I’m old school, my control theory course was analog. With modern controls your son could work on robotics, in the oil patch, HVAC companies, refineries, etc. Tell him to find a company that offers internships to get practical experience.
Analog. Me too. I designed power supplies out of college. A lot of fun. Unfortunately, demand for power supply designers dropped off and so I changed direction into a different engineering discipline.
You nailed it — he needs practical experience. He has a knack for learning and applying what he has learned but he needs experience with the ins and outs, the tools, the nomenclature, and the devices and processes. I can help here. I have been in the electronics field for a while.
Forgot, we are planning on getting him into an internship next summer.
I have been looking over his shoulder and letting his guidance councilor make recommendations. I’ll recommend Control Theory.
Manufacturing, medical, refineries, utilities, infrastructure. Sensors w IoT is everywhere. Great field. Especially for those who can combine sensors and security of same.