Relevance of Computer Network Expertise for Grad Studies in EE

[Moneer81]

Hello,

I need some advice regarding my plan to apply for a masters in EE.

I have a BS in physics, and I have been in the workforce for about 5-6 years now. I work in the IT field, with a focus on networking, security, LAN/WAN, etc. I have been offered an exciting opportunity of becoming the network engineer for a large enterprise with a rather complex cloud infrastructure. It is pretty exciting, but I am wondering if it will completely suck me into the world of IT with no hopes of getting out.

So my question is, would this expertise and knowledge that I might get be in any way relevant for my future plan of applying to a graduate program in EE? Can my knowledge of Cisco switches and routers, and my understanding of data packets and of the OSI model come in handy in any way?

My EE interests are embedded systems, optical physics, and I guess if I will have an advantage, computer networks.

Thank you!

 

[elkement]

I am bit biased but smart grid, 'internet of things', and the convergence of IT networks and energy infrastructure come to my mind immediately.

As a physicist with long-term IT security experience I completed another master's in energy engineering last year, and did a master thesis on the security of smart metering solutions (comparing some of the protocols there, yes - OSI and stuff did come in handy).

CISCO is also offering some 'solutions for the smart grid' - sure, there is a lot of marketing buzz but the formerly distinct fields definitely get closer.

 

[Moneer81]

thanks elkement! I agree that some of the Cisco offerings are to create marketing buzz. The problem is that as a network engineer you end up doing a lot of router/switch/firewall configuration, so yes you become very good at knowing your Cisco commands, but how relevant is that when you try to enroll in a graduate program?

But yes there are some interesting convergence happening now with big data and emerging cloud technologies. It makes for many interesting opportunities...

 

[JakeBrodskyPE]

I work around a lot of people who are leaders on the smart grid effort. If your intent is to design and write firmware for embedded systems then YES this sort of knowledge helps a lot. If your intent is to pursue optical physics, well, it was probably a good learning experience.

 

[Matrix0]

As a scientist with expertise in both computer networks and electrical engineering, I can assure you that your IT background and knowledge will be highly relevant for your graduate studies in EE. In today's increasingly interconnected world, computer networks play a crucial role in almost every aspect of technology, including embedded systems and optical physics. Your understanding of networking principles, such as data packets and the OSI model, will give you a unique perspective and advantage in your studies.

Moreover, the skills and experience you have gained as a network engineer will also be valuable in your graduate studies. Your ability to troubleshoot and design complex networks, as well as your familiarity with Cisco switches and routers, will be highly transferable to the field of EE. Additionally, your experience in the IT industry will provide you with a practical understanding of how technology is implemented and utilized in real-world applications, which is essential for success in any engineering field.

Lastly, your interests in embedded systems and optical physics align well with the field of computer networks. Many modern embedded systems rely on network connectivity for communication and data transfer, and optical physics has numerous applications in the design and optimization of high-speed networks.

In conclusion, your expertise in computer networks will not only be relevant but also beneficial for your future studies in EE. I encourage you to embrace your IT background and use it to enhance your understanding of electrical engineering concepts. Best of luck in your graduate studies!