Any computer engineers here?

[Devant]

So I just got out of school in the spring with a B.A. in english and...well...no one wants someone who can write well but has no other skills, so I am returning for school for a second B.A. degree and i'm really on the fence between Computer Engineering (hardware based) or software engineering which is more programming based. My main concern with computer engineering is the job market because I know for a fact that software engineering has a surplus of high paying jobs, which is appealing, but it tends to be a bit boring. Hopefully someone out there on the interweb has a bit of experience with this that can help me out.

Oh yeah my deadline to decide is in one week. :push::push::push::push::push:

[StarYoshi]

You can borrow my Finance degree if you want :P

I'd recommend Software engineering. I'm going to get a Master's at some point, probably in business admin or accounting.

[Homfry]

There are going to be jobs in both.

They both will have boring parts and exciting parts.

You really have to ask yourself if you like hardware or software better? Or you can ride the line in between.

I ride the line between, because it is what I enjoy.

It is going to be hard for you to decide in a week, but I would suggest taking classes in both and seeing where you gravitate to.

Even if you just pick one now then I would still suggest taking classes in the other to see if you would like that more.

[Zero Hour]

I can tell you being a systems and computing engineer graduate that going hardware is difficult. I'm like you, I find software side a little boring, the hardware is dope! There are very limited jobs available and especially with the way the market is right now; it ain't great. Most of the hardware stuff is done in Asia, so if you're in NA good luck! There are places out there though, it's about being lucky and meeting the right people.

If you are taking it in school, do the co-op option if you can. That way you can get good experience and you could go back to the company for a full time position.

FYI... I graduated in April and I'm thinking of switching careers to helicopter pilot, but the cost is ridic... I'll might just keep my engineering degree :S

[Christian]

The problem with hardware engineering is they want people to be screwdriver twiddlers for minimum wage or someone with a ton of knowledge for jobs that you can't hope to get out of college unless you're an expert.

Everyone needs a decent software engineer. The pay starts at acceptable and moves up from there based on knowledge.

If you're looking for a real suggestion go to a 2 year college and get an associates in software engineering and apply at software companies as a technical writer. They're in need and a techie that can write about what is going on is in need. I'm currently at a software company of 50 people and we have a guy that his full-time job is technical writing.

That suggestion will at least not nullify your english degree.

[Devant]

Yeah, I've been attempting Technical Writing jobs, but as I have no specific skill set, finding a company to work for has been difficult. I also don't think that I want to spend the rest of my life writing those technical documents. When I did it for a bit during an internship, it was very boring, thus my decision to return for a CE degree.

[.bot.]

mmmm, bot makes 43,000 a year.. And is 18, Working as a computer technician, on mostly the hardware sides of things?

This job doesnt require much, but i suppose isnt the best paying job for someone who is actually looking for a keeper job?

Interning with Firefox i was offered a nice Programming contract by a project in Canada tho.. $150,000 (US money) + the whole paying for my rent and food. I think Software is going to get you more bang for your buck in the long run.. but hardware wouldnt be to far off!

[Devant]

Money and job security come second to me. I want a job that will be interesting and not feel like a job...like technical writing...*yawn*

[.bot.]

mmmm, Not sure what youre actual question is =P

[eddo]

Pick the one you want. If the job market at your current location isn't good, look for jobs at another location. Working for government or government contractor ain't too bad in either fields.

[Fenrir]

mmmm, how did bot get a freakin mozilla internship? I can't find shit.

On-topic; definitely go for it. It's fun, and challenging, and I love it because everything is just a puzzle to solve. Both hardware and software have really awesome things to do, and going back gives you enough options to figure which one you really want within a quarter or two.

I will never, ever, ever enjoy using Active-HDL or Verilog again though. </rant>

[.bot.]

Cause I'm bot, I probably should taken the offer on the project tho, It had to do with them attempting some sort of fully A.I. bot =P