Posted 26 November 2006 - 03:06 AM
Currently, I am an electrical engineer, but what I actually do is closer to programming. I like it that way. If I was doing everything over again, I would probably do computer engineering because it is kind of half way between electrical engineering and computer science. In that major you seem to have more choices regarding selecting courses in the areas that interest you. For example, you may want to go more into electrical engineering and take courses in the area of signals and systems, electromagnetics, or solid state devices. Or you may find that you like the programming side and want to take stuff in the area of operating systems, data networks, or computational biology. I know computer engineers who have gone down both routes. I think computer engineering is a good route to start out on as you can always change to electrical or CS junior year and can still graduate on time.
You don't really have to decide until until sometime around mid to the end of sophomore year exactly what field you want to go into. Generally, you want to know by the end of your freshman year if you want to stay in engineering or do something else. So just take courses which interested you most. Do some research and try to figure out what careers you might be interested in. Engineering is problem solving so you should ask yourself what problems you would most like to solve. That should provide a good indication about what you would find most fulfilling.
Most importantly, if you want to go onto grad school, you will need some undergraduate research. Pursue this heavily your junior and senior year. I wish I had done more. A great way to get research experience is to do summer research for a professor. The schools usually pay you to do research during the summer (although it is nothing great, but covers the cost of living) and you get 1:1 time with your advising professor who can write a kickass recommendation letter for you later when you are applying to grad school. That can really set you apart from the rest of the crowd. Anyway, best of luck, feel free to PM me with questions if I can be of any help.