IT & Engineering industry questions

[skuric]

Hey all, just had some questions I wanted to clear up so I'm going to get right to the point:

1. Which degree offers more opportunites? A degree in Computer Science or a degree in Electrical/Computer engineering? What are the types of industries I could get into with each of these types of degrees?

2. Is it true that the IT industry prefers hiring younger workers as opposed to older ones because the former are able to adapt to the fast-paced IT industry a lot quicker?

3. Does the university matter a lot for CS type jobs? (might be getting my CS degree from Ryerson, which isn't really known for technical fields like CS)

A dilemna I'm facing is that I have basically a choice between Ryerson CS and UofT ECE. I think I enjoy programming more, but ECE has the potential to be more interesting (some of the areas look very interesting, but I don't know much about them, whereas I'm familiar with programming and know I enjoy it, so it's a bit of a risk) and might have better job opportunities after graduation. Thoughts?

[xilinx]

I just finished my 2nd year @ UT engineering, so I'm not a full time worker, but I've got at least some experience in terms of jobs in these types of fields. From a entry level point of view, this is what I see.

1. It depends on how you define opportunities. Certainly Elec/Comp engineering will allow you to apply for a wider range of jobs. You will have the ability to apply for testing and development positions in BOTH hardware and software side. That being said, I would say that in terms of pure number of job opportunities suited for you, Comp Sci will provide more opportunities. The reason being in comp sci, you will learn more in depth on programming specific skills. As a result, you will be better prepared for software engineering positions, but will probably lack in the hardware department when compared to a Comp/Elec engineer. From what I see, there are like 10 software positions for each hardware position. There is a much greater demand for software people to make code than for hardware people to crank out the actual devices.

2. From what I can see, in general, IT department is pretty young. I guess the reason being is they pickup skills pretty fast and can work strange/long hours without any issues (family etc.) That being said, I think the most important aspect in getting an IT job, is definately your knowledge and experience with different types of systems. Obviously, you can't know them all, but having experience in similar systems will be your greatest asset.

3. If your looking to go into the big companies (ie. Google, Microsoft, Amazon) for programming, then where you come from I think will play a part. Being a part of a great CS program like the one in Waterloo will most certainly open doors for you. However, being in a program at Ryerson CS most definately won't mean you can't find a job. From what I hear, one of the top programmers on a team at RIM is from U. N Brunswick which isn't all that known for its technical programs, but talent can come from anywhere.

For your last point, if you think you can handle ECE @ UofT, I would strongly suggest you go there. Trust me, especially in 3rd/4th year, there are TONS of courses you can choose from which involves coding. Not only is the ECE program at UofT reknowned, the type of instruction and depth and variety simply cannot be matched at Ryserson. For me, this choice seems very obvious.

Best of luck.

[hoopsandyoyo]

I think its close....but if i would have to chose I think engingeering will give you more options. There are few CS specific jobs an eng student isn't capable of,,,,, but not much the other way around.

[robbiex1]

I'm a Elec. Eng. grad and 3 1/2 years later I'm working in the insurance industry as a property underwriter. My company, a large commercial/industrial property insurer, would not even consider anyone with a CS degree.

Engineering degrees are well-respected, not only in the high-tech industry but in the financial world as well.

Unless you have a VERY good reason to go to Ryerson for CS, I suggest getting an engineering degree.

[B0000rt]

@hoops&yoyo
I disagree, I think a Computer Engineering/Software Engineering graduate would beable to do anything a CS graduate can, but not the other way around.

CE is usually CS with less electives...

[skewed]

Here's my personal opinion....

My background... Computer Engineer grad, 4 years of professional experience. I'm currently an Electrical Engineer in an industrial company.

1. Which degree offers more opportunites? A degree in Computer Science or a degree in Electrical/Computer engineering? What are the types of industries I could get into with each of these types of degrees?

- An engineering degree is way more broad than CS, there's just no debating that since you have so many more options. CS limits you to information technology, support, programming, project management and software architecture type of jobs (I'm sure there more). I don't know of a single place that would not hire an computer engineer to do those jobs. However, you have access to the engineer/design type of jobs as well. You can also go into hardware, software, controls, PLCs, instrumentation, etc...
- CS jobs have crazy amounts of competition. You have CS's, comp. techs, engineers, etc. all competing for them.
-Where I work, CS are strictly limited for IT/support type of jobs. I'm sure many other places do the same, especially in industrial type settings.

2. Is it true that the IT industry prefers hiring younger workers as opposed to older ones because the former are able to adapt to the fast-paced IT industry a lot quicker?

- They hire young blood because it is much cheaper than paying someone with 5+ years of experience. The older timers who only understood FORTRAN, and nothing else are mainly phased out and anyone can adapt these days.

3. Does the university matter a lot for CS type jobs? (might be getting my CS degree from Ryerson, which isn't really known for technical fields like CS)

- Unfortunately, for CS...it does. I recall many companies (ie. ATI, IBM) only hiring students from Waterloo/UofT. I have yet to find non-CS related engineering firms/companies who do the same. Engineering seems to lean more about applying your skills/knowledge and not factoring in which University you went to. Engineering education within Canada is regulated through organizations such as the PEO (Professional Engineers Ontario) therefore the programs all need to offer certain competences in order to be accredited and recognized. As a result, you can expect a fresh eng. grad from say Queen's to have a similar knowledge base as a UofT grad.

[hoopsandyoyo]

@hoops&yoyo
I disagree, I think a Computer Engineering/Software Engineering graduate would beable to do anything a CS graduate can, but not the other way around.

CE is usually CS with less electives...

you do realize thats what I'm saying right?

[skuric]

Here's the kicker that I didn't mention on purpose... I was actually a 1st year UofT ECE student this year but I dropped out due to poor grades. However, my marks were high enough so that I am guaranteed my position (Comp Eng) this upcoming September as a 1st year student again. I know that I CAN do the material but my work habits cause a problem. I've been attending summer lectures to get familiar with courses I never took in 1st year, so I have a good overview of 1st year if I were to do it again.

I know I would do better in CS at Ryerson but if opportunities are more plentiful with UofT ECE, then I may have to stick to that.

Any other comments? Thanks for the input everyone, it's really appreciated.

[B0000rt]

you do realize thats what I'm saying right?

You said few, I say none ;)