Confused about what degrees to get, what career options to consider etc

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the considerations for choosing a university major, particularly in the fields of engineering and computer science, as well as the potential career paths associated with these disciplines. Participants explore various branches of engineering, the nature of coursework, and the implications of their choices on future careers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about selecting a major due to the vast range of knowledge and the fear of making the wrong choice, particularly between engineering and computer science.
  • There is a preference for theoretical and abstract studies, with an interest in fields like quantum physics, while also wanting to apply practical knowledge in a job.
  • Concerns are raised about the perception of engineering as primarily related to construction and the associated dangers of electrical engineering.
  • Another participant suggests that electrical engineering (EE) is not necessarily more dangerous than other technical jobs and emphasizes the importance of safety.
  • A participant shares their experience of a flexible undergraduate program that allowed for exploration before specializing, suggesting that this could lead to a more enjoyable and rewarding career path.
  • It is noted that electrical engineering encompasses a range of subjects including mathematics and physics, which may facilitate transitions to other fields.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of engineering and its associated risks, as well as the importance of flexibility in choosing a major. There is no consensus on the best path forward, reflecting a variety of perspectives on education and career choices.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of personal interests and safety considerations in choosing a major, while others focus on the academic structure of engineering programs. The discussion does not resolve the uncertainties regarding the best educational path.

kaitamasaki
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Hi all, I am currently in the last year of high school, and currently I am considering what faculty to enter in University.. most likely Engineering or Computer Science, because the admission average for Science is way too high for me. I am mostly interested in physics, math, and computers.

I am really confused because there's such a large range of knowledge and things to know out there, but so little time to study it all. I am afraid of choosing the wrong courses or majoring in the wrong thing that will result in a downfall in my future career. Such as I see there's so many branches in physics, mathematics, etc. that i have no idea what I should pick in the future.

I will outline what kind of things I prefer: no hands-on work or labs, more "number crunching" and problem solving. I also do not intend to become a teacher or anything. I would really like to go deeper into the theoretical and abstract side of things (like quantum physics?), while being able to apply more practical knowledge into a job like engineering.

Perhaps I'm too ignorant, but whenever I see the word engineering, I instantly think of construction. I also heard that electrical engineering is dangerous because of exposure to electricity and machinery. Can someone please explain what you really do in studying engineering and as an engineer.

What types of engineering are there, and if I would like to take part in jobs in industries like aerospace, robotics, or anything really "high-tech" then what should I study in University?

My apologies if I wasn't able to express myself clearly :smile:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
How about Computer Science/engineering?
 
Electrical Engineering is not necessarily dangerous, certainly no more so than any other technical job. Be smart in whatever you do, and you should be fine as far as safety.

My undergrad university (Univ. of California) had basically the same "lower division" program for all engineers and physicists. The first two years were mostly the same classes, and the last two years were where you specialized. I changed my choice of major (from EE/ME double major to EECS) at the two year boundary, based on what classes and other projects I enjoyed the most in those first two years. If you can attend a univeristy with this kind of flexibility, you have a much better chance of chosing a degree and career direction that will be the most enjoyable and rewarding, IMO.
 
EE is a good degree for interdisciplinary stuff- they have to take the math (vector calc, linear algebra, Fourier analysis, ODE/PDE's, complex analysis), the physics (mostly the E&M, and possibly some quantum and optics if you so choose), and some of the computer science(programming, computer architecture, and possibly data structures and algorithms)

So it is somewhat (relatively) easier to go from EE to other fields.
 

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