Sahithya Prakash

Why CMPE at Penn?

I came into college knowing that I wanted to study both the hardware and software sides of engineering. When I found out that Penn offered a Computer Engineering major, I knew it was perfect for me and it was something I wanted to pursue. Being in the program made me realize how well this major combines EE and CS courses and allows for someone to become well-learned in both fields.

What would you say is your favorite CMPE class?

My two favorite CMPE classes are ESE215, Circuit Theory, and ESE350, Embedded Systems and Microcontrollers. Although both classes required me to pull some all-nighters here and there, they reminded me why I wanted to be a Computer Engineer and why I loved the major so much. In both classes, I not only learned the core fundamentals, but I also worked on projects that gave me the chance to apply what I have been learning.

How would you describe the CMPE to friends or family who aren’t familiar with it?

Usually, I tell people that the major is a combination of both Computer Science and Electrical Engineering and that as a Computer Engineer, I am responsible for understanding the electronics and software of a device or product.

What do you think it takes to be a “successful” computer engineer?

I would say that you should never give up. The course load for this major is very intense, but the complexity of the material or the amount of work shouldn’t deter you from pursuing it. People come up to me all the time and ask me why I decided to pick such a hard field to major in; I tell them it’s hard but also really rewarding at the same time, and that makes all the blood, sweat, and tears worth it.

What internships have you done?

Last summer, I worked at Intel in Santa Clara, CA. I did a lot of web development projects and dabbled in JavaScript and HTML. It was something I never had exposure to during the school year, so it was a great learning experience.

What other activities do you participate in at Penn?

I am a dancer and choreographer on Penn Raas, an Indian dance team, and a peer counselor on Penn Benjamins. I am also part of the engineering sorority Alpha Omega Epsilon.