Considering engineering as a back-up, but

[Edin_Dzeko]

Considering engineering as a back-up, but...

Recently, I have been put in a certain situation because of my academic record where I have been forced to consider my capabilities of handling the work in the field of medicine. As a result, the number one advice given to me is that I should consider another career / think of a back up career just in case medicine doesn't work out.

I have been considering engineering as my second/back up career, but I'm afraid of two things:

[1] Job security / chances of getting a job. Salary is not too big a thing for me. I want to ENJOY what I do, but that doesn't bar me from paying bills, student loans, taking care of a family. So money does count.

[2] I'm African-American (not to be racist or anything) but will that be some kind of factor against me / to my disadvantage?

 

[Cynix]

If you enjoy the science behind Medicine, then you may also be somewhat more inclined to appreciate the beauty behind Engineering. I presume you wish to enter medicine for many reasons. I suspect one of those may be the ability to assist those in need, or change lives. Engineers have the ability to do both, in their own special way - even if it may not be quite as obvious. The salaries of Engineers are generally quite substantial for most. Depending on where you're looking, and which field you enter into, there shouldn't be a problem with finding a job. (Although, it seems companies are on a trend of accepting only those with experience. These people will end up sparse quite soon, leaving room for the new generation to gain experience.)

To answer your second question, it all depends where you live, and who you socialise with. In my engineering course (I live in Western Australia), there are probably more students of foreign decent than there are Australians, and, apart from the language barrier with some (doesn't seem like you have this), there are no real differences or disadvantages to any particular ethnic groups. If you work to your potential, you will do well.

I also like how Engineering is a back-up plan for you, lol. A lot of people struggle with Engineering as their priority :P