In order to become an application engineer, a person should first decide on a field in which to specialize. Application engineering is one of the broadest fields of engineering, so finding a niche is important. Some of the areas of concentration for application engineers include construction, electronics, programming, research, and development, as well and marketing in corporate settings. Professionals in this field can also work toward the improvement or maintenance of a product, equipment, or system. They may create computer application software to meet businesses' needs.
A bachelor's degree is often the minimum requirement to become an application engineer. Since the options within the field are so broad, many different degrees may be relevant. For example, in the business field, majors in business and management information systems may be positive choices; engineers who wish to work in the sciences may major in physical science, electrical or software engineering, or math. Degrees in computer science or information science are also well-suited to this field.
An internship can be a good experience for students who want to gain hands-on experience in the field. Sometimes, campus organizations can provide information about volunteer or internship opportunities. Individuals who will work with computer programming languages may find internships to be particularly useful.
In addition to education, a lot of the training required to become an application engineer can be done on the job. This is particularly true for individuals who will work in corporations or with specific product development, as they must learn the particulars of that product or company. Application engineers may be able to advance to management-level positions in some companies. Experience is key to careers in application engineering.
For higher level positions in this field, some people choose to pursue an advanced degree. For example, some master's programs offer degrees in application development, while other schools may offer certification courses. Even after graduating, continuing education seminars and programs can be beneficial for individuals seeking to become an application engineer.
Individuals who seek further specialization in the field may choose to become certified by an industry organization. For example, a Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP) certification and a Certified Software Development Associate (CSDA) certification are both offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Computer Society. Such certifications can increase the opportunities someone has to become an application engineer.