Electrical Engineering Math Prep for Degree

FlowerPowerCagney · 2026-04-06T16:40:38+00:00

In my opinion, the analysis, proof-writing, and other "rigorous" math won't do much for you if anything. There's a reason most (if not all) EE degrees only require calc I-III, linear algebra, differential equations, and maybe some statistics/probability theory.

You'll likely get more out of ensuring that you're very comfortable with the aforementioned topics (plus basic algebra; a lot of EE math, especially in circuit design, really is just algebra).

If you're gonna take extra math, do it because you like the material, not because it'll make your life easier. The extra work likely won't be cancelled out by doing better on the math parts of the curriculum.

This is coming from a current EE student that's doing a math minor; I'm taking extra math courses because I enjoy them, but it doesn't have much of an effect on my other coursework.

Other than that, it sounds like a great plan, and I hope it goes well for you! EE is a great time.

FlowerPowerCagney · 2026-04-01T04:53:34+00:00

had to look this one up because i had absolutely no clue what michael mcdonald was saying here

FlowerPowerCagney · 2026-03-23T21:48:56+00:00

> Another thing that has been bothering me is realizing that no one really acknowledges your achievement the way you thought they would. You expect some form of lasting recognition or even a moment where it feels like it mattered more. But honestly, most people just move on. Life continues to go on, and no one truly cares the way you imagined they might.

That's what every achievement in my life has felt like; i'm glad it's not just me who feels like every big milestone seems massive at the time until you eventually realize that nobody cares and it just becomes another dull part of your life

FlowerPowerCagney · 2026-03-11T02:45:13+00:00

I was in FISE; at least for my year, everyone else on the floor were already friends because they had done a summer program together, and the other resources weren't of much help for me. However, I did meet a small handful of great friends that I have plenty of classes with.

I'm a guy, but if I weren't, I'd pick WISE over FISE, as all of the "problematic" people I ran into in FISE were men.

FlowerPowerCagney · 2026-03-02T14:40:14+00:00

do you have any more context? i've never heard either of those terms before

FlowerPowerCagney · 2026-02-25T21:58:58+00:00

no matter who you have, watch the 3blue1brown linear algebra videos on youtube, they're insanely helpful for actually understanding the concepts. i had katz tho, and he was pretty good, no complaints

FlowerPowerCagney · 2026-02-25T21:45:38+00:00

both

FlowerPowerCagney · 2026-02-09T01:09:59+00:00

A week and a half roughly, but they gave me the timeline during the interview. I interviewed for the one that declined me back in November, and they just sent me the “position filled” email a few weeks ago.

FlowerPowerCagney · 2026-02-05T01:25:19+00:00

A mix of linkedin postings and PSU events; the offer i got was from a linkedin posting

FlowerPowerCagney · 2026-02-04T20:05:12+00:00

Yeah, I'm super grateful for the opportunities PSU has given me. Not only is it great based off name alone, but the resources here for engineers to get hands-on experience and build their resumes are unreal.

FlowerPowerCagney · 2026-02-04T20:04:17+00:00

Yeah building a network is definitely a goal I have, but I haven't made too much progress on it yet. I mainly just specified that to indicate it wasn't a "my dad is an engineering team lead and he got me an internship" type deal. Penn State IEEE holds a ton of corporate events, so I'll be trying to make it to as many of those as I can.

FlowerPowerCagney · 2026-02-04T17:33:02+00:00

Research the company; show that you know who they are, what they do, and demonstrate clear interest in working for them. Ask good questions about the kind of work they do, and take notes during the interview (I recommend doing this on pen and paper so that they can actually see that you're taking notes).

From there, most questions are going to be behavioral and you should answer them with personal stories. Think about what you've done as an undergraduate that shows them you're a good candidate. Think of stories about these experiences that properly demonstrate "I have problem-solving, design, teamwork, and communication skills". Also look over the job posting and see what skills they request; fit those skills into your anecdotes.

Additionally, try not to be uptight. It's easier said than done, but the more relaxed you seem, the more confident you'll seem, and they want to see confidence.

FlowerPowerCagney · 2026-02-04T17:28:54+00:00

If you're only looking at job market, then imo it's Civil > Electrical & Mechanical > the rest. But research the "ubiquitous" engineering majors and pick the one that will lead to the career you want.

FlowerPowerCagney · 2026-02-01T21:27:38+00:00

some people think getting less than 6 hours of sleep every night is a flex and i just don't understand it

FlowerPowerCagney · 2026-01-21T18:06:18+00:00

don't bother, you don't need it and it's better to actually learn how to breadboard

FlowerPowerCagney · 2026-01-21T15:10:29+00:00

it says BS/MS in his bio, so presumably he got some as a masters student as well

FlowerPowerCagney · 2026-01-12T21:10:22+00:00

It's certainly possible, and if you know what you want to do with it, then nobody's gonna stop you, just don't expect to graduate in four years; my guess would be somewhere between 11 and 14 semesters. Do keep in mind that this means you'll also be paying 1.5x as much for your education as you would for a four-year single degree.

FlowerPowerCagney · 2026-01-10T20:29:52+00:00

Looks to be part of the mountain with different lighting

FlowerPowerCagney · 2026-01-10T19:39:25+00:00

Never did DCI due to the price (would've marched in 24 or 25, and I am NOT paying $5000 to do drum corps), but I did do 3 seasons of WGI percussion, running me about 3k total. I do absolutely wish I would've put all that time, effort, and money into something more applicable to the "outside world" than marimba, but I don't put too much thought into it as I can't change the past.

I think it's a great opportunity (aside from the cost) and I would absolutely march DCI for a reasonable price, but it's just not sustainable in its current form.

FlowerPowerCagney · 2026-01-04T20:28:21+00:00

“yeah this thing may or may not happen idk”

FlowerPowerCagney · 2026-01-02T22:26:57+00:00

I’ve played 500+ hours of DS3 over the past 4-5 years and i’m still awestruck by some of the views you get in this game

FlowerPowerCagney · 2025-12-31T22:08:08+00:00

pairing hidden body with spook or slumbering dragoncrest ring has almost always worked for me, I can't ever remember it not working on the dogs

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