Difference in skills and content in mech and electrical engineering

In summary, choosing to pursue a mechanical engineering degree may limit your ability to switch to electrical engineering in the future, but there may be some overlap between the two fields. Both ME and EE have good career prospects and are broad disciplines, with potential for high earning potential. Both are equally suitable for pursuing a career in engineering management, with success depending on a combination of factors.
  • #1
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I got an offer to take up a mechanical engieering degree at university. The degree is a specialised one, with not much room for electrical engineering. I know I want to become an engineer, but am just not very sure about whether I want to be a mechanical or electrical engineer. Hence I want to ask whether picking up the mechanical engineering offer will somehow lock me in for life in one of the subfields, or are the skills and the way of thinking learned during the degree more important than the content of the academic coursework?

What are the career prospects of the respective degrees? Which one is broader? What type of engineer earns more? Which is more appropriate if I want to go into engineering management in the future?
 
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  • #2
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I got an offer to take up a mechanical engieering degree at university. The degree is a specialised one, with not much room for electrical engineering. I know I want to become an engineer, but am just not very sure about whether I want to be a mechanical or electrical engineer. Hence I want to ask whether picking up the mechanical engineering offer will somehow lock me in for life in one of the subfields, or are the skills and the way of thinking learned during the degree more important than the content of the academic coursework?

What are the career prospects of the respective degrees? Which one is broader? What type of engineer earns more? Which is more appropriate if I want to go into engineering management in the future?

The first year of engineering should be common between ME and EE. So you should be allowed to switch majors after that year. Some engineering schools don't even make you decide which major you want until after the first year - you are just a general engineering student for the first two semesters.

If you follow through with the ME curriculum, you will be locked into ME and its subfields. Of course you aren't literally locked into being an ME forever - you could change careers, but you won't be able to just jump in EE. There are some subfields that overlap ME and EE, and perhaps you could take electives in those areas.

As for the career prospects, I do not know where you are posting from, but in the US they are pretty good. I see a good amount of job postings for both disciplines.

Both ME and EE are very broad, so it's hard to say which is broader. The earning potential depends on a ton of factors, so no one will be able to give you a good answer without a lot more information from you (especially where you live).

As for engineering management, both disciplines will give you the same chances. Your ability to move into engineering management is a combination of a lot of factors, not limited to your natural ability to organize & manage, the company you work at and your experiences there, and any sort of management degrees, courses, or certifications you might pick up after your undergraduate schooling.
 
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I understand your concern about choosing between mechanical and electrical engineering. Both fields have their own unique set of skills and content, and it can be challenging to decide which one to pursue. However, it is important to remember that both mechanical and electrical engineering are highly interdisciplinary and offer a wide range of career opportunities.

The skills and way of thinking learned during a degree are crucial for success in any engineering field. These skills include problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical reasoning, which are applicable in both mechanical and electrical engineering. Therefore, even if you choose to study mechanical engineering, you will still develop valuable skills that can be applied in other fields, including electrical engineering.

In terms of career prospects, both mechanical and electrical engineering offer diverse and promising opportunities. Mechanical engineers are involved in designing, manufacturing, and maintaining mechanical systems, such as engines, turbines, and manufacturing equipment. On the other hand, electrical engineers work with electrical systems, such as power generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as electronic devices and systems.

In terms of broader scope, it can be argued that electrical engineering covers a wider range of applications, as electricity is a fundamental aspect of modern society. However, mechanical engineering is also a broad field, with applications in various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.

As for earning potential, it is difficult to determine which type of engineer earns more, as it depends on various factors such as industry, location, and experience. Both mechanical and electrical engineers have the potential to earn high salaries and have promising career growth opportunities.

If you are interested in pursuing engineering management in the future, both mechanical and electrical engineering can provide a strong foundation. However, it may be beneficial to consider the specific industries and roles you are interested in and choose a degree that aligns with your career goals.

In conclusion, while the content of academic coursework is important, the skills and way of thinking learned during a degree are equally valuable and can be applied in various fields. Both mechanical and electrical engineering offer promising career opportunities, and it is ultimately up to you to decide which one aligns with your interests and career goals.
 

1. What is the main difference between skills and content in mechanical and electrical engineering?

The main difference between skills and content in mechanical and electrical engineering lies in the specific knowledge and abilities required for each field. While both fields involve the application of science and mathematics principles to design and create systems, mechanical engineering focuses on the physical systems and components, while electrical engineering focuses on the generation, transmission, and utilization of electricity.

2. What skills are necessary for a career in mechanical engineering?

Some essential skills for a career in mechanical engineering include strong analytical and problem-solving skills, proficiency in mathematics and physics, technical drawing and computer-aided design (CAD) skills, knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes, and the ability to work as part of a team.

3. What skills are necessary for a career in electrical engineering?

Some important skills for a career in electrical engineering include a strong foundation in mathematics and physics, knowledge of circuit theory and electronics, proficiency in programming and computer-aided design (CAD) tools, understanding of power systems and renewable energy technologies, and the ability to think critically and solve complex problems.

4. How does the content differ between mechanical and electrical engineering?

The content in mechanical engineering focuses on areas such as mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, materials science, and mechanical design. On the other hand, the content in electrical engineering covers topics such as circuit analysis, electronics, electromagnetism, power systems, and control systems.

5. Can one become proficient in both mechanical and electrical engineering?

While it is possible to have knowledge and skills in both mechanical and electrical engineering, it is challenging to become an expert in both fields due to the vast amount of knowledge and specialized skills required. However, having a basic understanding of both fields can be beneficial, especially in interdisciplinary projects or research.

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