Questions for the EE/CE's out there!

Graduate School
1

<p>Hey all,</p>

<p>I am currently a junior majoring in electrical & computer engineering. Over the next year I will need to start shaping my education for my future career as an engineer. I know it is important to chose a focus that you enjoy, but I also want to make sure I have all the information necessary to make an informed decision. </p>

<p>The tracks my university offers are:
Systems, Signals & Communication
Optoelectronics
Computer Engineering and Networks
Materials & Devices
Robotics & Control
Energy Systems
RF Communications
Integrated Circuits
High Frequency Systems & Applied Electromagnetics</p>

<p>I would say the only one I have crossed off my list is materials & devices as it requires another year of chemistry (the only subject I do not enjoy). From you guys in industry, what are your opinions regarding these focuses. What did you chose and are you happy with your experiences in the working field?</p>

<p>I also have a question for those that went the graduate route. My university offers both M. Eng. and M. Sci degrees. The M. Eng program is 1 year with no thesis requirement and the M. Sci is a standard grad degree. For the M. Eng degree, followships/RA are not offered so I would bear the full financial burden whereas I would get full financial aid for my M. Sci degree (assuming my grades stay up and my research aligns with what the university is interested in). Essentially, I am wondering what the job outlook is for engineers that go the M. Sci route. I'm not so sure that research is where I want to end up so I am hesitant to jump on the M. Sci bandwagon. </p>

<p>Sorry for the long post. Any insight you have to offer is appreciated.</p>

<p>Thanks,</p>

<p>Jay </p>

2

<p>

You can have a good career in any of them, provided you enjoy the field and really work at it. </p>

<p>

I started off on the RF / applied E&M side and really liked it. It was a lot of time at a computer, but I also got into the lab and would have had some time in the field if I had stayed in that department.</p>

<p>After a few years, I was offered a great opportunity that came with a switch to the optical side, and took it. I have liked it even more than RF, but that has as much or more to do with the opportunity than the specifics of the specialty.</p>

<p>

In my experience, research tends to give you a better understanding of the subject and that leads to more professional competency which in turn leads to better career advancement in technical roles. For that reason, I recommend the research-based degree over the coursework-only degree when possible.</p>

<p>I would NOT recommend ever paying for a graduate degree in engineering, ESPECIALLY when it is a coursework-only masters. Why? Because unfunded research degrees don’t pay off, and because coursework-only degrees can almost always be financed by a decent employer.</p>