications or systems-level software. In practice, this could mean developing new computing languages; designing user-facing applications and their under-the-hood optimizations; or writing and maintaining the software that drives entire computing systems, whether in machines, networks, or the cloud.

Hardware engineers, on the other hand, deal with the physical components of computing systems. They may design, develop, and test computer components like processors, circuit boards, networks, and memory devices. This could involve the creation of new hardware, optimizing existing hardware, or integrating hardware components into larger networked systems.

A computer engineering work environment could vary based on the type of employer and the specific role. Many computer engineers work in office settings, often in teams. Some may work with clients or other departments within their company to understand their needs and develop and implement the necessary technology solutions. There's often a degree of problem-solving and creative thinking required. In terms of hours, while some engineers work a standard 9-to-5 schedule, others might work longer hours or be on-call to troubleshoot emergent issues.

Overall, computer engineering is a dynamic and exciting field with plenty of opportunities for specialists and generalists alike!