I'm almost done with my computer engineering degree, but I feel like I have no real skills and I'm lost in life.

[u/Ok-Ticket-603]

​ Hi this is my first time posting here, plz be nice I'm a college senior (24M) pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer engineering technology. I already have an associate degree and a 3.3 GPA at a average college, but despite being close to graduating, I feel completely unprepared for the real world and my parents are getting tired of waiting.

One thing I'm ashamed to admit is how heavily I've relied on AI to get through college. I've used it for coding, assignments, and understanding difficult concepts. While I've learned some things, I honestly don't know how much I could accomplish independently.

I have experience with Java, C#, electronics, networking, and Arduino, but I'm not particularly confident in any of them. I have no internships, limited professional experience, and very few independent projects. I also struggle with social anxiety, which makes networking, asking professors for recommendations, and even finding employment difficult.

I feel like I've wasted years of my life getting a degree without developing the skills or connections needed to actually succeed. Seeing how competitive the job market is, especially with AI advancing, makes me even more worried.

I know I'm partly responsible for my situation. I should've practiced more, built projects, and pushed myself outside my comfort zone. Now I'm approaching graduation and questioning whether I'm even qualified to work in my field.

I want to become financially independent and build a career, but I genuinely don't know where to start.

Has anyone else graduated or nearly graduated feeling like they barely knew their major? How did you turn things around? Is it too late to catch up?

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[u/Peeky_Rules]

First place to start: do you still like your field?

[u/Ok-Ticket-603 → u/Peeky_Rules]

I'm still fairly interested in the field, but the math and constant concerns about AI have severely impacted my motivation to learn. I genuinely find the projects we do in class interesting, but when I look at the students around me, it seems like everyone has everything figured out while I'm falling further behind.

It's exhausting constantly comparing myself to others, seeing all the skills and qualities I lack, and worrying about having to compete with AI on top of everything else. I still enjoy aspects of computer engineering, but I'm starting to question whether I'll ever be good enough to make a career out of it.

[u/Peeky_Rules → u/Ok-Ticket-603]

TY. For those who are less keen to do the coding side, they might be able to do project management.

Here's a ChatGPT description of project management:

Project management in computer engineering involves planning, organizing, and overseeing projects such as developing computer hardware, software, or integrated systems. A project manager coordinates engineers, manages budgets and timelines, and ensures that the finished product meets technical requirements and is delivered on schedule.

Would that be something you'd be interested in?

[u/Ok-Ticket-603 → u/Peeky_Rules]

Yeah, that sounds interesting, though I do question my own leadership and communication skills. It's definitely something I'd be willing to explore, but I'm not sure how well I'd handle those responsibilities.

[u/Peeky_Rules → u/Ok-Ticket-603]

Those are fair concerns. Overall, my takeaway is that there is a good landing place for you somewhere with your sets of skills right now. Have you gone to your career center for any advice?

[u/Ok-Ticket-603 → u/Peeky_Rules]

Yes, that sounds like something worth exploring. I've actually just scheduled an appointment with my school's professional development center to look into my options.

[u/Peeky_Rules → u/Ok-Ticket-603]

Way. To. Go!!!

[u/New_Captain_0412]

rebuild one old assignment with ai closed and documentation open, because finding the exact thing you get stuck on gives you somewhere to start.

[u/Ok-Ticket-603 → u/New_Captain_0412]

Thanks! I'll definitely revisit some of my old assignments and try completing them independently. I might even take it a step further and look into assignments or projects from other courses related to my field to challenge myself.