Other Becoming an Engineer: Considerations and Personal Experiences

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Engineering is a challenging field that requires a strong foundation in mathematics and physics, and it is not suitable for those who struggle with these subjects. Prospective engineers should choose a discipline that aligns with their interests and passions, as this will enhance their motivation and success. Many students find engineering to be a demanding experience, often involving intense workloads and significant stress, but those who are truly interested in the field tend to thrive. Engineering offers diverse career opportunities and the chance to make tangible contributions to society, making it a rewarding choice for those with the right mindset. Ultimately, a career in engineering should be driven by passion rather than financial incentives.
  • #801


If you don't want to do mechanical then don't do mechanical. Having said that, your reasons are way off :) ME's are involved in a huge amount more than sitting in a workshop machining things. Propulsion systems, engines, structural aspects (who do you think designs the structure of a tank for example?), avionics, simulators, power generation (planes don't have power lines hooked up to them from the ground) and a heap more. You will not find a "weapons engineering" course in Australia (or most universities around the world for that matter). Part of that is because weapons are high tech devices these days. Take a missile. I am no expert, however I can see a missile requiring aerodynamics (aerospace), avoinics (aerospace, mechanical, electrical), control (electrical, computer), propulsion (aerospace, mechanical), structural (aerospace, mechanical), communications (electrical) systems just to think of a few along with the associated scientists (physicists - materials, chemists - explosives, mathematicians - modelling). You will not have a "missile engineer" as the components are just too complex and different for a single engineering discipline.

I would suggest doing a bit more research into the different engineering disciplines. A pure mechanical engineer could not design a complete modern weapon or platform such as a missile, tank, plane or submarine. Then again neither could an aerospace engineer, electrical engineer, computer engineer, chemical engineer...
 
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  • #802


Hello, everyone! New member here! I'll bold the important part if you don't care to read my introduction.

I'll be completely honest here. I'm torn on the prospect of becoming a Nuclear Engineer of any sort.

I am currently in Okinawa, Japan working as a Hospital Corpsman. It's a good job, the military takes care of me well, and I get a sense that I'm helping others.

Something that has been bothering me for some time now, however, is that when I ask myself what I'm really interested in I think of math, science, and flat out making things work better.

When I was fresh out of High School in Idaho signing up for my Navy career, my recruiter was dead set on trying to get me to be a "Nuke". The job intrigued me, but it was not meant to be.
Unfortunately, I had not been a US citizen for enough years to be eligible for the security clearance needed for the job. (Hence, I picked the medical field)

As I said, the medical field is a good path and I've learned much about how the body works and how to fix issues with it, but I find myself less than ecstatic about much past EMT level training. I would be fine with such a career, but I like to weigh my options.
If I worked toward it, I'm confident that I could get into the nuclear program with the military. The question, then, is if I should.

Of course, when I look at any career in the military field I look at the civilian sector of that field.
No offense to any ground-pounders, but a POG tends to get a job easier.:smile:
That being said, job opportunities in nuclear engineering are less than comforting for a neophyte like me.
One of the main reasons I want to get into this field is because I WANT the schooling. This leads me to my actual question, finally.

Learning all the things I could learn in the Nuclear program, how hard would it be to transition into another engineering field should the employment situation not improve for nuclear?


Thank you for any suggestions!
 
  • #803


Ricepaddy said:
I am currently in Okinawa, Japan

That was the part i read. Oh, Are you alright? Must be awesome posting to "Should-i-become-an-Engineer" Thread amid tsunami waves. RESPECT sir.
 
  • #804


Smarty7 said:
That was the part i read. Oh, Are you alright? Must be awesome posting to "Should-i-become-an-Engineer" Thread amid tsunami waves. RESPECT sir.

Heh, thanks for the compliments, but they're unwarranted. I'm actually located at a very safe location for this particular wave. http://planetsave.com/2011/03/11/okinawa-japan-not-considerably-affected-by-japan-earthquake-tsunami/"
I'm going to make an effort to be part of the relief force that will undoubtedly be sent from Okinawa.
 
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  • #805


Good to know that. Its too fabulous to know how many people were saved by good architectural designs. It got me reading about Forced oscillations and resonance.

Do you have any preferred choices by the way, which superpower you should get with a nuclear explosion? :) I honestly find it quite amazing that most of you STILL have internet connectivity.
 
  • #806


What kind of problems will I solve in a career in electrical engineering? And mechanical?
 
  • #807


Whats are some of the math courses (or topics) that you take in Mechanical Engineering programs, or any other engineering programs?
 
  • #808


Differential equations, calculus 3, probability ?...

Really depends on the stream but DE is the most common one.
 
  • #809


Hi,

Can anyone tell me what field should i study to be related with CNC machines?
 
  • #810


AlbanianBlood said:
Hi,

Can anyone tell me what field should i study to be related with CNC machines?

Computer Engineer/Computer Science/ Electrical Engineering/Mechanical Engineering - All depends on what aspect of CNC machines you'd like to design or are interested in.
 
  • #811


I've recently been trying to figure what I want to do for a career.
I am still stuck as to what I want though.
I absolutely love the universe,space, and pretty much everything to do without of this world entities. But I do not see that being a practical career choice.
And then there is the passion of wanting to know exactly how everything works, and why it works. Which is why I want to become an engineer.
But I am unsure of what kind.
I am not great at math, but I improve greatly on it over time. The same with different sciences. And because of that my grades weren't that great.
I was wondering if I could still become one? As from what I have read and understand is that it takes more work and dedication, than just off the bat smarts with the maths and physics of it all.
 
  • #812


Uncle said:
As from what I have read and understand is that it takes more work and dedication, than just off the bat smarts with the maths and physics of it all.

You're correct. Guys who have the smarts with maths and physics we call them scientists. Engineers are the guys who put in the many hours (many many hours) to make something work. Its okay if you're not #1 in those areas, don't make that deter you from a career in engineering. If you put in the time and have the dedication, you can overcome any deficiency you have in a particular subject to get to the real work that is engineering. In the end its worth it!
 
  • #813


Hi. I have a technical certification in music environments, studios, concerts, etc. That's really my ultimate passion, I love it, and I hope to one day own a studio.

The only problem is that path is really sketchy, and is more about WHO you know than WHAT you know. So recently, I've decided to switch courses, and am about to graduate with an associate of science from a community college with good grades in calculus and physics. I have plans to transfer into an engineering field.

I was thinking EE, because I feel that it was a strong correlation with sound engineering. However, after this last semester of taking University physics and really getting slammed with all this calculus based magnetism, when I am just barely learning integral calculus, has me a bit worried about EE, and has me thinking ME might be more my speed, since I really loved the mechanical physics semester, and did very well.

I'm still doing well in the electrical/waves semester of physics, but I am struggling to keep my A.

Any opinions?
 
  • #814


Just be warned that mech eng also involves a lot of calculus (fluid mechanics, thermodynamics etc).
 
  • #815


denks said:
Just be warned that mech eng also involves a lot of calculus (fluid mechanics, thermodynamics etc).

Indeed, I should've figured that. Well, calculus aside I have decided to go for EE. I think it will ultimately be more satisfying for me, assuming I can choke it down. And I decided that I don't want it to be one of those things, y'know, 15 years down the road, when I look back and say: "Man, I should've been an electrical engineer!"

Thanks denks.
 
  • #816


Wow this forum has really helped me A lot. Currently I'am a junior in High School and my interests lie in physics, currently taking Advanced. I have been thinking about pushing for astronautical engineering but also thinking of mechanical just because of the range of potential careers. What I really wish to do is design propulsion systems for spacecraft but also be able to fall back into a automotive career or something of that sort if I decide to change my mind. But all the research I've done into either of these fields has told me zilch as to what it is actually like. If anyone has advice or experience they could share, it would be greatly appreciated.
 
  • #817


51 pages..could not read it all :smile: My biggest concern is starting out in the field..I have an interest for the maths and sciences ..I really do enjoy studying math, so no doubt I may be on the right track.

But how was it for each one of you as an entry-level engineer? Did the employer expect you to know certain things right off the bat, or did they have you under the guidance of an experienced engineer?

My biggest concern is this that overwhelms me.

The material I currently learn in lecture I can ace, or at least above average it, as I know what is expected of me to use and how to go about it. My problem lies in when on a project and a problem is given to KNOW what to use intuitively and having to remember all equations and formulas and where to apply these. How did some of you cope with this or are coping with it currently?

My only hope is that I have not yet taken any upper-level engineering classes so when I do, some of my concerns may get cleared up.

Btw, I'm currently studying Mechanical engineering..but still having doubts as to whether I should switch to an Astronomy & Physics degree, or Computer Science.
 
  • #818


I want to be a nuclear engineer but there are no schools with the program in the state. The closest school with the program is Penn State. The tuition is extremely expensive, at least 35,000 a year. I was wondering if I could take the basic engineering classes in a school in New Jersey and take the final two years at Penn State. Also I am wondering if it would be worth it to get a masters.
 
  • #819


Hi all, I am a 23 year old community college student and I am interested in starting on the path to become an engineer. I don't have much experience with math and science beyond general high school courses, but I have always been quite good at both subjects. I am interested in several fields of engineering, and I have particular interest in robotics, biomedical technology, nanotechnology, and computer engineering. I was wondering what type of engineering degree I should get as a bachelor's if I want to have as many options like the ones I listed open to me. So far I am looking at electrical engineering and computer engineering, but I am wondering how much electrical or computer science background I will get with a bachelor's in bioengineering technology. I notice that the BLS shows that bioengineering demand is going to take the heck off in the next decade, while the other fields of engineering are not showing much growth relative to the general job market. Any comments on this?

Anyway, thanks for any and all replies!
 
  • #820


I know this varies from school to school but in general can someone who has a B.S. in mathematics go to a different school for a second bachelors in engineering? My "backup" plan is to be an engineer, most likely a mechanical or aerospace engineer. Some people recommend eschewing a second bachelors for a masters but I've taken literally zero engineering courses (because my school doesn't offer engineering.) I wouldn't feel comfortable jumping into upper level engineering classes, not that I anticipate any schools allowing me to do so.
 
  • #821


I'm still browsing career options so forgive me for my ignorance. I can't remember if it was this thread or another but somewhere it talked about engineer vs scientist. Scientists learn more about why something works, when an engineer takes that knowledge and tries to apply it. I really enjoy the theory of why something works and how it works rather than how it could be applied. when I browse engineering jobs on the net I get the sense that most engineers take on a managerial role? I really don't like managing other people so this dampers the idea of choosing engineering as a career plan for me. Maybe engineering not the road to go down? or maybe eng. technology better route?
 
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  • #822


It is equally true for both science and engineering that management opportunities present themselves to experienced persons. Those who dislike management can usually find satisfaction in continuing their science or engineering practice. If mechguy85, you are young, then bear in mind that your own view may evolve into something you didn't foresee. I recall a cartoon in which there are two caterpillas talking to each other on the ground. Above them are two butterflies hovering and fluttering in the air. One caterpillar says to the other "You'll never catch me flying one of those things".
 
  • #823


hi,
i know I'm a little bit out of subject, but I'm new to the forum and I'm not at ease with searching for the right threads... so please read my post and reply if possible

i don't really enjoy knowing how stuff function or so, but i really like reading books about theoretical physics, although i know hawking books are rather simplified... but it excites me!

i would really prefer a career in physics, but (1) i don't know about the post academical opportunities, (2) i don't know what the best universities are(german,french or english education) (3) we're a normal income family, so can somebody help me with financial aid associations?

please help me out, i don't want to end up with the wrong job!
and thank you in advance :D (send a private message if necessary)
 
  • #824


I am looking to studying engineering via distance learning, I know this will add on time to completing a degree but work commitments leave me no choice. My question to you all is what universitites offer such degrees. I am South African and I know that UNISA offers this, I am not sure how recognised the degree is. I am not too keen on US universities mainly due to the costs. Does anyone know of universities in Aus, NZ, HK, UK or SA offering engineering via distance learning?

Thanks
 
  • #825


In Australia I do not believe there are any engineering degrees offered by distance learning. There are a number of science and maths degrees but no engineering.
 
  • #826


Does computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering require a lot of math? I've found linear algebra to be pretty tough because of the proofs. Calc I and II rather okay. Does the math get much tougher?
 
  • #827


caljuice said:
Does computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering require a lot of math? I've found linear algebra to be pretty tough because of the proofs. Calc I and II rather okay. Does the math get much tougher?

Computer Eng: a lot of math. Electrical Engineering: The hardest math of almost all engineering disciplines.
 
  • #828


I am a physics/math double major with one year left of college, and while I've really enjoyed studying both physics and math in my time here I am considering switching over to engineering for grad school. Although discovering how nature works appeals to me greatly, as far as careers go I think actually building useful things is much more appealing (I've done some research labs and I've found them a little boring). However, I do not have any engineering background, and my college does not have an engineering school so I am unable to take engineering courses here.

How do I determine if I should stick with physics or move to engineering? And if I do choose engineering of some sort, what's the best way to prepare myself for the transition?

Thanks for your input!
 
  • #829


viscousflow said:
Computer Eng: a lot of math. Electrical Engineering: The hardest math of almost all engineering disciplines.

I don't know about that, I'm an EE and I have a math minor (done up to pde's, complex analysis on top of linear and calc 1-3) but I've rarely used my advanced math skills to a large extent. I imagine I'll see some Fourier transforms in communications and dsp, but other than that the math hasn't been too bad. Other than vector calculus in fields and waves the highest math I've used in my EE classes was very rudimentary matrix algebra and ode's to solve circuits and even then the laplace transform simplifies everything. I always find it odd when people say engineering math (at least undergrad) is difficult, it really isn't.
 
  • #830


VariableX said:
I am a physics/math double major with one year left of college, and while I've really enjoyed studying both physics and math in my time here I am considering switching over to engineering for grad school. Although discovering how nature works appeals to me greatly, as far as careers go I think actually building useful things is much more appealing (I've done some research labs and I've found them a little boring). However, I do not have any engineering background, and my college does not have an engineering school so I am unable to take engineering courses here.

How do I determine if I should stick with physics or move to engineering? And if I do choose engineering of some sort, what's the best way to prepare myself for the transition?

Thanks for your input!

Your background would probably put you in a position to work in theory, mathematical analysis, and simulation. Computational physics is a big research area in EE, ME, and NE.
 
  • #831


clope023 said:
I don't know about that, I'm an EE and I have a math minor (done up to pde's, complex analysis on top of linear and calc 1-3) but I've rarely used my advanced math skills to a large extent. I imagine I'll see some Fourier transforms in communications and dsp, but other than that the math hasn't been too bad. Other than vector calculus in fields and waves the highest math I've used in my EE classes was very rudimentary matrix algebra and ode's to solve circuits and even then the laplace transform simplifies everything. I always find it odd when people say engineering math (at least undergrad) is difficult, it really isn't.

clope don't get me wrong, it really isn't difficult (to me either) I was only speaking relatively among all other engineering disciplines. I find it useful to implement some sort of "scale", especially for someone who doesn't know what they're getting in to. Note I didn't say it has the most difficult math period, however, only across all engineering disciplines, big difference.

Its all relative.
 
  • #832


I'm a civil engineering student. Is it rational for me to pursue graduate programs after graduating with a BS? I've already asked it in my previous threads, but I'm still in the process of getting the point... 'why is that many answered ; pursuing such graduate program for a civil engineering graduate wouldn't give a certain bearing for employment?' and many posts that I've read echo the same opinion.

Thanks for your input.
 
  • #833


Hi all, I am a 17 year old college student (in the UK so college is not Uni) considering going into Engineering. I've always enjoyed and excelled in Maths, however I've never been particularly interested in Physics... although I've done good academically so far and I am still sure Ill manage the A in my A Level Physics

My question is: Is Engineering right for me?

Ive never been keen on Mechanics so I've ruled out Civil and Mechanical Engineering but considering EEE as I do find Electronics quite interesting, if anyone here is currently or was an EEE student, could you briefly outline the material involved in studying EEE? Is it really Math intensive, is it more theoretical or practical etc? Thanks in advance
 
  • #834


Hey guys. So, I've been thinking about going into Civil Engineering, I've researched a lot about the field but everything on the internet seems too vague or superficial... are there any civil engineers here that can provide a deep look into what the work or college workload really looks like ?

Sorry if my question is too vague, I just want to be absolutely sure of what I'm doing before I go into it.
 
  • #835


bundd: The answer may depend on which country you are in. Whatever, you should aim to work with a practising engineer who can help you develop, either during college years working part time, or after graduation. It isn't easy but is rewarding. You will need good maths to do the course, even if you don't then use it in practice. Civil Engineering is so broad a profession, you are bound to find a niche that suits you. After 6 years of professional practice designing all sorts of things, I turned to teaching to 'bring on the next generation', but most engineers just carry on accumulating experience and getting better and better. As a broad generalisation, some Civil Engineers get their kicks from design, and others from the construction process. Teamwork is essential, and you could spend your college years developing your interpersonal skills, including written, graphical and spoken communication. In particular, Civil Engineering is very international, and you could, if you wanted to, work anywhere in the world. To get further insights, try reading a few Civil Engineering professional journals; but better, is to ask for careers advice from Civil Engineers near where you live. Best wishes for a successful outcome.
 
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  • #836


thanks for the answer, pongo38. I live in Brazil, I'm thinking about requesting at my previous university to watch some classes, that should help a little bit.
 
  • #837


Has anyone on here received a master's in some engineering field and phd in physics or vice versa?

I really enjoy all of the theory and math physics has to offer. My goal in life is to try and invent some new products and engineering seems to be the route to take for that. Although, people with extensive knowledge in physics would know a lot more nitty gritty theory than an engineer would but engineers would have the manufacturing/production experience and designing skills. So I've considered doing both. Just wanted to know if I'm the only one or not.
 
  • #838


Mechguy85 said:
Has anyone on here received a master's in some engineering field and phd in physics or vice versa?

I really enjoy all of the theory and math physics has to offer. My goal in life is to try and invent some new products and engineering seems to be the route to take for that. Although, people with extensive knowledge in physics would know a lot more nitty gritty theory than an engineer would but engineers would have the manufacturing/production experience and designing skills. So I've considered doing both. Just wanted to know if I'm the only one or not.

You could do engineering physics.
 
  • #839


considered it too but not offered at local university :/ can't afford to go out of state either.
 
  • #840


when i was back in my country < a very poor country > i was an engineering student<petroleum engineering>.. i didn't like taking it as my course at first coz it was just my father who insisted it but when i have taken it I've come to like it.. i mean it was challenging & fun..

about 2 yrs ago exactly when I've just finished my first year, we migrated here in Canada.. i still want to continue that course & become a petroleum engineer but now I've got loads of worries.. :cry:

1. well I've search how engineering courses works here & it was more difficult compare to the lessons I've learned in our country --,)
2.engineering in universities here are expensive that I'm scared that if i failed the course I'm going to be dealing with loads of debt with my student loan.
3.i'm not that good in math < but not that bad either> i love physics & still undecided if i should go for it.< and I'm sure it's engineering that i should go for not sciences>


it may sound negative & my apologies for that..i'm thinking 'how could a poor girl like me possibly becoming a pet.engr?' i don't want to get my dreams shattered. i just need a little 'push' for me to continue this dream :o)

>.<
 
  • #841


All my life I've been interested in tinkering, building things, etc. For the past several years in high school, as I've been trying to decide what career field I should pursue, I've been pondering whether I should become an engineer, specifically, a mechanical engineer. Apparently I've come to the right place! :) I took a drafting/architecture/engineering course in high school, as well as an AP Physics class and math up through AP Calculus. This year, I'll be entering college in the fall as a freshman at Seattle University. However, I find it difficult to be interested in the math aspect of engineering. While the current textbook that I have for a class at a community college for the summer is geared towards the real-world and helps me to see the relevance of math operations, I still find that I am not as interested as I probably should be in the math side of things. I enjoyed design, engineering, and physics as subjects, but the math has always given me trouble. Perhaps that is because I am not especially good at it, and I struggled greatly to barely keep my 4.0 GPA in high school by getting an A in AP Calc. Should I try to become an engineer, as I have some of the other key base interests, or should I try to pursue a different field because of my difficulty in becoming interested in math? Will I become interested in math later if I get better at it with effort? I've heard that after college you don't need the math in engineering. Is that true? Please, can someone offer some advise, especially someone who might've had similar thoughts and questions entering college in their past life as I am currently experiencing. Thanks in advance! :)
 
  • #842


Maxwell123 said:
if anyone here is currently or was an EEE student, could you briefly outline the material involved in studying EEE?

From my experience the core curriculum for EE is something like this:

Circuits - DC circuit analysis, AC circuit analysis with phasors (complex numbers representing a sine wave's phase and amplitude), op-amps, transient analysis with the Laplace transform

Circuits lab - the students may get a chance to learn electronic test equipment, build some circuits, and pick component values for a design

Electronics (with lab) - analysis and design with diodes and transistors (BJTs and MOSFETS)

Digital Logic (with lab) - Boolean algebra, logic minimization, digital design at logic gate level, design of state machines using flip-flops and logic gates, a hardware definition language

Signals and Systems - Fourier series, Fourier transform, discrete time Fourier transform, discrete Fourier transform, z transform

Probability and Statistics - expected value, conditional probability, probability mass/density functions, cumulative distribution function, correlation

Communication Systems - information theory, compression methods (source encoding), channel encoding/decoding (modulation/demodulation), maximum likelihood

plus:

software/numerical computation courses covering: MatLab, C++ Language, Data Structures and Algorithms

calculus up to vector calculus

physics courses covering mechanics and electromagnetism, with vector calculus notation

linear algebra

an introduction to engineering course

an ethics course
 
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  • #843


kindly advise me which is the best undergrad major in engineering for sustainable development as a whole including clean energy esp. fuel cells, smart grid, transportation systems, manufacturing etc. my dream is to be a technology entrepreneur in these areas. i am very good in physics and chemistry..i am considering chemical engineering and EECS...i am equally interested in both but i want to keep my options really broad. i don't like ME so please don't advise the same if possible.
 
  • #844


Hi all,
Don't know if this is a little "out there", but here's my question:
Say I'm looking at undergrad courses for Mech Eng. 2 different Unis, one offers BEng in Mech, the other offers BSc.

1) What I've gleaned so far is that the difference is in the accreditation, but what does that mean?
2) Also, what are the differences between BEng and BSc?
3) I intend on gaining work experience after my Bachelor's and prior to my Master's, would there be a stigma attached to BSc grads?

All help is appreciated.
 
  • #845


This thread has proven to be very useful for me, so thanks for that! I have another concern though. When I was young, around 6 or 7, I told my parents that I wanted to be a Civil Engineer because it was really cool. I used to build things with my uncle all the time but then as grade school came along, that part of me slowly left :( I never really did any more hands on work till this day (I'm 18 now). I just started college and I'm majoring in Mechanical Engineering and the first video that our engineering professor showed us was this one from Dilbert:



I always liked Math and Science more than my other classes and maintained A's and B's in them. I started loving Math a lot more this past summer because of all the studying I was doing for it. Now I really enjoy doing Math and Physics but the only problem I have is, I don't seem to have this "knack" anymore. I see so many engineering majors tell me about how cool machines are and how they love reading about how they work, but I've seemed to lose that side of me, lose interest. It may sound stupid but, my question is, because I don't have this knack, does that mean I shouldn't be an engineer?

Thanks!
 
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  • #846


hey guys , I am a still a school students in sri lanka. I am supposed to sit for my local A Level exam in next year but i am doing london (UK) A Levels(edexcel).I am studying maths and physics. I am highly inspired by aircraft and aviation.

My first Question:- what is best subject that i can do as a third subject with the above subjects to become a aeronautical engineer. (Chemistry is not an option)

My second Question:- I am not a genius in maths or physics , its just that i understand the theory but when its time to put everything to gather in the paper it take just bit more time and i can't sit down in one place for days and figure out a problem but if i see way i will go after it no matter what and I am not good at waiting things for happen too. I am really keen to how and what make things work.I believe i am good at practical work than theoretical work.Well my question is will i be able to do aeronautical engineering without struggling than the usual?

My third Question:- what are the good universities for aeronautical engineering ?

My forth Question:- If i do aeronautical engineering what would be situation in job opportunities when i graduate?(hope it is good salary)
 
  • #847


Whatever you decide, you should improve your English language writing to a more professional level. In which countries were you considering going to university?
 
  • #848


Sorry for the delay and about what you pointed out ,I will work on that.
Well i was considering UK,AUS,France,Germany and maybe USA .
 
  • #849


I'm a first year undergraduate student taking general math/calculus/science courses, so I can switch out to any major within engineering, science, and even business. I'm in Canada.

I don't know if engineering is right for me, and if it is, I'm not sure which one. Ultimately, I'm looking for a degree that will be versatile and allow me to work in different fields. I have a thing for high technology, whether it's the latest computer components to hit the market to nanotechnology in general to laser/optics application. I thought engineering would be good for that, though I'm debating between electrical, mechanical, and chemical engineering. I don't really like chemistry, but I am willing to go through the degree if it means several good career prospects. I was also thinking about computer science and perhaps software engineering, I like computers a lot but I'm not entirely sure if I want to program forever.

Finally, I was considering business/finance. The reason being is that I was attracted by the ease of finding employment and the high salary jumps (I've read that you hit the glass ceiling relatively quick as an engineer). I fancy the idea of living in a big city and working in the heart of downtown, it seems as the finance sector would satisfy that. The only problem is, I don't know if I would like finance. I do enjoy my maths and sciences, so I think engineering would be better, but it might be too technical too. I'm just thoroughly confused, is there any advice that anyone can give me? If you need more information, let me know and I'll write it here. Thanks a bunch!
 
  • #850


Greetings! I am currently in the us navy as an electronics technician. My interest and dream is to become an electrical engineer. I've been in the navy for nearly 4 years. I am 24, and obligated to 4.5 more years of service. The command I will be going to is fairly rigorous, but it will be 4 months deployed, and 4 months back on shore. My question to you is, is it feasible, which at this point I will try still, but is it feasible to dibble dabble and take one class at a time to work towards an electrical engineering degree? or does this require full time school? I don't plan on waiting until I'm out of the navy, because 28 seems too old to begin education for electrical engineering.

Since I've been in I have not had one opportunity to take classes, but hopefully my next command will allow it, at least one or two classes at a time.
 
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