u/Equivalent_Throat_99

I’m a Computer Engineering student at TMU going into my 3rd year, and I’m making this post to hold myself accountable. I’ve had enough.

I recently realized that just passing classes is not enough if I actually want to land a solid internship or co-op. University gives me the theory, but I know it won’t automatically make me job-ready. If I want to compete for better roles, I need to start building real skills on my own.

Right now, I have some background from school in OOP, data structures, algorithms, software design, digital logic, VHDL, FPGAs/CPLDs, microprocessors, and electronics. I understand a lot of these topics at a theory level, but I haven’t applied them enough in real projects. That is the main thing I want to change.

My goal is to break into a strong technical career path, whether that is software engineering, big tech, or finance technology. Recently I’ve been looking more into capital markets technology, market data, trading systems, low-latency C++, and maybe FPGA-related trading infrastructure later on. I know these fields are competitive, so I’m not expecting anything easy.

The main problem is that I get overwhelmed when I try to start. There are so many things people say to learn: C++, Python, SQL, LeetCode, projects, operating systems, networking, computer systems, finance basics, FPGA, and more. I sit down ready to work, then I start overthinking what to do first and lose momentum.

So I’m starting today and trying to stay consistent. I’m not asking anyone to do the work for me, but I would appreciate advice from people who are already ahead. If you were in my position, what would you focus on first to become internship-ready? Should I start with C++ and computer systems, data structures and algorithms, or small projects?

Any honest advice, project ideas, or guidance on how to structure the next few months would help a lot.

I’m a 20-year-old Computer Engineering student in Canada entering my 3rd year, focused on embedded systems, hardware, and chip design rather than software or cloud.

I’ve been exploring finance careers, not in banking or trading, but on the tech side Capital Markets Tech, Risk Tech, Market Data, Trading Systems, and possibly low-latency C++ or FPGA work.

Part of this interest comes from how AI is reshaping tech jobs. I want to build toward a niche where my background in systems and hardware is valuable and harder to replace.

My technical skills are still developing. I know basic programming (mostly Java/OOP), but I’m not yet strong in C++ or systems programming. I want to choose the right starting point.

For those in finance tech roles:

1.Is this a realistic path for a Computer Engineering student?

2.What entry-level co-op/intern roles should I target?
3.Should I focus first on C++, Python/SQL, or finance basics?

4.What beginner projects would strengthen my resume?

5.What should I do over the next 2–3 months to become competitive?

I’m looking for practical, realistic advice on breaking into finance technology using a Computer Engineering background.