Computer Science Engineering is all about how computers work; the mechanics and electronics of computers, and the creation of computer programmes. IT is about working with computers, learning how to use (and not create) software, and applying computer technology to realistic situations.

For example: an IT consultant would hire a computer engineer to design fax modem software to replace hardware faxes within an organisation's offices.

Dear Fasi,

Firstly, I'm in my final year BE-CSE and I'm not an expert in CSE. So take all my words with a pinch of salt.

IT and CSE are 'almost' equal in terms of opportunities, except the fact that the former has latter has more opportunities than the former.

CSE is learning about programming languages and 'internals' of computer like Operating system, Microprocessor,etc. Whereas IT is all about the 'application' of CSE like Flash,etc.
They try to 'implement' in real-time applications what we(CSE) find.

But I'm sure that CSE is more competitive than IT. For eg., we have better placement opportunities for CSE than IT. Some companies come specifically for recruiting CSE.
It shouldn't bring you down, as the sky is the limit for both CSE and IT in terms of opportunities.

Best of luck for your bright IT future,
Praveen.

Hi everybody,

I totally agree with what FASI and BVPRAVEEN said. Viewpoints of experienced people would be of great help to all of us, especially students (I too, am a student). However, I think, saying that a particular field in the vast and fast growing area of CSE is better, or more competitive than another field may confuse and even daunt some students. I think, going for a specific area depends upon one's understanding capability. I'm reading computer and Iformation technology, and as FASI pointed out, we have subjects related to hardware, including networking, OS and a bunch of subject related to information system and programming languages. Generally one chooses his area of specialization, base on what he/she thinks he/she understands the best, or based on the current job requirements.

As regards with that, the need of Computer Engineers and that of IT practitionners, varies from busness to busness, company to company, and above all, from country to country.
For example, I'm from Cameroon, and IT practionners are nowadays more demanded that Computer Engineers in Cameroon. The situation is as follow: whenever a company is born, it'll hire 4-5 network Engineers, to set up its network, and when the job is done, only one of them will be maintained in the company. However, the Busness will hire 2-3 DBAs, 2-3 system analysts, 2-3 developpers/programmers, permanently. This is the general scenario, and the number of employees depends on the size of the company, but the point is, the number of IT practitionners will always be greater than that of CSE...and I'm sorry to say that, sometimes, only one guy is hired to do the whole job.

The situation may be different in Asia (India , Bangladesh ) , Europe, or USA. So I think, competition between CS Eng and IT practionners is country and needs-dependent. But every one has to go for what he/she thinks he/she is good at.