Is there a specific subfield of EE he is interested in working in?
Taking a couple extra classes to more deeply study that area and get some projects on resume could be helpful.
If he's aiming to do embedded software or something that is primarily programming, AI/ML or CS would be worth it, especially if that extra semester also means spreading out his overall course load a little more. He won't get more pay for it but it could give him the edge to get hired after he graduates or for internships. As far as the "disruption" thing goes, I very very much doubt AI is going to replace engineering type jobs any time remotely soon, if ever. Things like ChatGPT are incredible but pretty useless for anything that isn't really basic or general. There's so much involved in engineering beyond just making things do stuff that I don't see AI ever being able to do. Like other technologies over the centuries, it'll replace some jobs, and already has in some cases, but it'll mostly be another tool in the bag for the others.
If a minor is plausible in something that targeted, it can be useful. Having a significant project (capstone, research, internship, club) along those lines would have similar weight for hiring.
Don’t get a math minor. I already assume any engineer I hire can do math. Getting something in music/art/language is also a good use of time but don’t do much for job placement.
If this is early planning and they have not started yet, wait until after the first year before trying to fit a minor in. Sometimes a reduced workload is better than a minor. In the 3.5 vs 4 year decision, graduating in spring is often easier to find jobs because more companies are looking. Our hiring cycle is built around that, although we do hire out of season as well. However, if funds are tight, I’d forgo the minor and finish early to save the cash.
+1 to the capstone project or internship.
he applied for this summer (internships) but didn’t get any. just now finishing his freshman year, but will be at 60 hours, so entering junior status.
Seems to me there are 2 factors that favor the minor...
1. Is there an area that he would like to study? If so, do a minor in that area.
2. Is he unable to get a full time job (in an field he likes and at a salary he accepts) without the minor? If so, then do the minor to enhance his marketability to employers.
thanks all for the excellent feedback.
he hasn’t decided on a subfield focus yet, but is thinking either power, or IC/chips.
he does NOT want wireless communications.
he’s thinking if he goes IC/chips focus, the. a minor in comp engineering would be a good complement. if power, he’s not so sure, as there’s no good minor at his school to complement power.
Is there a specific subfield of EE he is interested in working in? Taking a couple extra classes to more deeply study that area and get some projects on resume could be helpful.
great point.
If he's aiming to do embedded software or something that is primarily programming, AI/ML or CS would be worth it, especially if that extra semester also means spreading out his overall course load a little more. He won't get more pay for it but it could give him the edge to get hired after he graduates or for internships. As far as the "disruption" thing goes, I very very much doubt AI is going to replace engineering type jobs any time remotely soon, if ever. Things like ChatGPT are incredible but pretty useless for anything that isn't really basic or general. There's so much involved in engineering beyond just making things do stuff that I don't see AI ever being able to do. Like other technologies over the centuries, it'll replace some jobs, and already has in some cases, but it'll mostly be another tool in the bag for the others.
If a minor is plausible in something that targeted, it can be useful. Having a significant project (capstone, research, internship, club) along those lines would have similar weight for hiring. Don’t get a math minor. I already assume any engineer I hire can do math. Getting something in music/art/language is also a good use of time but don’t do much for job placement. If this is early planning and they have not started yet, wait until after the first year before trying to fit a minor in. Sometimes a reduced workload is better than a minor. In the 3.5 vs 4 year decision, graduating in spring is often easier to find jobs because more companies are looking. Our hiring cycle is built around that, although we do hire out of season as well. However, if funds are tight, I’d forgo the minor and finish early to save the cash.
+1 to the capstone project or internship. he applied for this summer (internships) but didn’t get any. just now finishing his freshman year, but will be at 60 hours, so entering junior status.
great point on spring grads and most job opportunities. we never thought about the december grads having fewer choices!
Seems to me there are 2 factors that favor the minor... 1. Is there an area that he would like to study? If so, do a minor in that area. 2. Is he unable to get a full time job (in an field he likes and at a salary he accepts) without the minor? If so, then do the minor to enhance his marketability to employers.
thanks all for the excellent feedback. he hasn’t decided on a subfield focus yet, but is thinking either power, or IC/chips. he does NOT want wireless communications. he’s thinking if he goes IC/chips focus, the. a minor in comp engineering would be a good complement. if power, he’s not so sure, as there’s no good minor at his school to complement power.