The most direct route into embedded software engineering is through an EE (electrical/electronic engineering) degree. Every other approach will be harder.

A computer science related course will churn out graduates with some of the necessary programming skills for embedded work, but an EE graduate will understand the code and the layers below the code – from processor design, digital circuit design and semiconductors right down to quantum mechanics. In fact an electrical/electronic engineering degree allows for many different career paths, with various side way moves available into such diverse areas as management consultancy and biomedical engineering.

So if you’re an embedded engineer what was your route to getting there? Any advice for those looking to get into embedded work?

• For some great advice on how to become an embedded geek check out Jack Ganssle’s guide at http://www.ganssle.com/startinges.pdf.
• Study Electrical/Electronic Engineering at University College Cork.
• Study Electronic Engineering at Cork Institute of Technology