Advise for a twenty something entering EE studies?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around advice for a student entering Electrical Engineering (EE) studies, with a focus on academic preparation, financial management, and personal development. Participants share insights and experiences related to balancing studies with life choices and financial habits.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested, Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to learn physics and secure a good job, seeking advice on entering EE studies.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of studying hard and developing problem-solving and thinking skills, suggesting that the degree and knowledge gained are crucial for future employment.
  • Financial advice is shared, including recommendations to save a portion of income, limit entertainment spending, and avoid credit card debt, with one participant reflecting on their own financial habits.
  • A repeated financial perspective highlights the importance of living below one's means, with a participant considering adjustments to their current spending and saving practices.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of academic diligence and financial responsibility, but there are varying personal interpretations and implementations of financial advice, indicating a lack of consensus on specific practices.

Contextual Notes

Some advice may depend on individual circumstances, such as income levels and personal priorities, which are not fully explored in the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering or entering Electrical Engineering studies, individuals seeking general life and financial advice, and those interested in balancing academic and personal life.

tolove
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There are some amazing pinned threads in various sub forums here about career and general life advise for students. Does anyone have some advise for someone about to enter Electrical Engineering?

For myself, I want to know some physics, and I also want to have a good job. I'm starting my junior year next month in physics, and plan on picking up a second major in electrical engineering for employment. I have one very small idea about what I'm getting myself into.

Does anyone have some advise? Are there any things that you wish you knew at this point in your life?
 
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Sure...study hard NOW. Leave the girls and booze behind until you graduate. You will need to study a lot seven days a week year round to develop your mind. The degree you obtain is important, what you actually learn in school is even more important...problem solving and thinking skills in particular.

EE is certainly based off of physics, but in general there is more jobs in EE and the pay is generally higher.
 
Some more general advice is to remember to save 20% of your income no matter what, to spend no more than 10% on entertainment, don't get caught in credit card debt cycle by buying beyond your means, always live below your means no matter how much you make.

I heard this on NPR on Father's Day: A Dad's Advice to his Son, (advice he wished his Dad had told him)
 
jedishrfu said:
Some more general advice is to remember to save 20% of your income no matter what, to spend no more than 10% on entertainment, don't get caught in credit card debt cycle by buying beyond your means, always live below your means no matter how much you make.

I heard this on NPR on Father's Day: A Dad's Advice to his Son, (advice he wished his Dad had told him)

Hmmmm, I'm saving roughly 10% and spending roughly 20% on entertainment.

Perhaps a tweak is in order...
 

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