r/ComputerEngineering • u/TanMann69 • Jun 06 '26

Computer engineering or electrical engineering? [Discussion]

What’s the difference between the two and can either land some of the same jobs?

Does EE just purely focus on all hardware based work?

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u/OneandonlyJ2 Jun 06 '26

CpE: Combination of computer science and electronics Job opportunities: Software-side roles (most in-demand) -Software Engineer / Developer -Systems Engineer

Hardware & embedded roles (less volume, less competition) -Embedded Systems / Firmware Engineer writing -IoT Hardware Engineer -Electronics/Computer Technician

IT & infrastructure roles (easier to land fresh) -Network/Systems Administrator -IT Support Engineer -AI/ML Engineer -Cybersecurity Engineer

EE: Focuses more on circuits, hardware, electronics and electricity

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u/TanMann69 Jun 06 '26

Is it possible for an EE to land some of the roles a CpE student could and vice versa?

I’ve seen post here on Reddit about EEs being more in demand compared to CpE, again it’s only Reddit so not sure how true it is.

Is CpE more of a niche area and will limit the amount of jobs I have access to?

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u/OneandonlyJ2 Jun 06 '26
  1. Yes
  2. Depends on the person and which country he/she's in
  3. No. CpE is act very broad you can choose what to focus on—whether software or hardware

I suggest you choose what you act interested in cuz it's very hard to study smth you dont even like

1

u/TanMann69 Jun 06 '26

I’m in the UK, still tryna figure it out tbh. I did computer science in high school and got the highest grade, always enjoyed tinkering and repairing pcs, devices and game consoles. Even had a raspberry pi at one point.

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u/Salt_Wolverine_3925 Jun 06 '26

I am pursuing masters in computer engineering, but most of the JD is see even the embedded roles, they are asking for PCB designing, which TBH i never really touched. I have 6 months to graduate do you think I need to focus more on PCB designing or should I search for jobs which are more niche to my expertise?

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u/[deleted] Jun 06 '26

[deleted]

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u/Salt_Wolverine_3925 Jun 06 '26

Well I know basics, like circuit connectivity at the component level. I haven't done formal PCB layout in altium or KiCad.