Engineering and Computer Science

Discover career opportunities for Engineering and Computer Science graduates in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, AI, or mechatronics.

Studying Engineering, whether that be Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics, Software Engineering, or completing a degree in Computer Science, can prepare you for many roles in the rapidly evolving science and tech industries.

Learn the fundamentals of software development by studying Computer Science

As a Computer Science graduate, you will learn the building blocks of software development. You will be able to write code, design, and use complex algorithms. You will also create software models, user interfaces, and web services.

Develop software infrastructure and create system architectures

If you are a Software Engineering graduate, you will have learned to develop and maintain software infrastructures and apply the practices used in industry. You can envision system architectures, produce system specifications, and plan development projects.

AI graduates develop tools, techniques, and skills to apply fast-changing technologies

AI graduates will develop knowledge about AI concepts, techniques, and tools alongside programming skills to build problem-solving software. You will be set up for a career in AI architecture, computer vision, data analysis, machine learning, robotics, or a role that has not yet been invented. You will have the skills and experience to contribute to AI-based advances that impact our economy, environment, health, and daily life.

Provide an essential service to protect technologies in cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Engineering graduates have the practical, technical, and theoretical knowledge needed to protect computers, data, programs, and networks from attack and unauthorised access.

Develop mechatronic devices using  cutting-edge software and hardware

Electrical and Electronic Engineering graduates will have studied core theories in maths, physics, and computer science, and learn skills in area such as signals processing, systems analysis, and mechatronics. Mechatronics Engineering graduates will have gained hands-on experience with both hardware and software components while developing sophisticated mechatronic devices. You will know how to work in groups that are reflective of the small-to-medium enterprises that populate the industry in New Zealand and Australia, and these skills will also be highly portable to other countries.

Roles and career pathways

As an Engineering and Computer Science graduate, you will have knowledge, theory, and practical skills, including industry experience gained during your studies. You may start in a graduate or summer internship programme in a wide range of organisations. With experience and skill development, you can progress into more senior roles.

Graduates can have careers in a range of exciting jobs in areas such as:

  • advanced research
  • artificial intelligence
  • computer-game design
  • computer graphics
  • cybersecurity
  • electric power
  • healthcare
  • mechatronics
  • mobile communications
  • multimedia programming
  • renewable energy
  • robotics
  • web innovation

In the early stages of career, your role title could be one of the following:

  • graduate developer
  • systems engineer
  • software engineer
  • technician
  • test analyst
  • business analyst
  • systems designer
  • systems architect

Security intelligence and cybersecurity

If you are a Computer Science graduate who also focused on cybersecurity, or an Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering graduate who focused on systems engineering and network engineering you could work in technical roles in a wide range of organisations, including New Zealand’s intelligence community or cybersecurity firms.

Artificial intelligence and data science

As an Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Computer Science graduate, you have completed courses such as natural language processing, artificial intelligence, data compression, and machine learning. You could work with the technologies used in smartphones, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and develop and implement systems used in advanced manufacturing, food production, healthcare, and surveillance and security.

Mechatronics, electronic and software systems engineering

Graduates of Electrical and Electrical Engineering and/or Mechatronics work as network engineers, broadband and radio developers in specialist fields such as smart technology, ICT engineering, electronics, and cybersecurity. They can also progress to roles such as embedded systems engineer, recovery system engineer, a Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer for organisations such as Rocketlab.

Postgraduate study in Computer Science or Engineering can lead to research or specialist careers

Postgraduate study, normally a PhD, can lead to research and teaching at the tertiary level. Students completing postgraduate qualifications can often tutor or work as session assistants, gaining experience and understanding in teaching and learning.

A postgraduate qualification in Engineering or Mathematics could also lead to possibilities such as NASA International Internship Programme in NASA, California.

Completing a postgraduate qualification in secondary teaching may lead to roles teaching Computer Science, Maths and other sciences. See Teaching and check with the Victoria University of Wellington Faculty of Education for entry requirements.

Graduate career stories

Valerie Chan

Valerie Chan

Solving complex technical and human problems are key to Valerie’s success studying postgraduate Computer Science and as a data scientist.
Giuliano Serrao

Giuliano Serrao

A Classics degree and a Master of Software Development provide Giuliano with a combination of empathy, communication, and technical skills.

Where Engineering and Computer Science graduates work

Engineering and Computer Science graduates work in all sectors, including film, media and entertainment, education, quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, nanotechnology, sustainable energy systems, smart materials, wearable technology, immersive realities, medicine and health care, food production, the built environment, travel and space exploration, and the creative arts. The skills of Software and Computer Science graduates are highly valued by employers from private enterprises and government agencies to not-for-profits.

Recent Engineering and Computer Science graduates work in organisations such as:

Build relevant skills and experience

Bachelor of Engineering students complete 800 hours of industry experience as a course requirement to meet the requirements of Engineering NZ.

Engineering and Computer Science students can begin working part-time before completing their degrees and secure a graduate job offer as a direct result of their work experience and networks. For more details, find out more about accreditations and affiliations with engineering, IT, and computing research organisations.

While many employers in the sector recruit students directly for their internships, there are also established programmes. For example, you can apply for a Te Herenga Waka Summer Research Programme, where you work alongside an academic on a research project.
Summer of Tech matches employers in need of talent with students seeking summer or part-time work.

Make career connections

Engineering and Computer Science students have access to mentoring, employer-led workshops, boot-camps, and technical competitions that provide opportunities to connect with employers and prepare for different workplaces. They can also engage with industry leaders in national events such as Techweek.

The Engineering Club offers opportunities to build networks and people skills through gaming marathons, tech-related competitions, and exam tutorials.

VUW Women in Tech run events and opportunities for networking for STEM students across the University.

IT Professionals of New Zealand offers student membership, with opportunities for networking, making professional contacts and increasing your employability.