Engineering Major for Me: Georgia Tech Insight

[aagnone3]

I have always been good at math, and by that I don't just mean high school. I am about to finish Differential Equations with a high A, and all my other classes up until now have been A's. I love technology, and love reading all about new things from things such as TED.com and Popular Science magazines. I have always been fond of computers, and have built several and taken a few programming courses. I know that I want to use math, and I had been thinking of electrical/computer engineering. However, right now I am struggling with electricity concept in my secondary physics class, and I find that it is very difficult and non-intuitive for me. Also, I don't like doing much of the stuff I am learning. I've also considered mechanical or aerospace but my main enjoyment comes from computing and automation-like devices. I love aircraft and space but I hear AE is not all its pent up to be and the jobs are hard to find. Any insight on what major I should pursue. I start at Georgia Tech in the summer.

 

[Max.Planck]

Look at what you enjoy the most, not which field has the highest pay or best job prospects, after all, this can change over time. I can't really recommend anything specific based on what you have written, maybe you could consider Applied Mathematics or Computer Science.

 

[aagnone3]

I have always considered computer science, but led more engineering because of my interest in math and how things really work under the surface. Electronics is definitely an interest of me, as is aircraft and anything really that is forwarding science and technology. I am just concerned with my slight lack of intuition and proficiency in electricity and magnetism.

 

[JakeBrodskyPE]

The lack of intuition on a particular subject is not an indication that you won't be good at it. I find that often, whenever I lack an intuitive feel for a subject, that the questions I ask are often those that are confounding everyone else.

The thing you need to be concerned about is when you're confounded by the subject and you don't even know what questions to ask that might get you some answers.

Remember, it's not about knowing all the answers, but knowing what the questions are that makes a good engineer.

 

[Matrix0]

First of all, congratulations on your academic achievements and your passion for technology! It is clear that you have a strong interest in math and computing, and that is a great foundation for a career in engineering.

Based on the information you have provided, it seems like electrical/computer engineering may be a good fit for you. It combines your love for technology and computing with your strong math skills. However, I understand your concerns about struggling with electricity concepts and not enjoying some of the material in your secondary physics class. These are challenges that many engineering students face, and it is important to remember that engineering is a diverse field with many different areas of specialization. Just because you may struggle with one aspect of it does not mean that you will struggle with all aspects of it.

If you are still hesitant about pursuing electrical/computer engineering, I would suggest exploring other engineering disciplines that also involve technology and computing, such as software engineering or computer science. These may be more focused on programming and software development, rather than the physical concepts of electricity.

In terms of your interest in aerospace, have you considered looking into the field of avionics engineering? This combines your love for aircraft and space with your passion for technology and automation-like devices. It may be a good compromise between your interests and your concerns about job availability in aerospace engineering.

Ultimately, the decision on which major to pursue should be based on your own interests, strengths, and career goals. I would recommend talking to advisors and professors at Georgia Tech, as well as doing some research on the different engineering disciplines, to help you make an informed decision. Best of luck in your studies at Georgia Tech!