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Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m1
Computer Engineering at RIT:Computer Engineering at RIT:
“If only I’d known…”“If only I’d known…”
Matt Genovese, Motorola Inc.
RIT Computer Engineering Graduate
1997
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m2
Purpose• To talk about my experiences at RIT, and in
the Computer Engineering Department.
• Topics– Computer Engineering– Being an Engineer at RIT (Hints & Tips)– Co-ops and Jobs– Balance
• Open Forum - Please ask questions!!!
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m3
A Bit About Me• Grew up in Owego, NY.
• Had interest in computers since 3rd grade.
• Accepted into RIT in Computer Engineering Dept. (1992 - 1997).
• Married since 1997.
• Now working as Product Engineer at Motorola in Austin, Texas.
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m4
Computer Engineering
Congratulations!
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m5
Computer Engineering• Congratulations! You picked the right major.
• Why Computer Engineering?– Strong software engineering background– Strong digital design / hardware background– VLSI Design (Semiconductors)
• Acquire high-level through low-level understanding of computer design.
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m6
Computer Engineering• How does Computer Engineering compare to
– Electrical Engineering• CE has much more computer architecture and
embedded programming expertise compared to EE.
• CE benefits from much more software engineering.
– Computer Science / Software Engineering• CS/SE doesn’t nearly get into the hardware aspect of
computers as CE does.
• Miss out on understanding the internals of a computer / embedded system.
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m7
Computer Engineering• What is the advantage of having a Computer
Engineering degree?– #1 - You’re diversified!
• Leads to many more career choices after graduation.
• Having both hardware and software backgrounds is advantageous in whatever career path you choose.
– Uncommon Engineering Degree• Not as many CE’s in workplace as EE or CS.
• This is good news for you.
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m8
CE Advantage - Example• As a Product Engineer at Motorola, I am
involved in the fabrication, testing, and characterization of a microprocessor.– Involves a lot of data analysis.
• I am the ONLY person in my group who can program. This is not uncommon.
• Therefore, I use my software experience to write programs to automate data extraction.
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m9
CE Curriculum Layout• The general layout of the CE degree is:
– Years 1-2 - Software Foundation• Software engineering theory - develop your software
expertise.
– Years 2-3 - Hardware Foundation• Electronic theory, digital design, embedded prog.
– Years 4-5 - Tying it all Together• Core CE courses (Comp. Arch., VLSI, etc.)
• Electives - Concentrate on your interests.
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m10
So What’s My Point?• The Computer Engineering curriculum is not
easy.
• Don’t be intimidated; stick with it. It’s one of the most rewarding degrees to obtain.– Diversification; Uniqueness– Endless Job Opportunities in Today’s Market– Salary– The Satisfaction of “Understanding”
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m11
Being an Engineer at RIT
What You’ve Never Been Told, But Need to Know...
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m12
How to Survive(Especially the Freshman Year)
• Learn How to Take Charge of Your Courses
• Learn Good Study / Homework Habits
• Learn Time Management
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m13
Take Charge of Your Courses• The DON’Ts
– Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’re not in high school anymore; you’re paying to learn now.
– Don’t skip classes• You won’t get in trouble (like in high school), but
you will pay for it.
• Be an Engineer: Calculate how much $$ you’re paying for each class session. Skipping Flushing
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m14
Take Charge of Your Courses• The DO’s
– Be Persistent With Your Learning• If you don’t understand something in a class, speak
up. Chances are others have the same question.
• If you still have questions, talk to the teacher after class or visit during office hours.
• It is IMPERATIVE that you understand. Clear up you questions ASAP, because as the class progresses, new information builds upon what you’ve already learned.
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m15
Take Charge of Your Courses• The DO’s (continued)
– Fight for Good Professors• If you were able to learn well with a certain professor
(on same wavelength), try your best to get him/her for another class.
• Because you already know his/her teaching style, you won’t have to “learn” that again.
• If the class you want is full, approach the professor. If he/she knows you from before, maybe he/she can get you in. Remember: It’s in YOUR best interest.
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m16
Take Charge of Your Courses• The DO’s (continued)
– Use Your Academic Advisor• Scheduling of Classes
– Meet with once per academic year to setup / refine your schedule for the next academic year.
• If you’re struggling academically, keep him/her in the loop.
• Remember: Your advisor is on your side - there to make sure you succeed academically.
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m17
Taking Charge: Other Tips• If you are unable to learn from your
professor, look into transferring to another section of the course.– If done early in the quarter, may be better than
withdrawing from the class.• Saves you from dealing with prerequisite-course
problems next quarter.
• If you fail a course, it’s not the end of the world. See your academic advisor.
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m18
Study & Homework Habits• If possible, study and do homework with
fellow students in your classes– Why?
• Can help each other better understand the material.
• Better chance to complete entire assignment rather than being stuck on a single problem for a long time.
• A lot more enjoyable to do in a group setting.
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m19
Study & Homework Habits• If possible, study and do homework with
fellow students in your classes– Where?
• Library (reserve a room where you can all meet)
• Nearby the Professor’s Office– If you have questions about homework problems, it’s easier
to resolve when the professor is right around the corner.
• Try not to study in dorms - way too many distractions.
• Try to move into on-campus apartments ASAP. Better work environment, but still on campus.
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m20
On-time Homework• How do you get your homework done on
time?– Schedule it from the date it’s due back to the
date it was assigned.– Divvy up assignment for mini-tasks to do daily.– If you’re having problems, see professor
immediately. If he/she knows you’re making the effort, there’s a better chance you can be cut some slack. Remember: Visibility is good.
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m21
Time Management• Get a Day-timer
– It will help you:• Keep track of the assignments you need to do.
• Break them in pieces over a period of time.
• Remember when they need to be completed (on a future date).
• Keep track of appointments.
– Palm Pilots also work. Be sure to hot-sync frequently. But if it’s gets stolen, you’re SOL. (People don’t steal day-timers.)
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m22
Co-ops and Jobs
Realizing The Fruits of Your Labor
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m23
Co-ops: Testing the Waters• Co-ops set apart RIT Computer Engineers
– A rare opportunity to “test the waters” - see what careers really interest you.
– Gives you a chance to network and make contacts for permanent jobs after graduation.
– Realize the fruits of your labor• Put your knowledge into real use in a supportive
environment.
• Get paid for it.
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m24
The Resume: You on Paper• Be Prepared: If you don’t have a resume yet,
start working on one now.
• Spend A LOT OF TIME on your resume.– This piece of paper has to sum you up.– Any mistakes (grammatical, spelling) are
magnified, and will cost you at least one interview.– Use Co-op Office (Bausch & Lomb bldg.) to give
suggestions about resume formats, wording, etc.
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m25
The Co-op Search• Use your co-ops well. You’ll never have an
opportunity like this again.
• Don’t co-op just to fulfill your graduating requirement. Think seriously about what you may be interested in.
• Take advantage of co-oping out of town – Get an idea if you’ll like the area. If not, you’ll
be done with the co-op soon anyway.
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m26
Co-op / Job Tips• Network with other students you know
– Benefit from friends returning from co-op - see if it’s something you would be interested in.
• Join IEEE– Being associated with professional organization
looks good on resume.– Subscribe to IEEE Spectrum magazine
• Includes articles about many aspects of electronic and software engineering fields - get ideas for co-ops!
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m27
Balance
Taking it all in stride…
(or “Learning how to stay cool when it feels like hell”)
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m28
Balance - Relieving Stress• All work and no play makes you not so
happ-ay.
• Use Phys. Ed. classes to your advantage– Business Advantage: Golf, Tennis, Racquetball– Fun: Juggling, Bowling, Volleyball
• Intramural Sports
• On-Campus Clubs– Cater to a variety of interests / hobbies
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m29
Get Outside• Lots of things to do in Rochester
– Mountain biking (on campus, Erie Canal, trails around Rochester, etc.)
– Parks• Letchworth - Amazing park (many places to hike)
• Mendon Ponds - Feed birds and squirrels right out of your hands (more fun that it sounds)
– Sledding• Cobb’s Hill - Awesome sled riding, esp. at night :-)
Matt Genovese / 13-Sep-00 m30
At Last...• College seems like it will last forever, it ends
before you know it.
• The friends you find in college will probably be some of your best friends in life.
• So….. Enjoy your time with them, and have fun!