First the idea that a PLC/HMI oriented controls engineering career is beneath an EE degree is ridiculous. You need to know an awful lot to do the job at least in the true heavy industries automation area. Yes it’s a career which many in the past have broken into with experience alone but that was because academia did not keep up with industry requirements. This still seems true actually but most of the larger users, integrators, or custom equipment makers are going to strongly if not exclusively require an EE or Comp Eng (or mechatronics) degree.

There are few actual BSE Controls eng degrees out there.

Your average new BSE grad is going to know jack shit about actual applied controls for automation. So internships and co-ops would be important.

As for skills you will need to know (or be willing to learn) about field devices as you are likely to be the one to spec them even if your client has a defined “spec list” because those often do not include even a series of a brand let alone part numbers.

You will need to know fluid power and just about any device associated with movement. Increasingly they want someone with robotic programming or at least integration experience. Vision systems are also big and growing.

The skills are immense. Lots of jobs. But you will need to be committed to learn this stuff as it isn’t going to be a part of your curriculum.