Code Monkey or Bob the Builder?
I’m faced with a fork in the road. There are two different signs that lead to two different paths.
One says “Computer Engineering,” the other “Computer Science.”
Well, what’s the difference you ask?
Computer Science
As a computer scientist, you study the theory behind computer systems - including algorithms, databases, AI, software architecture, and refine them to produce more efficient software in the future.
You are software-oriented, love math, and the abstract.
I.E. Programming the UI of the Apple iPhone.
Computer Engineering
Computer engineering is a cross between EE(Electrical Engineering) and CS(Computer Science), you are geared more towards the hardware-software relationship including circuit design mixed with a bit of low-level programming.
You are hardware-oriented, love hands-on, and the physical.
I.E. Designing the PCB that connects all the components of the iPhone.
Suffice it to say, both of these concentrations can easily lead to a “desk” J-O-B. Neither of us wants one of those.
Where do I stand?
The reason I chose Computer Engineering at Georgia Tech is because I’m a hands-on type of person, and like working with computer hardware to an extent. I enjoy building computers and modding electronics. I’m a hardware guru at heart.
However, I will not try to piece together 3 gazillion transistors to make the next-generation video card. Quite simply, the stuff I would enjoy doing would make me a “Computer Technician,” and they get paid in peanuts. I guess you could say that I would be at the top of my career path if I were to take that J-O-B.
A brief look into my colorful past…
During my Senior Year of High School, senioritis took over, and I started doing crazy stuff…
Coming to CES 2009, the Texas Instruments TI-84 “Red” Edition…
Just kidding. =)
Rev 1. Had a 40mm fan in place of the TI logo, which was powered by a separate 12v battery, and controlled by the toggle switch on top of the calculator. I needed better cooling when it comes to overclocked calculator games, such as “Falldown.”=D
Rev 2. Replaced the fan and utilized Red LEDs to light up the TI logo (as shown in the above images)
That’s not the end of my madness! I got bored and decided to color match my iPaq 3955 (now collecting dust in my drawer). I also fabricated and soldered my own metal DDR pad during my MAX 300 days. I built my first computer in 8th grade (for CS 1.3), second one in 2004 (for Half-life 2), and finally my Shuttle in 2008 (for Crysis, CoD4, etc). I also built/fixed at least 50 computers for friends, students, and clients.
A lot of you are thinking that I fit the “Bob the Builder” profile. However, as an aspiring (hardware) entrepreneur, the barriers to entry for a lot of computer hardware fields are staggering!
Sure, there’s a $250 Billion market in semiconductors, but what about the startup costs? Easily in the millions!
Want to build computers? Good luck competing against Dell.
That’s the beauty of the web. Next to zero startup costs and limitless potential.
All in all, I’m thinking about switching majors to Computer Science, because I’m not looking forward to Digital Signal Processing at all.
Some of you might say that your concentration in college isn’t very important, and you’re right. There are some people who graduate with a music degree and become bank tellers. Prior to Google, Larry Page studied computer engineering before pursuing CS at Stanford.
I would love to hear your opinions on what major you would choose (CS or CompE), and any side thoughts about the role of college!
EDIT: I am now a CS major! (2/29/08)
Nice. Yeah I couldn’t decide between cs and compe either. i see you’ve chosen the cs route. i think your blog is awesome and it’s very unselfish to not have ads on your site. i’m pretty sure you get a lot of traffic. well hope things are going well.
Sad man, CE is a good major and I think it’d be a better fit for you (don’t bother asking me why lol)
That said, I will see you at CES 2009. I will probably go back to school for life and try to break the world record for having the most degrees ^_^
Why? Because I love school although I don’t really care much for the schooling part (classes, homework, exam). Just the environment (the actual University in a school city) and the networking. It’s great.
My brother is also the hands-on type, I will probably have him major in CE while I do CS ^_^
Hey Dan. How are you. Things seem to be getting better at home.
Please check out my site and comment. lol
I think you should choose what you are really suited for instead of only going to school for a job. There are a lot of niche jobs in hardware, such as developing boards for small time inventors or professors who want to shrink their invention. You can do what you want and make a decent amount.
In addition, my testing at the Johnson O’Connor aptitude center helped me a lot. You may want to look them up on the web and check them out.
My story is somewhat later in life than yours. I was involved in software for about 10 years after college. The problem is that I grew in that position until it bored me. Now, graduate school is in my sights. Choosing a major is difficult, but that aptitude center helps me a lot. Eventually, money did not matter much to me. After you meet a few millionaires, you learn that money over a certain amount can only be spent foolishly by yourself. Eventually, you have to give away the excess either to the government or charity.
As an example of money spent foolishly. My friend and I were taking a break from work when a manager drove by in an $80,000 Lexus. My friend was impressed. However, I mentioned that my car goes everywhere his Lexus goes; and probably more places. My car cost $3000 used. It seems to me that the manager just foolishly spent a lot of money.
Wouldn’t it be better to enjoy what you do and have enough money?