Electrical Engineering or Civil Engineering?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the decision-making process between pursuing Electrical Engineering (EE) and Civil Engineering (CE). The participant, recently accepted into the EE department, expresses uncertainty about their fit for EE due to challenges with physics and circuit analysis. They have a strong affinity for math and tangible projects, which aligns more with CE, particularly in large structures and design. The participant seeks advice on transitioning to CE, emphasizing a preference for office work over outdoor tasks.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic engineering principles
  • Familiarity with circuit analysis concepts
  • Knowledge of civil engineering design processes
  • Basic mathematics proficiency, particularly in calculus and algebra
NEXT STEPS
  • Research introductory Civil Engineering courses at your institution
  • Explore the fundamentals of structural engineering and design
  • Investigate career paths and job roles within Civil Engineering
  • Learn about project management in engineering contexts
USEFUL FOR

Students contemplating a major in engineering, particularly those weighing the differences between Electrical and Civil Engineering, as well as individuals interested in career paths that balance technical skills with project-based work.

xlu2
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One advice I received on choosing a major is pick what you are good at and what you like while keep in mind what future career you might have. Even though I was just accepted into the EE department after my freshman year, I am still unsure if I really want to do EE.

Would someone please give advice or account of their experiences on CE and EE?

Here is a short description of me. I love math and I am doing a minor in math. In some aspects, math is concrete and logical to me. If I do not get some math concepts but work at it, I would get it eventually. Compared to math, science, especially physics, is not my forte. I self studied AP Bio (5) (not a biology/ person) and AP Physics C: Mechanics (4) in high school. Last semester, I took a E&M class at university and absolutely hated it. Now I am taking a basic course in Circuit Analysis and I worked hours and hours and I still do not get the circuits. Why did I apply for EE? I heard that EE make higher salaries and the job is more likely to be in an office/lab. Moreover, I was interested in renewable energy, specifically thermoelectricity (produce electricity by heat). Given this specific field, I see a research job being the most probable. But now when I stare at the circuit problems, I doubt I have the ability to pursue the EE interest.

Before I got interested into thermoelectricity, I was very interested in civil engineering. I love looking at large structures and scaled models and playing LEGO. (I like tangible stuff and right now, EE circuit diagrams are very abstract to me.) When I was in high school, I joined trebuchet building team and won some prizes in the school district. Another pull factor from CE is that CE get to see their buildings being built. Also, I saw CE drawing diagrams on computer and to me, these diagrams are certainly more interesting than circuits. only downside is that I heard many CE have outdoor work and I do not like being outdoor.

Even though I mentioned EE makes more money, salary is not of any concern to me. I am just looking for a secure job in office setting (occasionally outdoor is fine), with interesting and exciting project, and some people interaction. I am not a people person but I like to work with a small team (of hopefully hard working people).

Since I took Physics E&M and now Circuit Analysis, I am thinking about taking a basic CE course to see if I like the hang of it. Any suggestions?

Many thanks in advance!
 
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I think that very few CEs work on sites or outdoors. My brother is a CE and he works in an office.
 

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