How to Change Careers from Electrical Engineering to Computer Science: A Step-By-Step Guide
Author: M. Mehdi
Are you feeling awkward while working as an electrical engineer? Then this is the right place. In this blog, I will give you a detailed guide on how to switch to computer science.
Don't waste your time; just hurry up, follow this guide, and jump into the computer science field.
Stop Thinking & Start Doing
Being an Electrical Engineer You have an Edge to Switch into Computer Science
Because most universities or colleges teach students at least one programming course, they become familiar with the computer science and programming field.
Apart from that, another good thing is that you already know about circuit analysis and a lot about devices, which gives you an edge, you can start as a hardware programmer.
Another advantage is that since you have learned basic programming, you already understand logic building, which is the foundation of this field.
Initial Research
The first step is to research the field of computer science. You should be aware of the domains related to multiple fields associated with it and the challenges you might have to face.
Also, research the job market and, of course, the financial benefits you will have once you join this field. You must conduct a comparative analysis of the salary and other financial benefits you receive in electrical engineering versus those in computer science.
Please note that research is very important as it ensures that you are not entering a useless field and that the field you are choosing is the best one for you.
Find Real Life Examples
Go to the internet or social media platforms and try to find real stories of people who changed their careers from electrical engineering to computer science. You are not alone, there are others who might be in the same situation as you.
What should you focus on in their lives? Analyze their stories and check if they have shared any tips for people who want to switch from electrical engineering to computer science. Their tips will be very useful for you in making a decision and understanding the challenges you might face in the future.
Study Computer Science & Its Fields
This is a very important step because, before jumping into a new career, we should know about the available career options and choices. You can follow this detailed guide to learn about computer science and all its fields or domains.
Prepare Yourself
Once you find real-life examples of people and notice the tips they have shared, you can analyze their stories and decide on the best strategies or approaches to overcome the challenges of changing your career path.
You have to prepare yourself for the following:
- Initial challenges to overcome mentally.
- Time management (as learning new things takes time).
- How to learn new technologies?
- Ways to avoid frustration while onboarding new concepts.
- How to prepare for the job market?
- How to apply for jobs?
- How to prepare for interviews?
Identify Transferable Skills from Electrical Engineering to Computer Science
Don't panic, this point is very simple and will serve as a quick boost to help you get started. For example, in electrical engineering, if you have some basic knowledge of programming and are capable of writing a program, you can explore programming-related fields such as web development.
Similarly, if you have studied circuit analysis or circuit programming, you can choose a field related to that, such as backend development in web development. This will make it easier for you to transition into that career.
Conclusion
If you feel that electrical engineering is no longer your passion or is not suitable for you, you can switch to computer science.
No doubt, computer science is a highly paid field with many opportunities to achieve higher positions.
Switching careers can be easier if you start with some initial internet research about the field, financial benefits, job market, and future growth. You should also connect with people who have transitioned from electrical engineering to computer science and take note of the tips they have shared.
Be ready to face challenges when learning new technologies and adapting to new roles.
The last step is to prepare for interviews and practice whatever is necessary for switching fields. Eventually, by following all the steps above, you will transition into a new career.
💡 Pro Tip:Focus on transferable skills, build projects, and network with professionals who have made the switch.