Exploring Career Opportunities for Undergrad EE's in DSP Engineering

[user101]

Are there as many jobs for those undergrad EE's who want to try to specialize in DSP than there are for let's say circuit designers, etc...? I know DSP goes hand in hand with them, and a graduate degree is probably most helpful, but this is the class I find most interesting so far.

The reason I'm asking is because I see that DSP is limited with mainly audio/video/speech processing, radar/sonar processing (which means Ill have to work for a defense contractor like Lockheed Martin or Raytheon), etc.

 

[Maxwell]

Are there as many jobs for those undergrad EE's who want to try to specialize in DSP than there are for let's say circuit designers, etc...? I know DSP goes hand in hand with them, and a graduate degree is probably most helpful, but this is the class I find most interesting so far.

The reason I'm asking is because I see that DSP is limited with mainly audio/video/speech processing, radar/sonar processing (which means Ill have to work for a defense contractor like Lockheed Martin or Raytheon), etc.

Unless you're really far ahead in your curriculum, I don't think there is any way to specialize in DSP as an undergrad. You can take one or two graduate classes as an undergrad, but I wouldn't call that specializing.

DSP is NOT at all limited to the defense industry! All the major IC design companies hire DSP engineers. DSP is a really hot field right now, and the applications can be seen in every single subfield of EE/CE.

Circuit designers do need to know DSP, or at least some basic concepts. Alternatively, if you are very good in DSP, you could design DSP circuits/chips or communication chips.

DSP is a great field to specialize in, but to really get into it, you need a graduate degree.

 

[user101]

I see. Thanks for clearing that up. And yeah, I was meaning only to take a few classes, but what I want to focus in is DSP for as an entry-level engineering, if I have the opportunity to find a position which will let me. I eventually would like to get an MBA and work in management positions.

Thanks Maxwell.