Engineering has really taken off in recent years, as Singapore has increased its efforts to become a technology center. Engineers’ salaries will be increased, according to the government. I had no idea what computer engineering entailed when I originally decided to pursue it. One of the few courses provided jointly by the School of Computing (SoC) and the Faculty of Engineering in Computer Engineering (FoE). The course is designed to train the next generation of software engineers, embedded systems experts, chip designers, and other professionals.
If you’re still in high school or polytechnic and thinking about majoring in computer engineering, there are various reasons why you should consider it as your course of choice.
1. Good breadth in both Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
A Computer Engineering Graduate’s Thoughts. At NUS, Computer Engineering is a combination of CS and EE studies. If you’re unsure which side you want to work on, computer engineering could be an excellent place to start.
2. Freedom to choose CS/EE electives
The computer engineering program at NUS allows you to choose from a variety of CS/EE specialized courses and electives, which can help you better understand your interests.
3. Employability
Engineering is a diverse degree, and engineers work in a variety of industries, including software, finance, consulting, engineering services, and sales. You can work in both software engineering/IT and electrical/electronics engineering with a degree in computer engineering. Computer engineering has a bright future for many students who are concerned about finding work.
Because I hadn’t done enough study on the course material before enrolling, a lot of the learning was haphazard and experiential. In retrospect, I don’t think it would have made a difference if I had done more research because the goal of undergraduate courses is to mold students into industry-ready graduates with an analytical mindset. These are some of the lessons I acquired during my computer engineering degree program.
1. Master the basics
The first two years of NUS’s computer engineering curriculum were spent learning the fundamentals of computer science (programming fundamentals, data structures, and algorithms, electrical engineering fundamentals, microelectronics, microprocessors, software engineering). These courses aren’t extremely difficult, and they’re designed to provide you with a moderate introduction to the topics. These, on the other hand, are often the pillars on which higher-level modules and technical electives are built. Data Structures and Algorithms, Operating Systems, and Networks are some of the classes I keep coming back to. It would be prudent, in my opinion, to strengthen these fundamental pillars so that the remainder of the structure may be erected on top of them with ease.
2. Industry Experience
Industry experience is essential for a well-rounded education in engineering and applied science degrees. Both NUS and NTU offer a six-month industry attachment program that includes academic credit. I chose to complete my attachment at Bank of America Merrill Lynch Singapore, and the experience provided me with invaluable insight into the life of a software developer. It not only compiled and highlighted my learnings, but it also revealed some of the talents required on the job that are not taught through traditional education.
Often, university-taught technologies such as frameworks and programming languages are taught because the emphasis is on concepts and patterns rather than what is used in industry. A basic programming course, for example, could be taught in C or Java, but the state of the art could be vastly different.
3. Hackathons and side–projects
Work on the side. In my second year, I participated in the “Hack n’ Roll 2013” hackathon. The encounter was both humbling and life-changing. When it came to applying the ideas I had learned in modules, I realized how little I truly knew. Following a (quite awful) presentation, I resolved to devote more time and effort to developing side projects, working with technology firms, and sharpening my practical abilities.
I still have a long way to go, but after overcoming obstacles in many projects, I’ve seen myself improve as an engineer and become more efficient when it comes to solving real difficulties. Hack N’ Roll, Match n’ Hack, and Battlehack is just a few of the many hackathons held in Singapore. Forming a team with friends and other engineers from whom you want to learn is an excellent method to advance as an engineer.
Working with more experienced engineers, according to one of my colleagues at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, can provide a significant amount of expertise. This method greatly enhances the learning process. Finding skilled engineers and working with them is a fantastic approach to learning about engineering.
4. It isn’t a race
The university experience is designed to be meritocratic and competitive, and this formula has worked for various generations of engineers for decades. However, there are situations when taking some time off and setting a fixed bar with a timeline is beneficial. Every day, new technologies arise (ask anyone what their favorite client-side JavaScript framework is). You may be tempted to study everything that comes out, but you may become frustrated when you realize there will always be a mountain of technology, approaches, and ways of thinking that you aren’t familiar with (yet).
The only way I could think of was to create a goal for myself in the future and time-box it. Any further study is fine as long as the basic abilities I’m looking for are acquired within the time frame I’ve set. Delving deeper into the basics and comprehending them on a more granular level, or learning a language or framework that appears fascinating, are examples of these skills.
5. The knowledge is out there
Not knowing something because you didn’t take a university course on it is no longer an acceptable excuse. This is no longer an excuse, thanks to the development of MOOCs from the world’s leading universities on Coursera, EdX, and Udacity. Enroll in courses that sound interesting or beneficial, and work on assignments, homework, and the final test. The certificate of completion may not be worth much in the real world, but the abilities you gain along the way are.
and lastly,
6. Don’t take yourself too seriously
Three factors are important in every interview or critical life moment: ethos, logos, and pathos. You don’t have complete control over anything. Ensure long-term, continual learning, and progress, and ideally, one day, all of your degree’s abilities and knowledge will coalesce into a fantastic profession and deeds that help not only your financial account but society as a whole.
