Other Becoming an Engineer: Considerations and Personal Experiences

[sandplasma]

I'm really considering going back to school for engineering and could use some advice.

I'm currently 25 years old, and graduated a couple years ago with a degree in economics. Since then I've been working (unrelated to my degree), and just feel like I want something more. I was always intrigued by math and science. I chose economics because I figured I'm "OK" in math, but not good enough to go through with the required math for engineering and science degrees. I'm not bad at math (not great either), but it was more laziness that held me back.

Since graduating I've thought about going back for engineering, but I keep talking myself out of it. The main thing that is holding me back is money. I don't have much saved up now, and I still have $30k of debt from undergrad. If I went back to school it would hopefully be at a state school (Rutgers most likely).

I don't regret my coursework in economics. I enjoyed it while I did it. The career prospects were less than stellar though, and I'm more intrigued by science than by finance and economics. Also, I like the idea of engineers actually contributing something to society... is that a jaded view? Is it a case of "the grass is greener?"

Overall, I think I'm finally done talking myself out of it and would like to make the leap. Any opinions would truly be helpful.

No joke, this sounds SO MUCH like me that I checked the name of the poster to see if it had been me a few years back. (I'm 28 now). You and I are so much alike. I also graduated in Econ and although I am working in a finance field I always felt that engineering would contribute to society while any financial work is just maintaining society.

Go for it, I think , depending on where you got your loan from, you can pause them while you return to school. Else start taking courses in Community college, especially math. and slowly build up from there.

I just finally applied to go back to school for another bachelors. Mechanical Eng. I'm stoked. I hope things go well for you : )

 

[Doctor Watson]

I just finally applied to go back to school for another bachelors. Mechanical Eng. I'm stoked.

Haha, excuse the pun.

 

[Rainier9]

How much can I incorporate art with an engineering undergrad?

I like aesthetics and design. I like working with branding and company image. I've always had a fascination with soccer cleats. I admire the craftmanship, materials, structure, and of course aesthetics. However, I realized that what I like most about them is shown in the appearance of the item. Although it would be cool to create the boot from the ground up so to speak, I acknowledge that I may be only interested in it because it is relevant to the final product. I also realized that it's probably unlikely for a company to employ a person to engineer a shoe as well as do the design.

Boots are just one example of a product I've aspired to work with. It can be anything with design. It seems like I enjoy more of the end product of things so I am questioning my choice right now as a mechanical engineer. I've had this doubt for a while now (only a 2nd year) and have been working towards this degree to use as a backup. To me, it seems like it's a lot of work for a backup and I feel I'm not moving forward to what I want.

What you need to study is another branch of engineering: Industrial Design.

It's perfect for your description, and yes companies like Nike would hire you for designing a shoe. Industrial designers have to worry about aesthetics, cheap manufacturing, environment and overall a way to incorporate those attributes for client's satisfaction. When there's an Industrial Designer involved in a project, is that person's job to investigate and decide how the aesthetics and the physical form of the product will affect the end user. An industrial designer has a strong knowledge in Mechanical Engineering, specially in Materials Science. Even if the end product is an electronic, the industrial designer may not fully understand how it works, but will make it look as good, and beneficial as possible for the end customer.

If you are still interested, you should watch a movie called Objectify. The first minutes of the movie are VERY interesting for any kind of engineering student (specially for an Industrial Designer). The other minutes are not worth watching though.

Take a look at wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_design

 

[nicole22]

I am tired of being told I studied something useless and that I am dumb and worthless. Since everyone says "major in engineering", maybe I should too. The premed thing didn't work out, but who knows? Maybe a second run will be better in my physics and math.

I really don't think you should do engineering because everyone tells you too. If you think you'd love it, are good at it, and are genuinely interested in it, I would say go for it. However you said you struggled in pre-med, and I know for a fact that pre-med physics is a lot easier than the physics you'll be doing in engineering, and almost every course you will take will involve calculus in some way, so if you don't have a solid base in math, then you will find engineering pretty difficult. I don't know much about what you learn in an MBA program but that seems like the better option for you to be honest. It will take you less time to complete than an engineering degree and is also a very useful and versatile degree.

 

[alegnagogo]

Sorry to bump this thread, but I am really struggling. I feel like engineering is the only major that leads to a career these days, and it's keeping me from picking a major. I'm a freshman in college and I'm undecided about my major/career. My problem is that I love a lot of things and don't want to narrow it down. I work really hard in school and I'm willing to put a lot of time and effort into school to better my future. There are so many things I want to study in college. Over the years, I like math more and more. However, I don't want to stop classes that aren't strictly math. I want to learn Spanish, Arabic, Psychology, Chem, Bio, Physics (not so much but I only had it once with a bad teacher so things could change), Physiology, Music, Art, Computers/Technology, and maybe a Shakespeare class. I like too many things. My dad is a doctor and my mom is a nurse and both of them said I would be a great doctor because I have caring personality and I'm bubbly and I'm a "people" person. However, I don't want to major in Bio because if I can't do medicine, it doesn't leave me with many career options. I like kids and can see myself doing Pediatrics, but I'm not completely sure and medicine is changing so much. Physical therapy is another option, but after volunteering at a PT clinic, it seems too boring and not challenging enough for me. I like drawing, cooking, wood shop, etc. and I appreciate understanding "why" things work, so I thought of engineering, but I feel like my extroverted personality wouldn't help me in the field. Also, I want to work one-on-one with the people I affect and help them, and engineers don't really do that. From what I know, they work a lot with their team or alone. Teaching is another option, but I wouldn't want to do high school or middle school. I think elementary would be best, but I know I wouldn't like teaching at that level. I would love to teach something complex, like calculus. My dad said I could be a college professor, but I feel like there's a lot of pressure to research and it's hard to get tenure because many schools kick professors out before they can. Also, I know I wouldn't want to work with college students. I think I'd like teaching, but maybe I could do it as a second career? I like so much so maybe I could have one job for a good 25 years and then teach when my kids are done with their college education. I also thought of being an actuary, but I don't like how they work alone and in an office. I care about the environment and there is certainly a lot that needs to be fixed. I am so lost and stressed about my future. There is so much for me to choose, but I just don't know what. Any help?

Edit: my first semester I took Calculus, English (required), Spanish (gen-ed), and Psych (gen-ed). Next semester I'm taking Calc 2, Chemistry I, another Spanish class, and I want to switch my last course so that's not important.

 

[sweetpotato]

I don't think engineering is the only major that leads directly into a career. How about education, nursing, accounting? For post-undergrad degrees, you have medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law school... If I left something out I didn't do it on purpose, I just think there are more options out there than you think. Not that any major necessarily guarantees you a job.

Remember, you can become a teacher or doctor with any major (for teaching, you will probably want to seek licensure if you want to teach in a public school, there are programs for doing this both during and after you finish undergrad school). For medical school, you have to take premed classes. If you major in engineering, that is good preparation for many other careers (math/science teacher, med school, law school, business school...). If you like biology, how about a major in Biomedical Engineering? Just a suggestion.

 

[JJ_]

I finished my Mechanical Engineering degree about 4 years ago, it was a good course and opened up some great career paths.

The big money is probably as everyone knows in Oil, I choose to start my own company a few years ago and I was a Sales Engineer which can bring you a great salary c£60 on targets.

You have so many options, however, I have a friend who started in a similar course and is now finishing up his Physics degree.

Thankfully the computer does most of the equational work now, they didn't when I was at University :(

 

[RugbyEng]

I posted a thread and got no replies, I think this may be the better place.

I graduated in 2010 with a BS in Kinesiology, realizing that I didn't enjoy PT I did some "soul searching" and decided engineering was the route for me. I took classes at the CC and am now starting my first semester at a University. After this semester I will have taken all the maths required, as well as the engineering classes through thermodynamics. Unfortunately, I've recently learned that I will need to take some random general classes that will increase the length of time to graduate. I was wondering if you think it was possible for me to get into the Graduate program in ME after this semester? Maybe I would be required to take a couple extra courses like Fluids, Vibrations, and heat transfer first?

I e-mailed the program and I'm eagerly awaiting the response, just figured I'd post here to see if I should get my hopes up.

 

[e^(i Pi)+1=0]

I planning to dual-major on physics and engineering. Anyone care to try and talk me out of it?

 

[OnceMore]

I planning to dual-major on physics and engineering. Anyone care to try and talk me out of it?

If it is what you want to do I'd like to think no one could talk you out of it :)

 

[kdoyle13]

I am thinking about going into aerospace engineering. I went to school for business management but only ended up with an associates because I didn't really enjoy the coursework at all. I then got a job through a friend of mine and it was business related, I hated it so It only made me happier with my choice. I wanted to take time to figure out my interests. I've never been great at physics or math, I've always made b's or higher because I'm never to proud to see a tutor. If I have the head to stick through those areas of the degree, do you think I'd be ok going into this field? I'm very interested in everything aerospace.

 

[shurlee]

I'm currently a sophomore in college. I like biology, but a little weak in math. last summer I decided to go for engineering, but got discouraged after I flunked my trig class. I'm retaking it again this semester, but I'm not sure if I can handle the other math classes
I was opting for biomedical engineering, since I like biology, but still torn between bioprocess or chemE. Like kdoyle123, I'm a little weak in maths and phy, but really excited to learn calculus soon. any suggestions on this? also, is this the right field for someone a bit weak in math and phy? I don't like computer science so... yeah
thanks a bunch!

 

[kdoyle13]

I'm currently a sophomore in college. I like biology, but a little weak in math. last summer I decided to go for engineering, but got discouraged after I flunked my trig class. I'm retaking it again this semester, but I'm not sure if I can handle the other math classes
I was opting for biomedical engineering, since I like biology, but still torn between bioprocess or chemE. Like kdoyle123, I'm a little weak in maths and phy, but really excited to learn calculus soon. any suggestions on this? also, is this the right field for someone a bit weak in math and phy? I don't like computer science so... yeah
thanks a bunch!

I think it's the right field for someone who will willingly apply themselves to their work.

 

[seancss]

Hi Firstly I have read through the form here, well as much as I could in 30minutes and still am at war with myself,

I am 25 and am seriously confused with my life, I have a degree in Software Engineering and a masters in Eccomerce, Every month or so I get depressed about what way I should have chosen my career, I try to convince myself that I would not have liked engineering,

In school I took a subject called Engineering It was a very dumed down version of Engineering, no Maths, little physics it was very practical and theory like different types of welding etc..
I suppose I loved the practical side of things and the theory was interesting, I achieved high marks in this.

What I'm trying to figure out would I like or should try to do a masters in Engineering at some point and is it what a perceive it to be or with my relative degree / masters could I get into a company some way,

I wasn't that interested in Physics in school at all, and Maths no real interest also, I did electronics module in second year of my degree and god it was all maths I wanted to start making things but it was math math math I hated it, I like to know how things work and am extremely good with my hands and building things, I like to analyze things and see how they could be improved I suppose I do this in the IT field I am in already, I don't see myself liking doing allot of maths to prove a concept.

So if anyone could comment back on this it would really put my mind at rest i know I'm a weird one, but to be honest down in the dumps at the moment,

Thanks.
Sean.

 

[shurlee]

kdoyle13 -- thanks man. I feel much better now and doh, I got your name wrong in the first post XD

seancss-- well the engineering class you took sounds a lot like engineering technologies. I'm not sure if it uses a lot of math or physics (but most engineering majors do), but what my friend did was mostly lab work; like welding of the sort.
since I'm not sure and don't know how it works, hope this wiki article helps for the time being.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engineering_technologist :)

 

[kdoyle13]

shurlee.. it's thanks.. WOman. haha

 

[seancss]

Thanks Shurlee, I will be sure to give this a read, I forgot to add I almost entered into a masters doing renewable engineering this year but held off as it was heavily Electronics based and I think if I wasnt 100% sure about it would have been a bad decision.

 

[bael]

i am majoring in chemistry but i hear there are no jobs and chemical engineering has lots of jobs. should i switch.

 

[j450n]

Don't ask the internet a yes or no question about making an important decision in your life. Asking for guidance is fine. I would suggest talking with your undergraduate advisor, and also some people in the ChE department to understand what it is that distinguishes the two fields. Employment is always a consideration, but if you choose solely on employment prospects, perhaps Petroleum Engineering is your calling.
-- Jason

 

[bael]

Don't ask the internet a yes or no question about making an important decision in your life. Asking for guidance is fine. I would suggest talking with your undergraduate advisor, and also some people in the ChE department to understand what it is that distinguishes the two fields. Employment is always a consideration, but if you choose solely on employment prospects, perhaps Petroleum Engineering is your calling.
-- Jason

thank you. that is good advice

 

[cdotter]

i am majoring in chemistry but i hear there are no jobs and chemical engineering has lots of jobs. should i switch.

http://chemjobber.blogspot.com/2012/01/uh-oh-bls-measures-chemist-unemployment.html
http://chemjobber.blogspot.com/2011/03/well-thats-not-good-news.html
http://chemjobber.blogspot.com/search/label/awful statistics

 

[Altekameraden]

Hello all, I'm trying to decide between Physics, Physical chemistry, Ocean engineering, Chemical engineering, and Materials engineering. I'm excellent in math, physics, and chemistry. Love problem solving, and love being able to explain daily processes mathematically. Not to worried about salary, just want to do something that makes a difference. I would ideally like to be at the leading edge of a new process or technology. I live in a rural area that is abundant in petroleum engineers, and that’s it. I'm looking at one university offering dual B.S. in ChemE and Computer science (5 yr. program), to put my G.I. bill to good use. Some info from people involved with these fields would be great, or any info on the working conditions works too. Thanks

 

[vex]

Hey guys, I have already completed a double degree in accounting and law.
I've decided that i want to continue my education in science(out of interest) and I've enrolled in an online associate eng degree (Eng as it seems more practical to me). Now I want to see how I go with this but if I like my first semester I am thinking of enrolling in a full degree. I would like a degree with a wide scope (ie. learn about many different things). I was told that either Chem Eng or Mechantonics would be good options. Is this true?

Also any ideas how I could get some exposure to eng work ... for placements and such i understand i would have to be in my third or fourth year of Eng degree but is there anything I could do?

Thanks

 

[nevmx]

I just wanted to ask a simple question, I didn't feel like starting a thread for it.

What branch of engineering studies the application of optics, lasers and photons?
I figured that science degrees probably study such things, but I was looking for more of an applied perspective.

 

[e^(i Pi)+1=0]

I just wanted to ask a simple question, I didn't feel like starting a thread for it.

What branch of engineering studies the application of optics, lasers and photons?
I figured that science degrees probably study such things, but I was looking for more of an applied perspective.

You might want to look into applied physics.

 

[connornm777]

I'm currently a freshmen with an electrical engineer major, but I've been debating whether to switch to a physics major.
I am much more of a 'why' person than a 'how' person, and I find the idea of strenuously chasing after the mysteries of the universe to be deeply poetic in sense, and learning about them feels very fulfilling and empowering to me.
However, I'm reluctant to choose that career path because an engineering degree seems to be much easier to get a job with and live a stable life, even if I'm not spending much time on what I'd truly like to be doing.

 

[pongo38]

connornm777: You are not alone in your dilemma. It's not just career decisions either. To every decisive action you take, their remains the unknown of what would have happened if you made the other decision. Two things I would say are: (1) having a career in Electrical Engineering does not preclude you from following your interest, and might even enhance it; (2) Doing Physics has no guarantee that you will be able to follow your interest as a career. In general, many professional people find that their career plan does not work out for all sorts of reasons. That doesn't stop them from being happy. Reading your letter again, I think you have answered your own question for yourself.

 

[connornm777]

Yes, I suppose your right pongo... It's pretty similar classes either way, I just need to work on sucking it up when the work becomes stressful. For some reason I had the silly idea that being a physics major would make the classes more interesting and fun, because thinking about why all the subject material is true makes it much more engaging and memorable than rote learning, but I suppose I don't need to be a physics major to be able to do that.

I guess my real dilemma is between telling myself to work hard [how parents tell me how to get through it] and cultivating an interest in order to make the work more engaging. When something is legitimately interesting, I would hardly say it's work at all... It's a weird love hate relationship with school, sometimes you learn a lot of stuff that would be difficult on your own, and sometimes it just makes you want nothing to do with what you previously were interested in. Guess it's just one of those things you have to get over as you grow up.

 

[WinnieDaPooh]

Hey guys i live in Colorado and college is coming up in the next few years so I'm starting to focus on possible careers. This forum has had a lot of influence on my choice of engineering. I've narrowed my engineering choices to Electrical or Mechanical engineering. I like everything about both majors and i have a few options i want to consider in the college i want to go to ( Colorado School of Mines)
1. Major in electrical engineering and minor in Mech.
2 Major in Mech. Eng. and minor in electrical
3. Double degree in Mechanical and Electrical

If the best choice to choose is number 3 i want to know the general time it will take me to graduate with the double degree by taking out classes that both disciples take so i know the number of classes I am required to take ( without repeating classes) and so i can compare it to the number of classes i would normally take with 1 degree. Heres the college website http://www.mines.edu/

Sorry i would do the calculating myself but I don't really know how to do it and the website confuses me :S
Thanks in advance

 

[DeathNinja]

Any civil engineers on here have any stories about how they came about their career choice?

I am studying year 2 of an Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering. I thought I would have liked to do mechanical or aerospace engineering but after being exposed to what is really involved ( so many small intricate details!) I believe I am more suited to studying civil. After completion of the diploma I will be able to articulate and complete the Bachelor in 2 years or so and I have already done the BA level maths 1 and 2 in the evenings.

Problem is I am scared of committing to studying more because -
a) I feel I am getting old I will be 28 or 29 by the time I am finished

b) I HATE the job I do to support myself to study. I wish I could find a job doing CAD drawings but they just don't work with my timetable. The thought of spending 5 years of my life in the sh$thole job I do now is terrible, though I am grateful I am able to support myself.

C. My other main passion in life is music. I've been playing electric guitar for over a decade and have never been in a band. I want the time to make music too.

And I could die tomorrow and hardly any of my life would have been enjoyable. I like uni hate my job and not having enough money to have the freedom to have life experiences. :-(

Any thoughts on what I should do?


Advice for others: I barely did any maths in high school because I didn't no why i needed it or what engineering was, also I had many issues with my personal life so didn't do particularly well. I was always good at english and arty stuff when I was little. My family was a very misogynistic negative environment and I was brought up believing girls were unable to do many things...

Anyway, for those of you a bit scared of the maths or physics. Dont be! You can do whatever you want to if you just want it enough and put the work in. I am in the top 3 of students in my course because I worked hard. Things may not come easy to you but just work harder and it becomes easier! Trust me if I can do it you can. Also my partner who didnt even finish high school and has terrible spelling is one of the top students in his group studying Radiation Therapy and is even thinking about becoming a Doctor. Its all just about trying and being patient!