Other Becoming an Engineer: Considerations and Personal Experiences

[Sankaku]

...so you'll have to deal with faculty transferring

Certainly there is often red-tape to deal with, but if you have good marks and appropriate courses, there is no valid reason why you can't switch. Schools have plenty of red-tape in many places. Don't let it stop you from doing what you want to do. Confidence and charm help...

 

[cpa]

What do you think about a career change to engineering or computer science at 35? I am currently a CPA. I am bored to tears with my job, and I really want to do something that is creative.

 

[story645]

What do you think about a career change to engineering or computer science at 35? I am currently a CPA. I am bored to tears with my job, and I really want to do something that is creative.

I go to a large commuter school, so a good percentage (probably over half) the guys in my courses are around your age/older, so I know it's doable. It's the whole financial/family thing-can you afford to take a drastic pay cut or work while taking night courses for 4 or 5 years? I had a friend who got a degree in EE after working for years (with a history degree) and ended up in the same job he did before the degree because of the job market.

Do you want CS to be a coder, or to be a real computer scientist? If it's the former, you may just want to go the "teach yourself, get involved with open source" route. A really great option for you may be to take a masters in comp sci. The way my school runs it is that you take undergrad courses to fill in the missing material, then take the masters courses. It adds about a year, but you get a masters out of it. Talk to the schools you're thinking of going to and see what they offer.

 

[avant-garde]

CPA, you said "bored to tears"?

This is on a more philosophical/psychological note, which I feel very passionate about, but isn't there a way to enjoy pretty much everything once one is "in the zone"?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology)

Even though "on the outside" this CPA material may be boring day in and day out, but ultimately in the human mind isn't information processed just as information? So whether you do engineering/CS or accounting, looking at the glass as half full will make it enjoyable either way, won't it? Even something such as sweeping floors day in and day out can be enjoyable, right?

I guess I'm looking at a strong case of mental training and tame-ability here. (Just asking because I'm having the dilemma of career choice and am currently applying for colleges/majors... :)

 

[cpa]

I go to a large commuter school, so a good percentage (probably over half) the guys in my courses are around your age/older, so I know it's doable. It's the whole financial/family thing-can you afford to take a drastic pay cut or work while taking night courses for 4 or 5 years? I had a friend who got a degree in EE after working for years (with a history degree) and ended up in the same job he did before the degree because of the job market.

No kids yet, so wife and I can hack it. Ironically, she is an ee.

Do you want CS to be a coder, or to be a real computer scientist? If it's the former, you may just want to go the "teach yourself, get involved with open source" route. A really great option for you may be to take a masters in comp sci. The way my school runs it is that you take undergrad courses to fill in the missing material, then take the masters courses. It adds about a year, but you get a masters out of it. Talk to the schools you're thinking of going to and see what they offer.

I definitely do not just want to be a coder, although it is comforting to know how easy it is to make a basic living by just programming: it's always a default position at any point along the career track.

You are on point with your comment about the masters idea. I've already been in touch with a cs professor in my area, and he's very excited about getting me into the masters/phd program. From what I've read, it's a source of cheap labor for the universities but I would like to believe there is more to it than just that.

 

[cpa]

CPA, you said "bored to tears"?

This is on a more philosophical/psychological note, which I feel very passionate about, but isn't there a way to enjoy pretty much everything once one is "in the zone"?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology)

Even though "on the outside" this CPA material may be boring day in and day out, but ultimately in the human mind isn't information processed just as information? So whether you do engineering/CS or accounting, looking at the glass as half full will make it enjoyable either way, won't it? Even something such as sweeping floors day in and day out can be enjoyable, right?

I guess I'm looking at a strong case of mental training and tame-ability here. (Just asking because I'm having the dilemma of career choice and am currently applying for colleges/majors... :)

Avant-garde -

I appreciate your comment and understand you more than you can know. In writing this post, you have taken a page out of my playbook for this is the type of thought process I engage in continually. It is rare to meet a similar soul, so thank you very much for the breath of fresh air!

The answer to you is, yes. It's not so much WHAT we are doing but rather the very ACT of doing that brings fulfillment. In my opinion, the key to our natural life is to maximize our potential in every dimension of our personality. The form that our life takes can develop in one hundred and one ways, but so long as it is developing such that every part and parcel of our being is stimulated and alive, we will be happy.

The key is in understanding who and what we are. As you well know, we all have varying aptitudes both intellectually and emotionally, so the real secret to a happy life is to find an environment that will allow us to thrive in both of those dimensions. If someone is of a slow mind, he or she will be miserable in work that requires a lot of intellectual effort because it will be difficult for that person to produce. Likewise, someone who is of a less sensitive temperment would be miserable in an environment that emphasized close and intimate contact with other living beings. Of course, I'm making an oversimplification here, but I hope you get the point.

So, back to your comment. As far as intellectual stimulation is concerned, there isn't much difference between processing accounting or algorithms because both require analysis. However, what if you begin to find that your job is not intellectually challenging enough? What if your mind is getting bored? What if the "grind" of accounting is such that you very rarely get to research or solve difficult issues? Do you see where I'm going? The intellectual stimulation that you seek is contstantly subverted by the reality of your job.

And, on an emotional level, accounting offers very little satisfaction. There is very little I can "create" in accounting which in my experience is what stimulates me emotionally. Maybe I can set up a new accounting system for a client or something like that, but it is rare to have an opportunity to do something of that nature; and, let's face it: that is a pretty menial task in comparison to actually engineering a product or process that is sucessful and ultimately utilized for the common good.

This is why I have an interest in science and engineering. I hope, and I write this as an outsider knowing full well that most of you have far better perspective than I do on this point, that science and engineering will provide me with greater intellectual stimulation and also creative release. There's no doubt I would be happier in this kind of environment.

And, the fact that you even asked the question that you did leads me to believe that maybe this group of folks is more of a kindred spirit.

 

[avant-garde]

^ CPA have you ever considered the situation "the grass is always greener on the other side..."?

 

[cpa]

^ CPA have you ever considered the situation "the grass is always greener on the other side..."?

Yes, for sure. But, I really do believe there is a lot to be said for not being a fish out of water.

 

[Sankaku]

^ CPA have you ever considered the situation "the grass is always greener on the other side..."?

The only thing green about accounting is the money you count (and occasionally make). I can totally understand needing a more fulfilling profession. As long as you are realistic about job opportunities, don't let anyone stand in the way of pursuing your dreams. You only live once.

 

[cpa]

The only thing green about accounting is the money you count (and occasionally make). I can totally understand needing a more fulfilling profession. As long as you are realistic about job opportunities, don't let anyone stand in the way of pursuing your dreams. You only live once.

Well said, and I admire your wit. Would you mind elaborating on job opportunities? I do not want to be ignorant on this point. I am 35 making this change, so let's assume I'm 40 when my education is completed and I transition into the job market.

 

[kote]

The only thing green about accounting is the money you count (and occasionally make). I can totally understand needing a more fulfilling profession. As long as you are realistic about job opportunities, don't let anyone stand in the way of pursuing your dreams. You only live once.

I have a few engineer friends who are bored to tears with their jobs too. Sitting in front of CAD all day for a year and a half designing a fan blade for some subcomponent can get old. Experiences will vary of course.

cpa, the BLS page on engineers, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm, has lots of good info. If you are looking for a total restart into a new field, I expect that you would start at the entry level. Have you worked at a company with engineers? Also, might changing course in your career and finding a finance job with a manufacturing company satisfy you?

A lot of larger companies will pay for you to take courses part time while you work for them too. Some, like United Technologies, don't care what you study either and will give you a bonus when you finish a degree program.

 

[avant-garde]

The only thing green about accounting is the money you count (and occasionally make). I can totally understand needing a more fulfilling profession. As long as you are realistic about job opportunities, don't let anyone stand in the way of pursuing your dreams. You only live once.

Thanks, Sankaku. Just curious, it would help me to know what experience you've had in the field.

 

[avant-garde]

Yes, for sure. But, I really do believe there is a lot to be said for not being a fish out of water.

Umm... could you clarify what you meant by this post?

 

[Sankaku]

Thanks, Sankaku. Just curious, it would help me to know what experience you've had in the field.

I have dealt with accountants on a regular basis for the last 10 years. I prepare quite a lot of financial material for our accountant and have had to switch accountants 3 times and needed to assess hiring new ones. Despite it being for my own company, and very relevant to my success, I personally do not find accounting a fulfilling activity. Some people find accounting very interesting, but I am not one of them. I believe that many people get into accounting with a fantasy view of what it actually involves (which can be said of many careers).

There are tedious aspects of (almost) every job, but you have to be fulfilled at some level by what you do, or you are essentially trading your life away for money.

 

[cpa]

I have a few engineer friends who are bored to tears with their jobs too. Sitting in front of CAD all day for a year and a half designing a fan blade for some subcomponent can get old. Experiences will vary of course.

cpa, the BLS page on engineers, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm, has lots of good info. If you are looking for a total restart into a new field, I expect that you would start at the entry level. Have you worked at a company with engineers? Also, might changing course in your career and finding a finance job with a manufacturing company satisfy you?

A lot of larger companies will pay for you to take courses part time while you work for them too. Some, like United Technologies, don't care what you study either and will give you a bonus when you finish a degree program.

Point taken on the fan blade idea. If that's all it amounted too, I certainly wouldn't do it.

I have not worked at a company with engineers, but my wife is an ee so I do know a little bit about the culture. I don't really think the finance gig will do it, although finance is definitely more enjoyable than straight-up accounting.

Thanks for the link and tip on company-paid tuition.

 

[cpa]

I have dealt with accountants on a regular basis for the last 10 years. I prepare quite a lot of financial material for our accountant and have had to switch accountants 3 times and needed to assess hiring new ones. Despite it being for my own company, and very relevant to my success, I personally do not find accounting a fulfilling activity. Some people find accounting very interesting, but I am not one of them. I believe that many people get into accounting with a fantasy view of what it actually involves (which can be said of many careers).

There are tedious aspects of (almost) every job, but you have to be fulfilled at some level by what you do, or you are essentially trading your life away for money.

Avante-garde, Sankaku's last sentence is what I meant by fish out of water. That's exactly my sentiment.

 

[avant-garde]

Ah. I see your point. Basically nothing is ideal, but it's worth the trade-off.

cpa, have you ever thought about becoming actuary? I've heard that the work is much more interesting than other accounting/finance jobs.

 

[cpa]

Ah. I see your point. Basically nothing is ideal, but it's worth the trade-off.

cpa, have you ever thought about becoming actuary? I've heard that the work is much more interesting than other accounting/finance jobs.

The joke I always heard was that they were the only ones more boring than accountants!

 

[llauren84]

My mom has always told me that I should be an accountant or architect. I chose engineering, eventually after a few major major changes.

CPA you sound terribly bored with you job. I say, no matter what your age, if you are passionate about it and can afford it, go for it. Obviusly the grass is always greener, but just the going back to school part will be very exciting. Take it from someone who took time from off from work. Eventually I went back to get a degree because I wasn't happy with my job. I was bored to death. Goodluck to you.

 

[-Aladdin-]

Engineering for me is a passion to lead ~ I'm a 12 grader student looking to finish high school with a good performance , and start what I really think of ( Engineering ).

I'm excellent at Math , Physics and chemistry , infact math and physics are my Love . Their are two opinions I'm thinking of Mechanical Engineering or Civil Engineering .But what I would like to tell is that I'm not a handman person or I feel lazy to do something by hand, I'm a person that uses my Brain in most cases ~

Therefore , I'm waiting for Engineers to give me the true medicine for me that will help me and help my future .

 

[story645]

Therefore , I'm waiting for Engineers to give me the true medicine for me that will help me and help my future .

Eek, engineering is hard, like crazy difficult hard, so please don't go in thinking it's going to be a fix it for anything.

Hands-on stuff varies from school to school and depends on how involved in it you want to get, so you can mostly stick to solving problems through equations. Granted, ME and CE are two of the most hands on majors, but you'll sort it out. ME is more physics, CE more of a mixture.

 

[-Aladdin-]

varies from school to school and depends on how involved in it you want to get, so you can mostly stick to solving problems through equations. .

Can you please clarify your point ... & like what ?

 

[story645]

Can you please clarify your point ... & like what ?

Most of the hands on stuff is in labs, design courses, and clubs. Every school is slightly different in the number of labs you're requires to take, the amount of project heavy courses, and you can choose what clubs to participate in. Clubs and senior projects are usually the ones who enter various competitions.

 

[cpa]

My mom has always told me that I should be an accountant or architect. I chose engineering, eventually after a few major major changes.

CPA you sound terribly bored with you job. I say, no matter what your age, if you are passionate about it and can afford it, go for it. Obviusly the grass is always greener, but just the going back to school part will be very exciting. Take it from someone who took time from off from work. Eventually I went back to get a degree because I wasn't happy with my job. I was bored to death. Goodluck to you.

That's encouraging. Thanks!

 

[Skynt]

I just finished one of my first semesters in an engineering program and I have to say I love it. I haven't gotten to any of my ee courses, but I love math and physics, and so I feel like this is my perfect spot. I'm not that good at mathematics, but I found if you study hard and think about the work, calculus as a whole is a pretty easy subject (I'm sure there are hard graduate courses that I'm not thinking about). As far as my computer science and MATLAB courses, they aren't that bad either.

Seriously, I give a lot of the credit to this thread since it kind of led to my choice. Thanks! :!)

 

[CheckMate]

I like both civil and mechanical engineer. But I don't like working a lot indoors. I would rather work indoors and outdoors once I get my degree.

If I wanted to join the military with an engineering degree, what would be the best major that could get me to work during military operations ?

 

[story645]

If I wanted to join the military with an engineering degree, what would be the best major that could get me to work during military operations ?

Talk to a recruiter about this. Ask about the requirements for becoming a field tech (I'm pretty sure that's what you're looking to be.) Also look into the Army and Navy Engineer Corps, like Vanadium 50 suggested in your thread. Their work looks like it's right up your alley. http://cpolwapp.belvoir.army.mil/coe-gwot/

And, as other people pointed out, there are plenty of field tech engineering jobs that don't require working in the military.

 

[Wisey]

Hello, right now I am in my first semester of electrical engineering, and am having a few doubts about my course.

Whatever I have learned in my first semester seems kind of basic. I mean, they are not school level topics, for example in mathematics I have stuff like calculus of several variables, multiple integrals, at least the kind of topics not taught in schools in my country, but I don't seem to have to use my mind for anything at all. For problems, and generally understanding the theory, I used to use my brains a lot more in the 12th grade. The methods for solving individual problems are given, and students are expected to remember those and just recreate them in the examination. Not much of original problem solving is involved.

The teachers don't explain much theory in class, all the lectures are aimed at explaining questions that are likely to appear in the university exam. Everything is very marks and grade oriented, the teachers even comment on how much individual topics are worth in marks. Everything is taught strictly according to syllabus, and very rarely do the teachers divulge from the scope of the syllabus. You can't blame them really, everyone here cares only about the exam results, and there isn't much time to cover the syllabus, but it really isn't what I expected from my engineering course.

I have found it tough going, but that is really not because the syllabus itself is tough, I spend 3 hours a day in travel everyday, and haven't been able to find enough time to complete all my college assignments and study till I am satisfied. I have been performing well in tests however, and am expecting a good performance in the upcoming university exam next month. This does nothing to rid me of my worries: I don't want to end up with good grades but shallow knowledge.

Is my experience common, is it like this in most engineering schools or is it just my college? Also, my electrical engineering courses don't exactly start till the second year, are there chances of my experience being somewhat different from then on?

 

[Astronuc]

Is my experience common, is it like this in most engineering schools or is it just my college? Also, my electrical engineering courses don't exactly start till the second year, are there chances of my experience being somewhat different from then on?

Usually the first year of an engineering program is rather general to bring students up to speed with basic maths and terminology in the particular engineering discipline. Some of what one wrote may be unique to one's university or program, but it's hard to tell without more details.

 

[story645]

Is my experience common, is it like this in most engineering schools or is it just my college? Also, my electrical engineering courses don't exactly start till the second year, are there chances of my experience being somewhat different from then on?

First year is mostly general pre-reqs at my school too. The problems depend on the school and professor, but sort of/not quite. It's still a lot of "this is the method to solve this type of problem" work, but projects and assignments do start to show up where you have to figure out which method to use for a situation. Most professors lean towards a theory or practical bent, so sometimes it's hard to get the right balance.

 

[Wisey]

Thank you for the replies.

I guess I shouldn't be too worried till I reach the second year and see what it is like.

I just fear of falling behind students from other universities over a period of 4 years.

 

[story645]

I just fear of falling behind students from other universities over a period of 4 years.

We talked about this on a different thread, but basically if your school's accredited it's more or less covering the same material as every other accredited school. .

 

[seanbow]

So... I'm a sophomore in college right now, just completed my third semester. Up to this point I've been half a physics major and half a computer engineering major due to my indecision. My dilemma comes from the fact that while I love math and physics and could see myself working away in a physics lab for the rest of my life, I'm not sure if I'd really enjoy the lifestyle given by academia. But at the same time, I'm not sure if I'd enjoy the environment of a computer engineering workplace. I'm the kind of guy who sometimes does vector calculus at home just for fun; there are all kinds of people who do the same in my physics classes, but not so many at all in my engineering classes. I love my physics and computer science classes, my intro circuits class was so so. Are there any computer engineers who can elucidate the kind of work that they do? Would I be happy as a theory loving type of person?

 

[story645]

Are there any computer engineers who can elucidate the kind of work that they do? Would I be happy as a theory loving type of person?

I'm a senior in compE, but the professor for my integrated circuits class was working as a compE. The work is all circuit design, either on a transistor level or a gate level. There's also lots of programming work out there, but the work is all applied. I've had vector calculus show up in a handful of courses, nothing in the upper levels. Even the theory stuff is mostly programming hardware to do very shiny things. There's some semi-conductor research, but you can get into it with a physics major too.

my intro circuits class was so so

I wasn't crazy about my intro circuits course, so everything else was like pulling teeth. Almost all the other courses build on intro circuits-it's more of that but with a focus on digital signals/digital electronics.

I think you'll have fun as a CS major. You like the programming classes, and there's a ton of crazy math in the theoretical comp-sci courses, especially the graphics courses. Talk to your compE advisor and take a look at the upper level EE courses and see if they're your speed.

 

[eveo]

Alright I've read a few posts in this thread and I want I'd like to become an engineer but I've discovered that in some maths I am really good, in some I just can't grasp it and downright fail. I took data management in school (currently in grade 12) and I can't seem to get through three particular units: probablity, picking, choosing. Those baffle me and I don't think in the way that other people do. Other subjects such as physics (mind you it was grade 11 physics) I find easy whereas other people spend hours memorizing formulas and failing, I just do it without a second thought. I have not touched calculus, vectors, functions or grade 12 Physics but I would like to although I'm afraid of failing them in which case I'm screwed. So I'm split on the my career path. On the other hand I'm really good with computers and the like so I applied to universities for computer engineering and applications are over. I'm debating whether to take functions and calculuas & vectors (<- one course) and stay an extra year in high school and apply again.

I don't know what to do, I think the best bet would be to go into comptuers, something that I am already very familiar with and love. Currently I'm VERY interested in physics. I'm reading the book "biocentrism" and learning more about QM. I feel that I wouldn't benefit as much learning this in my spare time as a hobby than my buddy who is going strictly into physics (engineering). I don't know :(

I also have a terrible memory, I'd have to read the same page of a book 4/5 times to remember it. I'd read about 30 pages of a book, look up and have absolutely not the slightest clue what I just read.

 

[TyErd]

Eek, yeah, they all have a significant amount. Its like asking who has more money, Bill Gates or Warren Buffet - Gates has twice as much as Buffet, but Buffet still has thousands of times more than you.

Aerospace and Electrical probably have the most, but Mechanical and Materials still have years more than English. For a non-engineer, the difference between EE and Mech-E would seem insignificant.

So are you saying Mechanical and materials have the least? And what areas of math do you actually study in mechanical engineering? Would it be the easiest compared to other engineering courses?

 

[story645]

So are you saying Mechanical and materials have the least? And what areas of math do you actually study in mechanical engineering? Would it be the easiest compared to other engineering courses?

Depends on the school. At mine, every engineer takes about 5 courses from the math department as a requirement, and then the major courses teach tons of math. EE's end up with loads of functional analysis, but ME's do tons of differential equations. They're equally hard in different ways.

On the other hand I'm really good with computers and the like so I applied to universities for computer engineering and applications are over. I'm debating whether to take functions and calculuas & vectors (<- one course) and stay an extra year in high school and apply again.

What country are you in? Generally I think staying an extra year in high school is a bad idea 'cause you should be able/are required to take the math in college (where it's usually 3 or 4 courses), but your country could do it differently.

On the other hand I'm really good with computers and the like so I applied to universities for computer engineering

I don't think that's the greatest idea 'cause compE is a totally different playing field, but you'll sort that out as you go along, or you'll switch into a physics major (if you can.) Learn whatever you want in your free time, as you still have that luxury.

I took data management in school (currently in grade 12) and I can't seem to get through three particular units: probablity, picking, choosing.

Find other resources for the material. It could just be that the way the material is being presented to you doesn't work for you.

 

[TyErd]

Story645, I live in Australia and I am about to begin my final year of high school. The the thing is I've heard there is a significant amount of students that drop out because of the amount of math. I have a limited interest in Math. I'm not the best at math but I can say I am above average. I am a bit lazy and struggle to work long hours. I've always had the interest in building things and all but I don't want to do hours of maths to make things. Is engineering for me or should I look elsewhere , if so what courses would you recommend?

 

[story645]

Is engineering for me or should I look elsewhere , if so what courses would you recommend?

Civil engineering or architecture may be your speed. Both require math (civil's got the same math load as engineering in my school, architecture much less), but aren't quite as math crazy later on. Most school's publish their curricula online, so you can just look at the schools you're planning to apply to and see what the math load is like.
I'm not a math person either, (my scores in English/humanities courses have almost always been stronger) but I'm wrapping up a degree in Computer Engineering. The math sort of just floats away at some point, as you get used to it. Take some calculus and see if you really hate it, though I haven't actually had any calculus in years. A lot of the upper level stuff is algebra/formula stuff.

 

[TyErd]

honestly, How hard is the math for mechanical engineering? what areas of math did you study? I've only done basic calculus at my school, differentiating, anti differentiating, limits and I did really well at them. Does it get a lot harder than that? I want to have some free time as well while I go to uni and don't just want to be studying all day long.

 

[story645]

honestly, How hard is the math for mechanical engineering? what areas of math did you study?

Since I'm in computer engineering, I've taken a lot of the math needed for signal processing (so fourier, laplace, and Z transforms), a decent amount of statistics/probability/combinatorics and some vector calculus. My school makes all the engineers take 3 semesters of calculus, differential equations, and vector calculus. Like I mentioned in my previous post, my friends in mechanical engineering do a lot of differential equations because almost everything they study reduces down to diff EQ's. I don't think differential equations (it's kind of like algebra with integrals and derivatives thrown in) are all that difficult, but it depends on the person and it's a bit of a practice makes perfect type of deal.

The the thing is I've heard there is a significant amount of students that drop out because of the amount of math.

That's true almost everywhere. Engineering at my school has one of the highest freshman enrollment rates and one of the lowest graduation rates. A lot of the people who drop out were totally unprepared for the major in the first place and couldn't hack calculus. Most of the people I know who drop after the calculus sequence are done in by the crazy weed course that seems to exist just to get engineers used to getting Cs or teaching themselves upper level coursework to get As.

 

[JYouker]

Nature of Work: Creativity, Design, and Invention in Engineering and the Benefit to Society

I am a sophomore undergraduate and the main reason I chose engineering as my major is because I've always wanted to use my creativity to design, make, invent, build, or what have you. I have also excelled in mathematics as I've grown up.

Now I've got to choose a specialty in engineering and I need some guidance. Everyday for the past two years, I've been reading university websites - mostly the course descriptions, research areas, and degrees offered. This has been my only source of information as to what the fields are like. Oh, that and the Bureau of Labor Statistics website. I've got a few questions that I haven't been able to find the answers to on my own.

1) Do other fields of study, besides engineering, prepare the student for being a creator, builder, or inventor? Could someone in one of the following fields tell me more about the nature of work as it applies to my interests? For example, biotechnology is very new and I see the opportunity to get into it and really come up with something new, exciting, and important. There is a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology at one of the schools I am looking at. Also, there is my interest in computer science and mathematics. Computer scientists must be creative, right? Also, they're creating something in the end. How do I make sure I do computer science in the field of science and engineering (more specifically, health, energy, or environment) and not something in the field of business?

2) There is mechanical engineering, which, I feel like my strengths in visualizing (CAD, geometry) and grasping how things work would mesh well with that field. However, how do I make sure I get into the exciting and worthwhile areas? I don't find designing doorknobs and cabinet hinges worth the effort I'd put in as an undergraduate. I am scared I'd get stuck doing that. I guess this question applies to all fields of engineering, with mechanical engineering just being an example.

In a nutshell, what path of study is great for becoming an inventor?

 

[story645]

1) Do other fields of study, besides engineering, prepare the student for being a creator, builder, or inventor?

Architecture.

Computer scientists must be creative, right?

No, but it's a bonus. You can get out of a comp sci program just fine if you know which solution to use for which problem.

How do I make sure I do computer science in the field of science and engineering (more specifically, health, energy, or environment) and not something in the field of business?

You apply for jobs in those sectors, maybe pad your resume with related coursework. If you want to do really shiny stuff, you get a phd in the specific field and take some comp coursework/learn to code. Nobody sticks a gun to your head and says you have to code business apps.

However, how do I make sure I get into the exciting and worthwhile areas?

Same as above, you apply for those jobs. The entry level stuff probably will be boring anyways-it almost always is 'cause you're probably still not good enough to do something really shiny well-but stick it through and eventually you'll have enough experience that you may be able to get hired for the shinier jobs. A PhD may also help get you into research jobs. Just remember that knowing how to design a good doorknob (that thing that most of the planet uses in one form or another) is just as important, in its own way, as coming up with the latest new gizmo.

 

[JYouker]

Thanks for your insight, Story645. I am now more motivated to pursue graduate degrees if it helps me get to where I want to go. Next, I am going to schedule a meeting with a professor or two in the comp. sci department at my school to discuss the overlapping of comp. sci and engineering.

 

[mover23]

Hey, I'm new to the forum. I am considering going to school to become a mining engineer. Any insights?

 

[familysimpson]

This is the best thread i have ever read!

Now on to my question. I am a grade 12 student entering Univeristy of Waterloo (Canada-Eh!). I am confused with what engineering to do. I Love Math! I Love Physics! I am unsure about Chemistry and Hate Bio. All engineering disciplines have the same class for first year but i am stuck on what engineering to choose for second year.

I have narrowed it down to Mechanical engineering but am confused. Mechanical engineering is perfect, love the math (calculus 98%), love the physics (inertia,momentum 96%) and have partaken leadership roles in solar car building and numerous robotics competitions (building sumobot right now). However, through the people i have worked with, I have realized that i am not very dextrous and have limited creativity. Everyone in my family (except me) has a hard time change even a bulb in a lamp (so no genetics what so ever). Our robotics club is working on its 6th robot and I feel like I have learned a lot but still seem "mechanically stupid" in using machines like the lathe, mill and CNC.

Is it dexterity "correctable" with experience? Do i seem "stupid" dexterously only because i am with smart people? I failed art and was told by my teacher that artistic skills can be learned; creativity not!

Thank you for reading this. Please repond

P.S- i am 16 (skipped 2 grades) but still play with Lego sometimes

 

[Waves09]

Hey everyone...My question looks like a typical one on here but I'm really having a tough time deciding on what to do. I'm finishing up an A.S. degree in Renewable Energy Technology and am at a point where it's time to decide whether to finish my education off here, or continue on with a full engineering degree in Renewable Energy. From what I have gathered about it, its basically a hybrid of Mechanical and Electrical engineering, emphasis on power generation, mixed with a lot of science based stuff like Bio fuels, Geothermal technology, Fuel Cells for transportation etc. It's a Tech school, so more applied than theoretical from what I understand. What I am debating is, is the engineering degree worth it? Yes I like the technical aspects of how things work and I've actually enjoyed my EE courses so far and I've done well in Math and Physics up to this point. But is the time and money investment in the engineering degree worth it? I would appreciate any input! Thank you!

 

[Sankaku]

i am 16 (skipped 2 grades) but still play with Lego sometimes

I am well over twice your age and still love playing with Lego (mostly with my daughter these days). I would say that lego is a good way to build mechanical intuition.

Dexterity is also a skill that can be developed. Go do a physically intricate sport like a Martial Art (judo, kali, BJJ, etc.). It may be hard at first but hang in there. Just like Math, the rewards are worth the effort.

 

[ranger]

This is the best thread i have ever read!

Now on to my question. I am a grade 12 student entering Univeristy of Waterloo (Canada-Eh!). I am confused with what engineering to do. I Love Math! I Love Physics! I am unsure about Chemistry and Hate Bio. All engineering disciplines have the same class for first year but i am stuck on what engineering to choose for second year.

I have narrowed it down to Mechanical engineering but am confused. Mechanical engineering is perfect, love the math (calculus 98%), love the physics (inertia,momentum 96%) and have partaken leadership roles in solar car building and numerous robotics competitions (building sumobot right now). However, through the people i have worked with, I have realized that i am not very dextrous and have limited creativity. Everyone in my family (except me) has a hard time change even a bulb in a lamp (so no genetics what so ever). Our robotics club is working on its 6th robot and I feel like I have learned a lot but still seem "mechanically stupid" in using machines like the lathe, mill and CNC.

Is it dexterity "correctable" with experience? Do i seem "stupid" dexterously only because i am with smart people? I failed art and was told by my teacher that artistic skills can be learned; creativity not!

Thank you for reading this. Please repond

P.S- i am 16 (skipped 2 grades) but still play with Lego sometimes

One thing about work in a team environment is that you get to learn from others who are more skilled than you. If you can, try as much as possible to be in an environment where people seem "smarter" than you. Its a really really good learning experience. You've got engineers with 5 yrs experience and they are still learning new things from co-workers. When you're in this sort of environment you should really not look and it and say "well everyone is smarter than I am, this is not for me!"

SO what if you suck at the mill or CNC? Some computer science students don't even know how to program when they enter their freshman year! In India lots of people don't even have computers. A lot of engineering and comp sci students there don't touch their first computer until they start college. And that too, its the school's computer! So you've got nothing to worry about. Take your first year common engineering courses and decide what engineering disciple is for you.

 

[story645]

Our robotics club is working on its 6th robot and I feel like I have learned a lot but still seem "mechanically stupid" in using machines like the lathe, mill and CNC.
<snip>
P.S- i am 16 (skipped 2 grades) but still play with Lego sometimes

So you go up to the guy who knows how to use the lathe and ask him to teach you and bug him 'til he does. I've worked on far too many robots while not knowing how to use the machines, so I don't see why it's an issue. Legos rock; I still use them and the robotics at my school club keeps 'em around for prototyping and new students. Dexterity is definitely something you can improve and it's easy to learn; just keep building things and have someone who's better at it than you look over your work and take their criticism constructively. When I started school, I had never soldered anything, so a friend sat me down and made me do it a zillion times and now I can make some awesomely clean solder joints. It's really just practice and experience.

But is the time and money investment in the engineering degree worth it?

Probably. In the short term, you're salary is much better and you're a more attractive hire. Do some job searches for the fields you want to go into and see what the requirements are and take it from there.