TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into our daily lives has sparked interest in computer science and engineering. In Taiwan, an increasing number of students are choosing to pursue studies in these disciplines, motivated by the promising prospects they offer.
Feng Chi-lun, a graduate student at National Taiwan University's (NTU) Computer Science and Engineering Department, remarked: "If given the opportunity, I would prioritize selecting departments rather than schools during my undergraduate studies."
"By selecting my desired field of study, it would provide me with a clearer path for my future."
According to a study conducted by a local job bank, approximately 65.7% of office workers in Taiwan prioritized selecting their desired fields of study over attending a prestigious university immediately after high school.
However, the study revealed that those who based their career paths on their chosen fields of study had fewer regrets and currently earn an average of 21% more in their jobs. Individuals who studied physics, chemistry, engineering, or geosciences enjoyed significantly higher salaries in their first jobs.
"Those who pursued electrical engineering or computer science typically start with a salary ranging from NT＄50,000 to NT＄60,000," local job bank spokesperson Yang Tsung-pin revealed.
"However, individuals involved in AI, metaverse, cloud computing, or those studying computer science may earn annual salaries surpassing one million and even reach two million with additional bonuses."
University students are now considering expanding job opportunities in the AI sector when making their academic decisions.
The NTU Office of Admissions highlighted that the electrical engineering department has become the most popular choice among students seeking to switch majors, with 67 individuals making the switch this year.
As AI continues to impact society, students are looking closer at their interests and the availability of job openings to chart a more promising path for their future.