EE Question: what to specialize in?

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>So here is my situation:</p>

<p>I am a senior EE major with one more semester left (Fall 2011) and still undecided on what to specialize in.</p>

<p>I am currently taking a power systems (transformer/transmission line modeling, fault analysis, etc.) course and I find it very, very boring. But I would only have to take one more power systems course in the fall to complete the track. </p>

<p>However, I can still complete the electromagnetic track next semester. However my schedule would be much tougher. I would probably take Applied EM theory, RF & Microwave wireless systems, and antenna engineering.</p>

<p>While interest is important to me, salary is too. Is there a big difference in starting salary for a power systems engineer vs. RF or Antenna engineer. What about mid-career and ceiling salary? And what are the job prospects?</p>

<p>Also, any thoughts about the course load? Any advice is welcome. Thanks!</p>

2

<ol>
<li><p>I think E&M is one of the hardest concentrations (esp. in terms of math), while power systems is one of the easiest</p></li>
<li><p>Power systems probably has the most jobs, and the most job security! …But it probably pays lower than other concentrations.</p></li>
<li><p>E&M may not have as many job openings, but if you get some wireless circuit designer job at Qualcomm, BroadCom, etc, you’ll probably make a lot of money.</p></li>
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