3 answers
Isamar
Student
Grand Terrace, California
1
Question
Updated
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What was the hardest part about majoring in Computer Engineering?
How did you manage to adapt to the workload? Were you able to have your own personal life and job aside from working towards your degree? Is it something you recommend for anyone?
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3 answers
Daniel O'Brien
Product Manager
4
Answers
Martinsburg, West Virginia
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Yes it can be done. I had an active group of friends (one of whom is now my wife), held two part time jobs, and managed to complete my Computer Engineering degree. Was it fun? Usually. Was it challenging to balance it all? Always. Did I do it well? Nobody really does, but I did it well enough. Here were my "cheat codes":
1) one of my jobs was at the Center for Academic Computing - I worked at the university IT help desk. This means they were very understanding of my class and exam schedules and wanted to see me succeed as a student. On many days, I could get my homework done at work. This was crucial. If you're looking for a job, start with the college or university you're attending, and look for things that relate (at least tangentially) to your major. This is mostly under your control.
2) Most of my friends also worked at the CAC, and were themselves engineers. This tends to happen organically, and is also key. Peer pressure is real, so you don't want friends who will drag you out to party when you need to be studying. You also want friends who understand the stress and WILL drag you out when you need a break. Plus, some of my friends and coworkers were either in the same class, or had taken the same classes, so we helped each other out all the time. Taking care of yourself and each other is the only way to get through. My other job was also on campus, but wasn't computer related. While those coworkers were also great, many times they just didn't understand what I was doing or why.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Balancing work and life is a necessary lifelong skill. I use my degree AND my work experience almost every day in my current job. Three of my friends from school ended up with me at the same company, so while we're now scattered across the country, we still can call each other to commiserate, help each other out, and occasionally get together for a party. Even though it was definitely challenging, I would not trade that experience for anything.
1) one of my jobs was at the Center for Academic Computing - I worked at the university IT help desk. This means they were very understanding of my class and exam schedules and wanted to see me succeed as a student. On many days, I could get my homework done at work. This was crucial. If you're looking for a job, start with the college or university you're attending, and look for things that relate (at least tangentially) to your major. This is mostly under your control.
2) Most of my friends also worked at the CAC, and were themselves engineers. This tends to happen organically, and is also key. Peer pressure is real, so you don't want friends who will drag you out to party when you need to be studying. You also want friends who understand the stress and WILL drag you out when you need a break. Plus, some of my friends and coworkers were either in the same class, or had taken the same classes, so we helped each other out all the time. Taking care of yourself and each other is the only way to get through. My other job was also on campus, but wasn't computer related. While those coworkers were also great, many times they just didn't understand what I was doing or why.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Balancing work and life is a necessary lifelong skill. I use my degree AND my work experience almost every day in my current job. Three of my friends from school ended up with me at the same company, so while we're now scattered across the country, we still can call each other to commiserate, help each other out, and occasionally get together for a party. Even though it was definitely challenging, I would not trade that experience for anything.
Sarthi Andley
Product Manager
2
Answers
Germantown, Maryland
Updated
Sarthi’s Answer
Probably the most challenging part about Computer Engineering is being able to manage the workload and balancing between the classes. They can be quite overwhelming since they include both software and hardware knowledge, and that means programming, mathematics, electronics, as well as analytical skills. There were some assignments and lab sessions that consumed a huge amount of out-of-class time due to the necessity to debug the code or prepare to the exams. However, it wasn't hard due to the complexity of material, but because of its large quantity if falling behind.
The first thing that had to be done in order to cope with that kind of challenge was developing better time management and organizing skills. Dividing each assignment into subtasks turned out to be extremely helpful rather than postponing everything until the last day. Asking professors, classmates, or taking part in the study groups proved to be crucial. Despite the great amount of work to be done, there was still time left for a personal life by making proper plans and prioritizing.
I would suggest Computer Engineering for individuals who have a true passion for technology, problem solving, and understanding things. It may be tough, but also it can bring great satisfaction since you get a set of skills useful for many professions. Everything is not known at once, all you need to be is inquisitive, open to learning, and persistent.
Try learning a beginner programming language like Python to see if you enjoy coding and problem-solving
Practice building small projects, such as simple apps, websites, or electronics kits, to gain hands-on experience
Work on time management and study habits early, since those skills are just as important as technical knowledge in college
The first thing that had to be done in order to cope with that kind of challenge was developing better time management and organizing skills. Dividing each assignment into subtasks turned out to be extremely helpful rather than postponing everything until the last day. Asking professors, classmates, or taking part in the study groups proved to be crucial. Despite the great amount of work to be done, there was still time left for a personal life by making proper plans and prioritizing.
I would suggest Computer Engineering for individuals who have a true passion for technology, problem solving, and understanding things. It may be tough, but also it can bring great satisfaction since you get a set of skills useful for many professions. Everything is not known at once, all you need to be is inquisitive, open to learning, and persistent.
Sarthi recommends the following next steps:
Rahil Kabrawala
Solutions Engineer
3
Answers
Arlington, Virginia
Updated
Rahil’s Answer
Computer Engineering (CE) is uniquely challenging because it is so incredibly broad. You don't just focus on one area; you end up taking some of the hardest classes from multiple majors, including Computer Science (CS), Electrical Engineering (EE), Math, and Physics.
Because of the hardware component, your schedule will be packed with far more time-consuming, in-person labs than your peers in other majors. Managing that workload while debugging code and analyzing physical circuits definitely tests your limits.
You can absolutely maintain a great personal life throughout college - I did! However, you have to go into it knowing that you will be working significantly harder than your peers in other fields. It forces you to become highly disciplined with your time. If you can manage your calendar well, you can protect your social life without letting your lab work slip.
I heavily recommend this major because the post-college career outcomes are fantastic compared to many other paths. The grind is real, but the versatility you gain is unmatched.
Today, I don't necessarily use my CE degree every single day in my current role, but it serves as an incredible superpower whenever hardware or physical assets are involved in a project. It gives you a problem-solving foundation that makes you stand out in the professional world.
Because of the hardware component, your schedule will be packed with far more time-consuming, in-person labs than your peers in other majors. Managing that workload while debugging code and analyzing physical circuits definitely tests your limits.
You can absolutely maintain a great personal life throughout college - I did! However, you have to go into it knowing that you will be working significantly harder than your peers in other fields. It forces you to become highly disciplined with your time. If you can manage your calendar well, you can protect your social life without letting your lab work slip.
I heavily recommend this major because the post-college career outcomes are fantastic compared to many other paths. The grind is real, but the versatility you gain is unmatched.
Today, I don't necessarily use my CE degree every single day in my current role, but it serves as an incredible superpower whenever hardware or physical assets are involved in a project. It gives you a problem-solving foundation that makes you stand out in the professional world.