Disclaimer: I’m not an embedded SWE (though I’ve done an embedded internship before), but I work closely with embedded SWEs since I do server-side development for IoT devices. I think you’re in a good spot, especially if you enjoy it. Yes there are way more jobs in web development, but there are also way more web developers out there compared to embedded SWEs. It’s important to consider the pool of qualified workers when looking at stuff like amount of job openings. Embedded is a difficult niche and I don’t think it’s going anywhere, and there’s not as many people that can fill that niche so there’s relatively less competition if you’re qualified. Ubiquitous computing keeps growing, and everything is using embedded systems. Fridges, cars, locks, thermostats, planes, etc. As for transitioning, someone else is probably better suited to answer that and share their experience, ‘cause I’ve been doing backend work for most of my career other than that embedded internship. I do think it would be easier for an embedded SWE to transition to web dev than the other way around though, just my 2 cents. You might even be able to transition to doing backend work for embedded devices like I’m doing, and then transition to full on app dev from there? More on reddit.com

“Close to hardware software” is the most awkward way to say firmware. More on reddit.com

Take this with grains of salt, but IMO you probably just don't have enough experience. Unless you are a true superstar (think like top 10% or maybe even 5%), you likely don't have enough knowledge to be more use than cost to a company. Pretty much every company I've worked for only takes Junior+ for interns, and I personally didn't get my first internship until Junior year. Also it's a very tough market right now even for people with lots of experience, so you're likely feeling some fallout from that. Don't get discouraged, though, there's still plenty of ways to make your summer worthwhile. If you really want an internship, consider applying to pure CS roles, or finding really small startups in your local area who tend to be more willing to trade experience for less money. Alternatively, doing some projects on your own and importantly treating them as if they were your job can be a really good way to go. Best of luck! More on reddit.com

I'm a bit surprised by this assessment. Normally real embedded engineers (3-5 year+ experience) are in great demand. Granted it very much depends on what chipset, environment, design you are dealing with. Xylinx or Altera guys make bank, so I'm a bit confused. More on reddit.com