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Communication Technology vs Electrical Engineering?
As a freshman in college, I have a GPA of 3.5 and got mostly B's in math.
I have experience with technology (like basic coding) but not engineering in high school.
Two majors at my school are Communication Technology (CT) and Electrical Engineering (EE).
CT contains classes in digital media production, coding, business, and telephones/electricity.
EE contains topics like physics, math, science, and making electronics.
The reason why I'm interested in these two is I want a good paying job where I can make enough money to travel, yet where I can pursue my interests in creating stuff.
I've always felt intimidated by engineering, because you do alott of math. Yet, I heard you can become a theatre engineer and acoustics or sound engineer!
I like that there's so much careers you can do in CT but Idk many people with this career.
Anyone have advice? Can I enter EE without any experience? Can CT be good?
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8 answers
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Andrew’s Answer
Both Communication Technology (CT) and Electrical Engineering (EE) are engineering disciplines. STEM-track mathematics will be needed in these two disciplines. There is no avoidance of mathematics.
EE is a more fundamental discipline, whereas CT appears to be an applied discipline of EE. Therefore, if you choose CT, you may still need to cover some EE topics. On the other hand, if you are competent in EE, it is a lot easier for you to switch to CT because you already have the basic knowledge.
EE is a more fundamental discipline, whereas CT appears to be an applied discipline of EE. Therefore, if you choose CT, you may still need to cover some EE topics. On the other hand, if you are competent in EE, it is a lot easier for you to switch to CT because you already have the basic knowledge.
Hello Andrew Au! Thank you! Both do require math (with EE more math intensive). It's good to know that they are connected :)
Tianna
Updated
Alexandra’s Answer
I think it all depends on what you want to do. If you know you want a job as an engineer (and that is definite), EE may be the way to go since it covers a more rigorous and fundamental curriculum for a traditional engineer path (though it may be more difficult). I doubt CT requires physics classes.
If you are open to other career paths (not discounting engineering but open to other routes as well), then CT sounds like it covers a great breadth of topics like digital media, business fundamentals etc. It seems more strategic and business-oriented than EE. I majored in Operations & Information Management in my business school and we learned a bit of code but also learned about business practices which greatly helped me in my role today (I am a Solutions Engineer). I think both majors would lead to high-paying prospects, but it's all about what you want to do. I think EE will pigeon hole you more into a traditional electrical engineer (if that's what you want to do, great!) but if you're still open to exploring different career opportunities and not 100% set on being an engineer CT could be a great path for you to explore!
If you are open to other career paths (not discounting engineering but open to other routes as well), then CT sounds like it covers a great breadth of topics like digital media, business fundamentals etc. It seems more strategic and business-oriented than EE. I majored in Operations & Information Management in my business school and we learned a bit of code but also learned about business practices which greatly helped me in my role today (I am a Solutions Engineer). I think both majors would lead to high-paying prospects, but it's all about what you want to do. I think EE will pigeon hole you more into a traditional electrical engineer (if that's what you want to do, great!) but if you're still open to exploring different career opportunities and not 100% set on being an engineer CT could be a great path for you to explore!
Hello Alexandra Clifford! Thank you so much for your answer! I feel I have a better understanding of both fields. I'll definitely keep what you said in mind :)
Tianna
Updated
R’s Answer
Communications Technology is undergoing a major evolution with 5G transformation.
5G has tremendous scope in various fields - technology, lifestyle, healthcare etc. It's successor 6G focusses on sustainability in addition.
It is an exciting time to be in the telecom/communications industry.
The learning is immense and satisfying and potential applications are state of the art.
5G has tremendous scope in various fields - technology, lifestyle, healthcare etc. It's successor 6G focusses on sustainability in addition.
It is an exciting time to be in the telecom/communications industry.
The learning is immense and satisfying and potential applications are state of the art.
Hello RN! Thank you so much! I did not know about the potentials within 5G/6G. Amazing...I'll look into these further :)
Tianna
Updated
Visa’s Answer
Remember that these branches of study all the basis in Science, Technology and Math. In some cases you do find overlaps in subjects covered between the two. e.g., Electrical Engineering and Communication both get into the equipment, manufacturing etc. Similarly they also need the basics of Software to manage them. I do not think you will be wrong in choosing either as you will discover more about your interests as you get deeper into either topic. As long as you maintain good GPA (3.5 is good !!) and apply knowledge with some practical experience (internship etc.) in the future, you will find the well-paying jobs become attainable.
Good luck on your studies and career!
Good luck on your studies and career!
Hello Visa! Thank you so much for your answer! I appreciate your encouragement :)
Tianna
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Both Communications Technology and Electrical Engineering are fields that are continuously evolving, and technological advancements are expected to drive demand for skilled professionals in both areas in the coming decades. The choice between the two largely depends on your personal interests and aptitude. If you enjoy working with communication technologies, multimedia systems, and networking, Communications Technology may be a better fit for you. On the other hand, if you have a strong inclination towards electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism, and are interested in areas such as power systems or robotics, Electrical Engineering may be a better fit. If salary is an important consideration for you then Electrical Engineering is likely to pay more coming right out of college, but pay will probably tend toward equivalence as you move further into your career.
Hello Justin Downs! Thank you so much! I appreciate your thoughts for both :)
Tianna
Updated
Dino’s Answer
For my experience any students who have above average GPA can go to hard sciences program like engineering, medicine with less or minimal difficulty in their courses. You will succeed in both fields but you can not get both you have to weigh everything, your resources, time, schools program, that requires some more efforts on your part. You need more time for self reflection which of your choices will be the best for you.
Always do yourself a favor by doing some research on your career options and find out what you really like and will makes you happy.
If you can interview people who are already working in the field of communication or social media and an electrical engineer so that you will hear coming from the horse's mouth.
Look at your parents capacity to finance your education and discuss to your parents your career options.
Dino recommends the following next steps:
Hello Dino. Thank you for your answer.
Tianna
Updated
TJ’s Answer
My suggestion is EE. In my opinion, communication technology is just a small branch of EE. If you take EE, you can work in communication, however, you will have much more other choices and opportunities in future.
Hello TJ Xia! Thank you for your response. I appreciate it :)
Tianna
Updated
Carl’s Answer
Hi Tianna. It really depends if you want to do more than communications. My graduate degree is in Network and Communications Management which focuses on communication technology. The field is always evolving with the evolution various wireless technologies that help define how many organizations work. I think many of the professionals that have answered your post are correct. If you want to focus on other things besides communications, then electrical engineering may serve you best. Personally, my passion is communication technology. I've been in this industry for close to 25 years and have seen how communications technology has changed the playing field around the world. I've seen the wireless footprint of this nation advance, connectivity increase to more rural footprints thanks to Fixed Wireless Access Broadband Services, and businesses that prior to the advances of communications technology that may have needed large sums of cash to operate can now compete with major corporations. All of this is because of communication technology. Hopefully you can find your path based on the perspectives of these professionals.
Hello Carl Manson! I enjoyed reading about your professional experiences in communication technology. I've gained more insight. Thank you so much!!
Tianna