<p>Hi, I am currently about to enter my EE major, but am having second thoughts about whether it is the right major. I chose EE because I was very interested in physics (moreso theoretical stuff, but general as well), and I have always been curious about circuits and amplifiers. In addition, it is a very broad field with specializations that seem rather interesting, and lastly, money IS a concern.</p>
<p>However, I've been reading up on some forums online, and a large number of people seem to find some EE courses extremely uninteresting and have thus changed majors (to CS, etc.). What are your experiences with EE? I know it is a demanding major, but am willing to put all my effort into it if I find it interesting. In addition, what are the jobs like? Are they creative/design-oriented? Would I expect to sit in a cubicle all day or would I be doing hands-on stuff? And if I were to sit in a cubicle all day, what exactly would I be doing?</p>
<p>Lastly, for the sake of curiosity, what specializations of EE are the highest-paying?</p>
<p>I apologize for all the questions, but I am extremely anxious for some feedback and advice. Thank you.</p>
<p>There's a lot of specializations of EE and some of them are incredibly dull, while others are fascinating as hell. For me, I love computer engineering and circuits, but i hate electromagnetics and communications. Circuits is the main emphasis though, so you should have a deep interest in that if you want to succeed.</p>
<p>I'd recommend taking a few classes and seeing how that goes.</p>
<p>Oh, and I <em>think</em> Computer Engineering pays the highest.</p>
<p>It depends on the job, there are EE jobs that fit all those descriptions in your questions. There are EE's who work in the lab doing hands on work all day and there are some sitting at a desk writing requirements all day. You would look for a job that fit you the best. EE is a big field so you can concentrate in something that you are interested in.</p>
<p>thanks for all the responses. Can anyone with experience give their opinion or describe what they do? Also, what specializations are the fastest-growing? I'm kind of interested in sustainable energy, for example, solar panels, but not really sure what areas to focus on. Also..</p>
<p>how does the power industry look for electrical engineers?
nanotechnology?
research vs. development jobs?</p>
<p>electrical engineering is a very broad field. some examples of the specializations include:</p>
<p>Electronic Circuits and Systems
Electronic Devices and Materials
Controls and Systems Theory
Machine Intelligence
Communication Systems
Photonics
Networks
Queuing Systems
Computer Design
Software Systems</p>
<p>In order: Growing fast, Very high, Starting to pick up momentum(mainly in relation with renewable energy[Nanosolar], electronics[photonic computing in leading industrial R&D labs], biotechnology[Genentech])</p>
<p>I just started electrical engineering. I chose the major pretty arbitrarily. When I started, I didn't have strong feelings for it. However, I've found it to be very fascinating. My classes (and talking with professors and grad students) have made me much more interested in pursuing a career in EE. My interest my drop in the future as I take more classes, but it seems like designing circuits can be fun.</p>