Electrical or Mechanical Engineer

NT123

Hi All,

There have probably been topics similar to this already, but I just want to see what people's advice is given my cirumstances. I already have a BSc in math, went to grad school in math for a year and didn't like it, so have gone back to undergrad for ME, which I will be starting next year. I like the sound of ME and it seems really varied and full of possible areas of specialization. However, I haven't up to now been a "taking things apart" kind of guy, and I'm concerned that I might not have the necessary talent for ME. I am good at math, and like some elements more than others (Complex variables for instance, which I know figure into EE quite a bit), and have also really enjoyed an E&M physics course I've taken recently, so I'm beginning to feel that EE might be the way to go. I seem to have more of a natural aptitude for circuits and such than for mechanical devices, but I'm still undecided, and I just wondered if there were any MEs / EEs who could advise me in any way.

Thanks in advance, Nick

hollidca

Well the good news is most university engineering courses share the first year, or most of it anyway. Personally I am a ME and i LOVE it! Can't stand the electrical side of it, apart from logic, then again i'm not a fan of maths. I suggest you get in touch with your uni and discuss the options for changing course after first year, or if you could do an extra module so you have completed both EE and ME first year of the course, but I doubt this will be possible and will put a heavy workload on you. To be honest i'm not a handy man, so i thought i'd struggle with ME too, but in labs when you do the handy stuff, there is alway a lab partner to help and it really does valuable life skills. Just take your time, measure accurately, and then begin work slowly, evenually it should get easier and become natural. But one piece of huge advice i'd give is make sure whatever course you do, it is accredited with a recognised institute like IMechE!!!

Thermalne

You really do sound like an Electrical Engineering major. Although I'd suggest taking a few of the starting courses for both and see which one you like the most.