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What do you guys think is the hardest part about Electrical and Computer Engineering? Would love to hear your thoughts!
Like the question says, what do you think?
Personally, I'm a high school senior so all I can say so far is E&M. I'm taking AP Physics 2 and self-studying both the Physics C courses.
This basically gives me awareness because I like to take on challenges.
Feel free to say your thoughts!
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Clayton’s Answer
Electrical and computer engineering is an exciting field with lots to explore. You'll dive into areas like electromagnetism, analog circuits, digital design, and computer science. To really get the hang of it, mastering calculus and advanced engineering math is important. Developing strong study habits and managing your time well will help you succeed. Regular study each day makes a big difference, as cramming the night before an exam won't lead to top grades. With dedication and effort, you can do great things in this field!
John Easton CEng FIET FBCS CITP
Design large computer systems for companies
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John’s Answer
Hi Anael
I'm going to build upon Robert's answer above. And this is from a computer engineering perspective...
So, technology changes very quickly so you will need to be continuously learning. Your challenge here is twofold...
1). How do you learn enough about a topic to be useful quickly?
2). How do you avoid learning about things that are going to never take off or be superceded before they really hit the market?
My advice would be that you need to be able to learn a little bit about a lot of different things. Read widely and keep abreast of what is happening in the industry, but DO NOT invest any more time than to learn what something is, what it does and where you might use it. For the sake of example let's assume 10 new technologies at any point in time. IF someone asks you something about say 3 of these in a given month, or asks you to do something tangible with them, then it might be time to understand a LITTLE bit more about those three and to "deprioritise" the other seven a bit. Should a technology get "deprioritised" a few months in turn, then maybe it's not one to focus on any longer / be replaced by the next new thing. This approach avoids you wasting time investing in a new technology that is never going to make it.
In reality, as you get more experienced you will learn how much 'depth' you need initially and also think that none of this learning, even the things you decide not to progress, is never wasted and just adds to your breadth of knowledge. Personally, I would always prioritise 'breadth' over 'depth' when it comes to learning as this opens up more opportunities. You can develop depth IF YOU NEED TO. I've seen too many people become really expert in a given technology only to become surplus to requirements when that technology is replaced by something new.
I'm going to build upon Robert's answer above. And this is from a computer engineering perspective...
So, technology changes very quickly so you will need to be continuously learning. Your challenge here is twofold...
1). How do you learn enough about a topic to be useful quickly?
2). How do you avoid learning about things that are going to never take off or be superceded before they really hit the market?
My advice would be that you need to be able to learn a little bit about a lot of different things. Read widely and keep abreast of what is happening in the industry, but DO NOT invest any more time than to learn what something is, what it does and where you might use it. For the sake of example let's assume 10 new technologies at any point in time. IF someone asks you something about say 3 of these in a given month, or asks you to do something tangible with them, then it might be time to understand a LITTLE bit more about those three and to "deprioritise" the other seven a bit. Should a technology get "deprioritised" a few months in turn, then maybe it's not one to focus on any longer / be replaced by the next new thing. This approach avoids you wasting time investing in a new technology that is never going to make it.
In reality, as you get more experienced you will learn how much 'depth' you need initially and also think that none of this learning, even the things you decide not to progress, is never wasted and just adds to your breadth of knowledge. Personally, I would always prioritise 'breadth' over 'depth' when it comes to learning as this opens up more opportunities. You can develop depth IF YOU NEED TO. I've seen too many people become really expert in a given technology only to become surplus to requirements when that technology is replaced by something new.
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
The hardest part of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) is managing its complexity and breadth while applying abstract concepts to real-world problems. ECE involves advanced mathematics, circuits, electronics, and software, often all at once. Embedded systems are particularly challenging because they integrate hardware and software, requiring careful debugging of timing or memory issues.
Abstract concepts, such as Fourier transforms in signal processing, can also be difficult to grasp without hands-on experimentation. Projects like building a microcontroller-based sensor system require combining knowledge of electronics, programming, and communication, and lacking expertise in any area can make the system fail and troubleshooting much harder.
To overcome these challenges, practice consistently, stay updated with new developments, and apply what you learn. Collaborating with peers and tackling small, manageable projects can make complex topics more approachable. Since you enjoy challenges, pursue ECE, do not let fear hold you back. Although demanding, facing these challenges builds strong problem-solving skills, prepares you to handle rapidly evolving technology, and opens many career opportunities.
Abstract concepts, such as Fourier transforms in signal processing, can also be difficult to grasp without hands-on experimentation. Projects like building a microcontroller-based sensor system require combining knowledge of electronics, programming, and communication, and lacking expertise in any area can make the system fail and troubleshooting much harder.
To overcome these challenges, practice consistently, stay updated with new developments, and apply what you learn. Collaborating with peers and tackling small, manageable projects can make complex topics more approachable. Since you enjoy challenges, pursue ECE, do not let fear hold you back. Although demanding, facing these challenges builds strong problem-solving skills, prepares you to handle rapidly evolving technology, and opens many career opportunities.
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hi Anael,
After learning the basics in college and internships, the hardest (and actually the most fun part for me) was staying up-to-date. You should subscribe to and read “trade journals”—these are magazines about your specialties in engineering and computing. Take courses occasionally. Attend IEEE group meetings near you. This keeps you at the leading edge of technology, which you can incorporate in your daily engineering projects. By using upcoming new devices and software, I was able to constantly make my task results more useful compared to others who only kept using the same old stuff. This can pay off big time in your career. Enjoy your adventure!
After learning the basics in college and internships, the hardest (and actually the most fun part for me) was staying up-to-date. You should subscribe to and read “trade journals”—these are magazines about your specialties in engineering and computing. Take courses occasionally. Attend IEEE group meetings near you. This keeps you at the leading edge of technology, which you can incorporate in your daily engineering projects. By using upcoming new devices and software, I was able to constantly make my task results more useful compared to others who only kept using the same old stuff. This can pay off big time in your career. Enjoy your adventure!