1 answer
Tim
Student
Sugar Land, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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How do I break into embedded systems and robotics as a computer engineering student with no professional experience yet?
I am an incoming freshman studying Computer Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, with a focus on embedded systems and robotics. I taught myself C++ outside of class and have a Python certification, but I have no internship or research experience yet. What should I prioritize in my first year to make myself competitive for internships in this field? Are there specific projects, clubs, or skills I should focus on early? #Spring26
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1 answer
Josep Antonio Perez
Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer
16
Answers
Reno, Nevada
Updated
Josep Antonio ’s Answer
Tim,
In my career, I have worked on several robotics projects, including AMRs (autonomous mobile robots), industrial robots, and collaborative six-axis robots. My background is not in computer science; however, I learned C++, and those programming fundamentals have helped me throughout my career. After graduating, I also learned Python and PLC programming languages such as ladder logic, function block, and structured text.
Robotics is heavily involved in the automation industry, and the programming skills I mentioned will help you progress if you develop them early in your academic career. As far as projects go, you can get involved in your school’s robotics clubs or work on your own benchtop robot builds.
A cool activity or hobby I would recommend—especially if you enjoy competing—is BattleBots. One of my most successful mentors told me this was something he did while in school, and it helped him build strong resume points as a student.
Hope this helps!
In my career, I have worked on several robotics projects, including AMRs (autonomous mobile robots), industrial robots, and collaborative six-axis robots. My background is not in computer science; however, I learned C++, and those programming fundamentals have helped me throughout my career. After graduating, I also learned Python and PLC programming languages such as ladder logic, function block, and structured text.
Robotics is heavily involved in the automation industry, and the programming skills I mentioned will help you progress if you develop them early in your academic career. As far as projects go, you can get involved in your school’s robotics clubs or work on your own benchtop robot builds.
A cool activity or hobby I would recommend—especially if you enjoy competing—is BattleBots. One of my most successful mentors told me this was something he did while in school, and it helped him build strong resume points as a student.
Hope this helps!