I attend the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. I am going into my 4th year.
I major in Computer Engineering – Software Emphasis. I am also pursuing a minor in Sales Engineering. First, a brief history on my selections, and then a overview of each program, its associated class listing, and a more elaborated reason for selecting these to pursue as an undergrad.
I have been working with computers since a very young age (5-6 years old). I am very adept at computer systems, software, programming and electronics in general. Although I have taken on many roles pursuing a career in software engineering and IT related positions, it is not my most sought after ambition. Instead, I wish to combine my skills and knowledge in computers and electronics with business. More specifically, I aim to start-up a tech business that deals in either computer systems, software development, electronic devices or web-based services. I believe that as an undergraduate, building a sound foundation of understanding in a particular technical field will be more useful than just a business degree.
Computer Engineering (Software) – From the UF Engineering Website:
The objectives of the program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering is to provide students with a strong theorectical and practical background in computer hardware and software, along with the engineering analysis, design, and implementation skills necessary to work between the two. A computer engineer is someone with the ability to design a complete computer system from its circuits to the algorithms that run on it. Although one can consider hardware and software separately, a computer engineer must take a more holistic approach. If an electronic device is to be called a computer it must produce mathematically meaningful results. Similarly, any useful theory of computing must be physically realizable. The synthesis of the theory and algorithm which must take place before any useful computing can be achieved is the job of the computer engineer, and to produce such engineers is the mission of the program.
A computer engineer will:
- Be adept at the fundamental theory and practice of computer science and electrical engineering, as it applies to computer hardware and software
- Understand all the elements required to design a complete computer system (hardware and software)
- Understand the interaction between hardware and software
- Have the analysis, design, and implementation skills necessary to solve problems using computer engineering principles and techniques
- Understand the ethical, legal, and social issues in the computing discipline, and in the engineering discipline in general.
This program is accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology)
- Computer Engineering (Software) Class Listing
The Sales Engineering minor is meant to supplement my engineering knowledge in computers with a set of skills in business, sales and entrepreneurship. Providing fundamentals for business operation and setup. I’m using it as a foundation into future formal business education. It is very similar to other minors such as the Business minor and Entrepreneurship minor.
Sales Engineering – From the UF Engineering Website:
Graduates with the Sales Engineering minor are regarded highly by recruiters for industries seeking sales engineering staff. The minor provides the academic background for careers in sales, managerial and entrepreneurial pursuits. Graduates are more effective communicators. They are trained to promote and market new technologies and related products.
- Sales Engineering Class Listing
Let me elaborate more on my mindset in studying these topics.
Of course, my main interest is to start up a tech business. So why choose a somewhat grueling and technical major such as Computer Engineering? Why not a standard business degree? Well, business majors do learn sound fundamentals of running a business, including current practices and theories. They seem poised to start up a business in a particular market with familiarity and ease. I have a problem with this assumption, because usually this important question should be considered: are you knowledgeable enough about a particular field to create a business around it? You need insight and knowledge in a product’s technical aspects to develop and design successfully. You also need insight into what skills and human resources will be essential to your business. If you don’t possess the technical background needed to develop your particular idea from a technical standpoint, you might be dead in your tracks for a while. Even worse, you could end up investing all your time and money into a business with the wrong ideas and organizational structure; you could leave customers unsatisfied or uninterested.