Hey everyone,
I’m currently in ELEC and thinking about whether to stay in ELEC for 3rd/4th year or try to transfer into CPEN.
Right now, my interests are pretty broad. I enjoy hardware/circuit design and don’t want to close the door on that, FPGA/digital design, power, or PCB design. At the same time, a lot of what I’ve enjoyed most so far is closer to embedded systems, firmware, full-stack software + AI/ML projects, and
For context, my project experience is a mix of:
- deployed full-stack/ML app
- Fire alarm control system
- embedded EEG signal-processing project winning a prize at a competition
- STM32 RC car course project (ELEC291)
- AI agent / vibecoding tool that secures your credentials
- design team work with ESP32 and a mobile app
- interest in PCB design, FPGA/digital systems, circuits, and power
I’m not trying to go purely software, but I also don’t want to be underprepared for software, firmware, embedded, AI/ML, FPGA/digital design, or networks/systems roles compared to CPEN students.
I’m also thinking about long-term flexibility and job security. Software seems to have more roles but also feels saturated/competitive, while ELEC seems broader with paths like power, hardware, embedded, semiconductors, controls, utilities, and infrastructure.
I have several questions:
- Is ELEC flexible enough to build a strong software/embedded/systems profile through electives and projects?
- Is CPEN noticeably better for software, firmware, AI/ML, networks, or systems? E.g. even with a portfolio, would I be at a major disadvantage compared to CPEN/CS students?
- Would CPEN close all doors for circuits, FPGA, power, or hardware-heavy work? I have the prereqs like ELEC 202, so I'm sure course registration wouldn't be an issue.
- How are power/traditional ELEC paths for job stability?
- For co-op/new grad roles, did program name matter much, or did projects/electives matter more?
I'll appreciate the advice.
Thanks!