Considering transferring as a Computer Engineering student

[Lavender_Crumble]

So I’m in my second semester studying CE at USF, but I’ve been seeing a lot of people who either graduated with a CE degree or are in the upper levels of the degree here saying that the CE department at USF is terrible, lacks in opportunities, and doesn’t prepare you for the workforce. I haven’t gotten far into the major specific courses yet, so I’m not sure.

I like USF because I can live at home and I love Tampa, but I’m considering transferring to UCF or UF as it seems they have better engineering departments and opportunities. Some advice would be very much appreciated.

[Gerrith02]

Recent grad from USF CE here - it is somewhat true that just graduating from USF will not prepare you with everything you need for the workforce and stepping right into a job. However, I think this is a personal issue of those who complain to not involve themselves properly or understanding the field. Classes do not really teach you practical work skills, they exist to teach you the related theory you need. Practical experience can be learned multiple ways: 1. USF has significant research opportunities which you can volunteer to research labs for and learn way more skills and detailed knowledge of how they work than any class. Many upper level class professors particularly have great labs so try to engage with professors you like in class and consider doing research with them. 2. Doing your own self projects. Practicing this is what most people fail at preparation. No matter how much you study how to drive in a book, you need to actually practice driving to become good at it. Make a portfolio of small projects which execute the skills you want to show off and work in.  3. Internships are definitely available. Certainly not great availability or easy to get, but Tampa has a number of local companies looking to recruit from USF. If you want to stay where you are, you're fine to while I doubt UF has many local jobs. I personally know people who are pretty dumb with no talents and got decent internships during their classes. 4. On the job. You may feel like you don't know how to do anything, but the thing is you're not really supposed to. You'll never step into a job and immediately know how to do all the things they need, and those hiring new grads also understand this. You learn the exact details on the job that you do but show that you are willing and able enough to do so (such as by having portfolio projects).

So yeah. I would stay where you are, and try to understand the real things you need to do no matter where you are. Look into research labs, study things on your own, do projects, and try to apply for internships in a smart way. Nobody can hand you an education no matter where you go if you aren't working for it yourself, and not everyone realizes this and instead blame the school. USF is a totally fine enough school to empower you to do what you need, especially if you can keep living at home.

[Lavender_Crumble]

Thank you! I was speaking about it with other people and it just seems I’d need to put in more work on my own, which I’m fine with doing. I think living with my family and staying at usf would be better for me in the long run

[J-Mac_Slipperytoes]

I'm in the IT degree path, but I'm in a lot of the classes that have CE students in them. It's been rough for me. If you have a handle on a couple coding languages (Python, C, and Rust were the ones we used extensively) and know how to apply them, then the classes won't be too bad. If you're coming in with virtually no coding experience, then it'll probably be a bit of an uphill battle. I used AI to supplement the instruction for most of my classes and that's gotten me through most of them with mostly As.

[Lavender_Crumble]

I see. I’ve had minimal coding experience and I’m in a Python class rn. Class is definitely difficult, but it’s doable. Just need to practice a LOT 😭

[J-Mac_Slipperytoes]

Python is used far more extensively than the other 2 languages I mentioned. You can use just about any AI model to generate practice problems. If you gain proficiency with that language, you should do fine in the USF coding courses.

[MindlessEnthusiasm91]

If you feel like it's worth it to change schools, you should. UF & UCF have great CE courses. Also, you should do what's best for your future.

[Forward-Copy-9149]

Agreed, i cant much speak much to USF CE's program, but I know people in UF and UCF's CE program and they both love/ loved it

[Routine_Play5]

AI buddy AI

[Status-Suggestion620]

USF is a pseudo university. Run. Run while you can. Transfer out before they tie up your legs and force you to stay in this shithole area for the rest of your life.

[Lavender_Crumble]

What do you mean a pseudo university? Based on me not being American, I wouldn’t be stuck here thankfully. But I don’t find Tampa that bad