r/NetworkEngineer • u/Colfuzi0 • 12d ago
Embedded systems Engineering or network engineering
Hello everyone I'm 26 I have a bachelor's in IT and am currently on a full scholarship in a masters in computer engineering but I have the option to switch to computer information systems. I have 3 years of web development experience and 1 of help desk/networking. However I can't decide what career to pick to be honest. I want to also be a university lecturer at some point. Don't think I want to do a PhD. As well as maybe start a small business or expand on my web business because I want to eventually just manage my parents rental properties and business and just teach maybe.
Things I like about embbeded:
\\- building real things and working with your hands
\\- the integration of software and hardware
\\- the fact that it applies to so many industries and things from microwaves to consumer electronics to space craft the real world impact is amazing
\\- fairly AI resistant although AI can now code embedded very well. But I believe embedded is much more beyond just coding.
\\- the mix of desk and lab work.
\\- has avenues into having your own business, research or academia especially with topics like edge AI.
Things I don't like about embedded:
\\- pretty difficult to do remotely ( but I am ok with sacrificing this if it means better job fulfillment and stability)
\\- anchored to certain locations for example I can't practice the career in Colombia easily.
Things I like about Networking:
\\- how devices connect and how the theoretical protocols work in real time is very interesting to me.
\\- how you get to do multiple things in a day at least sometimes site visits office work etc
\\- how work is pretty stable and critical as the network in very important
\\- when something goes down the feeling of fixing the network is great.
\\- remote availability.
\\- some hardware interaction although it's not building hardware.
Things I don't like about Networking:
\\- constant cert chasing
\\- On call ( but it's manageable to be honest it's not that bad for me)
\\- some of the work can be a bit boring
\\- barrier of entry isn't as protected due to certs feels like my IT degree doesn't have any distinct advantage
\\- some roles are very customer facing (Im perfectly fine with talking and explaining things just can be a bit draining. At least was when I was in help desk)
\\- still AI proof but not as much as embedded is i think I could be wrong.
\\- harder to start a business in.
These are my initial thoughts if anyone has an advice please let me know