While some unique expertise is obviously required, embedded-systems developers still face many of the same issues as programmers in other fields. Embedded systems have all sorts of nifty software applications. The point is that software tools and techniques are by no means limited to one specific field. Java, for instance, is an excellent example of technology going full circle. However, Java isn't the first mainstream language on PCs to use virtual machines.
Crossover occurs often in software, and programming skills are portable.
The bottom line is that if you're planning a career in software and you have the basic skills, don't limit your horizons. You may be surprised at what's out there.