Do you like analytical thinking? Master Error Control Codes and it will be a strong addition to your profile while applying to computer hardware positions. ECCs have become ubiquitous in hardware. ECCs are used to protect datapaths and memory in almost all hardware designs.
ECC usage in hardware differs from ECC usage in Communications. There are 3 important ECCs that you should master to get an edge as a hardware designer: SECDED, CRC, Reed-Solomon (in the order of growing complexity).
Try this problem: Explain SEC (or SECDED) with as little math as possible. Try to frame it as a purely analytical problem. Think along the lines of selecting data sets in such a way that any single bit error can be corrected.
Being able to discuss/explain/promote your work is as important as your work itself. In the case of ECC, that means being able to describe ECCs with as little math as possible.