Computer Engineering major + working full time?

<p>I just recently transfer to FSU from central Florida and graduating from a community college with my A.A focused in engineering and staying there for another year taking more pre-req classes before transferring.</p>

<p>I transfered up here in January and struggled just to pay bills (I'm not one of the lucky ones with wealthy parents.) I got a job with a doctor up here working various jobs, but mostly focused in IT around the office, and then just last month I got a full time, career service job, with the state of Florida working at the Department of Transportation's headquarters central office in IT.</p>

<p>I was registered for 2 classes this summer, the final 2 classes I need to get out of the way before getting out of FSU's 'pre-engineering' category and able to go into my intended, more focused engineering curriculum of Computer Engineering. I had to drop those 2 classes because my job required I attend an entire week long training, 8 hours a day, without breaks. I'm now trying to pick it back up for Fall and I'm being forewarned by the Engineering advisor at FSU that he "does NOT recommend me hold a full time job and do engineering courses".</p>

<p>Right now I've got all of the calculus out of the way (I, II, III), Diff EQ, and Chemistry. I need both physics I and II w/ calc I and II and one more math class (either engineering math II or linear algebra.) Currently I'm enrolled for COP3330 (Object Oriented Programming 3 credit hrs) and COP3353 (Intro to Unix 1 credit hr.) Worth noting, I don't have programming experience at all except dabbling on my own with VB, but not for very long. I understand it somewhat, but not in depth. I know it's all about syntax and stuff though</p>

<p>Is it possible, and I don't mean like, the top students that go to MIT type possible. Is it practical and feasible to make this work? Is it practical and feasible to make a 2 class limit per semester work?</p>

<p>My boss said I can come in anytime from 6:30am to 5:30pm - so I have 11 hrs to work with</p>

<p>Is it possible for you to audit the courses now (sit in on a few classes) to get a feel for it and workload so you can make a better informed decision?</p>

<p>I’m not sure. I can ask. Is it going to be an accurate idea given I’m coming in at the end of the semester?</p>

<p>Thanks for the quick response!</p>

<p>My 1st 3 semester at CC were about 12-14 credits with a 35 hrs job 11am-7pm. Some semesters I told them that I couldn’t come in til 12… and there was a semester that I had to leave work at 5:30.<br>
Then it got easier 4th and 5th semester as I didn’t have much remaining class left averaging about 9-12 credits. As far as doable, I think it’s possible… </p>

<p>I’m at 3.51 GPA with about 71 credits the last 2 years … waiting for Fall 2013 semester to start at Texas Tech for PetE. Good luck. I have 3 kids by the way, 4,6, and 8 years old being only 25. (So work is a must, and it’s all I’ve done since 17) WORK HARD!</p>

<p>It’s very possible to take two classes while working full-time. You won’t have much time for anything else, though, and burn-out is a real possibility.</p>

<p>I went to grad school at night for an engineering masters while I worked full-time. All I seemed to do for two years was eat, sleep, go to work, and do school work.</p>

<p>If it help any, any class you think you can do online and “teach” yourself will be beneficial. I took online class for classes I needed that didn’t fit my work schedule. i.e. Govt, Hist, Cal III. The math was actually easier for me online because resources (google, notes) where it would not be allowed at a lecture-setting. Good luck.</p>

<p>I’d also suggest you start with just ONE course and this job to see how it goes. I do think seeing the course now, as its getting harder will give you a more accurate feel for what the courses are like. Working full time while taking classes is done by many, but it does require good discipline and organization.</p>

<p>I worked 40 hours a week my last two semesters. Really depend on the job and how much work you can do. I often studied on my breaks or when work was slow. Working full time denies you the luxury of being able to cram. So you would have to plan out your studying ahead of time. With that said my GPA took a slight dip last two semesters. Usually around a 3.3 each semester when to a 3.1 but work and going to school was pretty much my only option. Plus the work experience would make up for a lower GPA when you start your job hunt for your career.</p>

<p>Thanks for all the replies and words of encouragement!</p>

<p>I think I am going to go ahead with the 2 classes I am scheduled with and see how it goes. My job is willing to work with me a bit, and thankfully, it’s also a state job so I can potentially get some classes paid for.</p>

<p>Thanks again guys!</p>