Computer Engineering at RIT:
“If only I’d known…”
Matt Genovese, Motorola Inc.
RIT Computer Engineering Graduate
1997
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Purpose
• To talk about my experiences at RIT, and in
the Computer Engineering Department.
• Topics
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Computer Engineering
Being an Engineer at RIT (Hints & Tips)
Co-ops and Jobs
Balance
• Open Forum - Please ask questions!!!
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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.
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Computer Engineering
Congratulations!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Diversification; Uniqueness
Endless Job Opportunities in Today’s Market
Salary
The Satisfaction of “Understanding”
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Being an Engineer at RIT
What You’ve Never Been Told,
But Need to Know...
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How to Survive
(Especially the Freshman Year)
• Learn How to Take Charge of Your Courses
• Learn Good Study / Homework Habits
• Learn Time Management
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.)
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Co-ops and Jobs
Realizing The Fruits of Your Labor
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Balance
Taking it all in stride…
(or “Learning how to stay cool when
it feels like hell”)
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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
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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 :-)
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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!
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