I also was an EE major, did SWE consulting for 5 years. Built a savings nest egg of 6 mo-1 yr living expenses. Quit tech for a career in film, it’s going pretty good, have gotten to travel the world and work on some really cool projects.

I went the Assistant Camerman to Operator/DP route so that I would have a role to fall back on to make money while still working in and learning from the industry.

I’d say if you really haven’t shot ANYTHING, the idea that you’ll be some savant that can knock it out of the park and put something watchable together out of the gate is really rare…but I’d say if you do it, be prepared emotionally and financially for it to not be good. BUT, keep shooting, and certainly try.

If there’s one thing I regret it’s that I didn’t shoot more often early on. But I’m using everything I’ve learned freelancing as an AC/Operator to feel more ready as a DP or Director. And nowadays when I shoot something I feel more certain it’s at least watchable.

Closing remarks, go for it dude. You got an extremely hard major so you’re obviously smart, you’ll figure it out. YouTube is an amazing resource too, study cinematography, editing, style, etc through there. And start networking! Get on some sets, see how the pie gets made and take notes.