Programming jobs / academic advice

[subarctic]

Good morning!

If this kind of question is not allowed, please ignore or delete this post. I have read previous discussions but would like comments based on my situation.

I liked studying math and thought engineering would be a good career. After three years studying for a bachelors in electrical engineering, I am bored with both classes and work as an engineering intern. I do not feel mentally engaged.

The bright spots were programming in C for two courses and adapting an old C program at work, which is why I came here for advice. What roles exist for programmers today? Would my EE degree be useful?

Thank you. If I can clarify anything, please ask.

[stahta01]

I would guess Embedded programming might match your EE degree and C programming.

[Matticus]

As Tim mentioned, embedded programming might suit your interests well.

Perhaps you should look into industrial electronics, where you might be able to find a position that is a nice connection between Electrical Engineering (which I assume you have some interest in, if that's your major) and programming.

That's part of my job - designing digital circuit boards for systems, and programming the devices that go onto them. And writing computer software to communicate with some of those boards.

[laserlight]

*Moved to General Discussions*

[subarctic]

Thanks for the replies, and for moving this to a more appropriate location.

I will check out embedded programming opportunities. Using my EE degree is not a big deal, but if it is an asset in certain fields I will try to take advantage of that.

[cyberfish]

I was in a similar situation.

Graduated with an EE degree, and I really enjoyed doing electronics and it's a lot of fun, but ultimately I didn't find it challenging enough (in the way I like to be challenged).

I am now working as a software developer, and will be going back to school for Master's (in CS) next year (nothing to do with finding jobs - I am already very competitive for software jobs and have no trouble getting them).

Did take a few additional CS courses when I was in school, though. Some of them counted as electives for EE (that depends on school/department). I also did software development for most of my internships.

[Click_here]

I graduated with a Bach of EE and loved designing electronics - By chance I ended up doing industry placement with an Embedded Engineer.

At this industry placement I got to design a power circuit, design a circuit for a microcontroller, and then program the microcontroller.

I have to admit, the C programming was great: If you found a bug, you didn't have to reprint a circuit!

When I graduated, I seeked a role in Embedded Systems and got to do lots of programming (using C) and design circuits around the microprocessors.

Now days I also write programs in C#.

Because I am continuing my learning in a new field, I am feeling very rewarded. I know that I will never be a "laserlight" or a "Salem", but I like to think that I can write a good reliable program.

My advice is to continue learning about electronics, but also start learning C.