<p>Hello all,
I am a freshman majoring in software engineering. I was wondering what I should pick for my minor. Here are my possible choices:</p>
<p>Statistics (I’m good at math and I think stats is a lot of fun, but I’m not sure how applicable it is to the job of a software engineer)</p>
<p>Secure Computing and Networking (I know a lot about programming but not much about networking, so it could help, but it might be a bit too specific)</p>
<p>Physics (Loved physics in high school, but not entirely sure how it would be used when dealing with software)</p>
<p>Intelligent Robotic Systems (If anything, this would just be a lot of fun)</p>
<p>Engineering Leadership (I think this would be a decent choice because I would want to become a manager someday)</p>
<p>I think there’s a good case to be made for all of these.</p>
<p>Statistics: There are a lot of jobs in the “big data” sphere nowadays. Companies have more data than they know what to do with, and statistics is THE key tool in data analysis. If you’re interested in anything related to machine learning/AI, statistics will be useful.</p>
<p>Secure Computing and Networking: This one could be useful if you have a strong interest in this area. Security is always important, but you’re right, this could end up being very specific. Also, depending on what aspect of security/networking this minor involves, it could end up being more configuration of software than anything else (i.e. boring).</p>
<p>Physics: This is important if you’re interested in graphics/game programming. Otherwise, it may not end up being that useful, but there’s something to be said for learning just because you enjoy it.</p>
<p>Intelligent Robotic Systems: You’ll end up using statistics/machine learning/AI but in a more targeted sense. This would definitely be fun.</p>
<p>Engineering Leadership: Useful for future management maybe, but also seems a little boring (at least to me). You can always transition into management later…IMO now is the time to learn cool other things.</p>
<p>Basically what Sumzip said would all be good choices…but…let’s work on that primary major:</p>
<p>I would recommend majoring in computer science and take the INITIAL “software engineering” course only…THEN you will have room to take all the electives.</p>