Electronic Engineering vs Chemical Engineering

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the choice between pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering (CHEM E) versus Electronic Engineering (EE). Participants explore the implications of job market demand, personal interests, and long-term career satisfaction in relation to these two engineering disciplines.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong preference for Electronic Engineering, particularly in designing graphics cards and computer chips, despite friends suggesting Chemical Engineering due to perceived job demand.
  • Another participant questions the rationale behind choosing a major solely for job prospects, emphasizing the importance of personal interest and long-term satisfaction in one's career.
  • Concerns are raised about the possibility of remaining jobless even with a good GPA, highlighting that job availability is contingent on market conditions.
  • A participant reflects on their tension regarding their choice of EE but ultimately decides to stick with it, considering the diversity of opportunities within the field.
  • It is noted that industry demand, rather than the specific major, drives job availability, with examples given of EE graduates finding roles in process controls and PLC logic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the importance of job market demand versus personal interest in choosing a major. There is no consensus on which discipline is definitively better, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best path forward.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the influence of industry sectors on job demand and the potential impact of personal preferences on career satisfaction. The discussion reflects uncertainty about future job availability in both fields.

Which field is better, Electronic Engineering or Chemical Engineering?


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EhtYlno
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Right now I have a choice between these two disciplines, Chemical or Electronic engineering. Which one would remain suitable for me?
My friends advice me to get into Chemical Engineering since they say its in a huge demand right now, however I am more inclined towards Electronic Engineering, and they say its not in demand and many graduates of EE are jobless (according to them).
Keep in mind that I would like to work in designing graphics cards and computer chips (and similar things) since that's what resonates with me the most.

Is it possible to remain jobless upon graduating with a good GPA (such as 3.5+)?
 
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If EE is where your interests lie, why would you consider chemical engineering? Just to get a job? Are you interested in chemical engineering? Getting up every morning to go to a job you only tolerate or dislike is a situation you really want to avoid.

You need to keep things in perspective. Sure, majoring in chemical engineering might land you a job straight out of college more easily than if you were to major in electronic engineering if what your friends say is true, but is it something you want to stick with for 10, 20, or 40 years? Would you be satisfied with a career in chemical engineering?

Yes, it's possible to remain jobless even if you graduate with a good GPA. If the jobs aren't there, they aren't there. So the question you need to find the answer to is: will the job I want be there when I graduate?
 
vela said:
If EE is where your interests lie, why would you consider chemical engineering? Just to get a job? Are you interested in chemical engineering? Getting up every morning to go to a job you only tolerate or dislike is a situation you really want to avoid.

You need to keep things in perspective. Sure, majoring in chemical engineering might land you a job straight out of college more easily than if you were to major in electronic engineering if what your friends say is true, but is it something you want to stick with for 10, 20, or 40 years? Would you be satisfied with a career in chemical engineering?

Yes, it's possible to remain jobless even if you graduate with a good GPA. If the jobs aren't there, they aren't there. So the question you need to find the answer to is: will the job I want be there when I graduate?

You see I'm very tense right now. I've selected EE and am real worried if I made the wrong choice. But upon consultation with friends and family I think i'll stick with it.
EE is just more diverse. Maybe I can get in a few CHEM E courses too. HMMM...
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Do keep in mind that it is the industry sector producing demand, not the major. For example, getting a EE degree and pursuing a job with process controls will nearly guarantee a job. Or PLC logic (custom made control boards) for industrial plants.

Now, if you eliminated such industries as oil and gas, chemical, power, etc.. completely due to dislike...you may see that unemployment statistic to be true
 
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