Studying If you are an engineer but find out you don't like it?

[CrysPhys]

I can only speak for the UK system but I do know that many Bachelor's Degree courses are very vocational in content and, however good they are, will tend to prepare the students for a particular specialism -OR- give a very wide range of information with not a very theoretical basis.

That's different from the use of "vocational" in the US. Typically, in the US "vocational schools" offer a 1-yr or 2-yr program after high school, resulting in a certificate or Associate's Degree. Many community colleges offer a vocational track for students planning to get a job after a 2-yr program and an academic track for students planning to transfer to a college/university to complete a Bachelor's Degree.

 

[CrysPhys]

PS You have been asked a number of questions here but I think the bottom line would be "Have you ever tried, planned or even fantacised about mending or modifying an 'engineered' system in your life?"

Just "trying" or "planning"? Doubtful. Merely "fantasizing"? Grossly inadequate.

If your home / bike / car is all in perfect working order through your efforts the I could be fairly certain that you are an Engineer at heart.

Actually "hands-on doing"? That's dispositive.

 

[SeasonalBeef]

This isn't meant to be snarky. But I highly recommend that you hit the pause button, and rethink your current plans ... especially since you're starting college much later than a typical high school grad. Your answers to the above survey just don't jive at all with a previous post of yours:

I really don't see why I have to have had done those things previous to have to become an engineer. Just because I never did those things doesn't mean they aren't things I'd want to do or would have liked to have done.

And I've hit the pause button on my life long enough. I've had enough time to think about what I want to do and this makes the most sense. I'm sure there are plenty of engineers that loce what they do who before going to college never even thought about engineering but they happened upon it and it became the path for them.

I recently came upon a book called Applied Minds: How Engineers Think by Guru Madhavan and in it it talks about thinks like how engineers can mentally pick apart ideas and concepts and put their various pieces into modules and find similarities in other things or implement those modules in other things that would otherwise seem completely different like finding a solution to an economical problem based on the principle of how an artery in the calf muscle pumps blood.

It opened my eyes showing me that I've always been able and have thought this way. I don't pick apart physical things and put them together. I pick apart ideas and reorganize them to create new ideas. I also like looking things that seem like they could be an issue and go "Huh, this looks like it could potentially be an issue, I have a few ideas how this issue could be avoided out right." Solving problems before they become a problem. I could see myself working somewhere as an engineer that specializes in safety and standards to keep them up to snuff and help solve any issues that might become ones.

What other profession is there that would let me use my mind to tackle such problems? Use science and math to figure out solutions? Engineering seems to hit right on that mark.

I'm not going to push the pause button. If I do I might not come back out. Here's the thing. I began my journey to be an engineer over 5 years ago. But then my mother died right in front of me. This was 4 years after my father died of a cancer that was literally eating his skin away and you could smell rotting flesh and his right arm was completely out of commission. Oh and on top of this my mom pulled a gun on me before he died so she was sent away to a mental ward for a month and I was left alone with my dad, because he didn't want to be in a hospital, so I had to give him morphine in his mouth every few hours until he passed away. Then i lived with my mom for 4 years after that who treated the gun issue like it was no big deal and also I found her near death several times in those 4 years until she had another mental break 2 months before she died and had to be sent to a mental ward again but they released her without really helping her because of insurance or something. I can't really remember why because it is all fuzzy but for a month she was completely different and the only way I could handle it was thinking "well if she kills me at least all this will be over" but then one morning I wake up and I find her in bed with vomit on her mouth and her skin turning blue. I called paramedics and did cpr but ultimately it didn't save her. So after all this I tried continuing college but couldn't. I was already dealing with things before that and this just opened up so many old wounds and created new ones that I just took a break. But that break became giving up. I just stopped caring. I didn't have any drive. I was just waiting for death to come and filling time. Then the pandemic hits and it sparks my interest to go back to college for some reason and now here I am driven towards a goal. So if I put pause on my life again I very well might not ever hit play. I am just on the better side of wanting to take a bunch of pills and call it quits.

Oh and yes I have been going to therapy. It isn't working. I've had different therapists and it still hasn't helped. But this though? Going for engineering? Taking these science and math classes? It's helped in ways no therapist nor medication could.

IM GOING INTO ENGINEERING. and my whole thread, this whole thread about which field should I go into, is all based on my need for control. I want to have a road map. And idea. A way to navigate towards what I may want to do.

But look at ohwilleke's reply in reply #15. I presented a problem they presented tools and resources I could utilize to help solve that problem. I don't care to debate why I want to be an engineer. I'm going for it. Don't try to talk me out of it through some selfish desire to help me. It's not helping me it's only helping you feel better by thinking your helping but you aren't.

ohwilleke is one of if the only one to post actual solutions.

 

[sophiecentaur]

ohwilleke is one of if the only one to post actual solutions.

You did ask for opinions and it would be unusual if all opinions were the same as yours. We, as Engineers mostly, gave reasons why we took it up. We also have collective experience of people who were not suited to real world Engineering. From your answers, I feel your attitude to and experience of the subject may not be altogether suitable. That is not a criticism, any more than suggesting someone with size 12 feet would probably find size 8 shoes not very comfortable.
But seriously, you have to make up your own mind, based on information that will be available from any college that's worth going to. Good luck.

 

[symbolipoint]

6. Do you like mixing different chemicals and see what happens?

I actually like the chemical equation solving and balancing more.

The question and the response are two very different things. Your liking to solve chemical equations or written reactions is still a good thing. Now go back and think about the QUESTION. Do you like to MIX different chemicals (or other materials) to see what happens?

 

[symbolipoint]

IM GOING INTO ENGINEERING. and my whole thread, this whole thread about which field should I go into, is all based on my need for control. I want to have a road map. And idea. A way to navigate towards what I may want to do.

Very important is to identify specific parts of Engineering you want to participate in, as you go. You would soon need to know what specific jobs you want to do, as an engineer.

 

[CrysPhys]

But look at ohwilleke's reply in reply #15. I presented a problem they presented tools and resources I could utilize to help solve that problem. I don't care to debate why I want to be an engineer. I'm going for it. Don't try to talk me out of it through some selfish desire to help me. It's not helping me it's only helping you feel better by thinking your helping but you aren't.

ohwilleke is one of if the only one to post actual solutions.

If you look carefully, objectively, and dispassionately at my Reply #23 and StatGuy2000's follow-up Reply #55, you would realize that they do give you a method for deciding what field of engineering (if any) would best suit you. But since my advice is not welcome, I will wish you luck, and drop out of this thread.

 

[hutchphd]

Let me be uncharacteristically positive. Making life decisions is difficult and far from foolproof. They are nearly always impossible to guarantee as to correctness. But the act of deciding is a really important step, and allows other decisions to follow.
You have chosen engineering. Your background does not scream "engineering" to me but what the f*** do I know about you. You need to pursue it with energy. If you don't know exactly which flavor then choose the one that has the stiffest math and physics requirements (it will be easier to switch if desired). But do not foreclose any opportunity because "the decision is made" You have no idea what the future will offer.

A favorite from Teddy Roosevelt:

"In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing."

.

 

[SeasonalBeef]

Let me be uncharacteristically positive. Making life decisions is difficult and far from foolproof. They are nearly always impossible to guarantee as to correctness. But the act of deciding is a really important step, and allows other decisions to follow.
You have chosen engineering. Your background does not scream "engineering" to me but what the f*** do I know about you. You need to pursue it with energy. If you don't know exactly which flavor then choose the one that has the stiffest math and physics requirements (it will be easier to switch if desired). But do not foreclose any opportunity because "the decision is made" You have no idea what the future will offer.

A favorite from Teddy Roosevelt:

"In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing."

.

"Your background does not scream "engineering" to me"

I don't have an engineering background by why is that necessary? I mean I'm good at math and science and I like it. To me that's enough. If I were however to go into a field I have background in then it would be a live in care taker as I spent a lot of time doing that for my mom who was bedridden most of the time especially after my dad died. But I don't want to that. I did it out of nessessity. My life was on hold for a long time almost right out of high school.

I don't get the whole need to have an engineering background to pursue engineering. Maybe it's something that I feel is right for me. Plus math and science are my best subject.

"If you don't know exactly which flavor then choose the one that has the stiffest math and physics requirements"

I would like to take more chemistry classes than what is normally required. I really really like chemistry. Though I find more enjoyment in the lectures than I do the lab. Not to say lab is boring, it's fun just the lecture part I get more enthralled in.

 

[symbolipoint]

"Your background does not scream "engineering" to me"

I don't have an engineering background by why is that necessary? I mean I'm good at math and science and I like it. To me that's enough. If I were however to go into a field I have background in then it would be a live in care taker as I spent a lot of time doing that for my mom who was bedridden most of the time especially after my dad died. But I don't want to that. I did it out of nessessity. My life was on hold for a long time almost right out of high school.

I don't get the whole need to have an engineering background to pursue engineering. Maybe it's something that I feel is right for me. Plus math and science are my best subject.

"If you don't know exactly which flavor then choose the one that has the stiffest math and physics requirements"

I would like to take more chemistry classes than what is normally required. I really really like chemistry. Though I find more enjoyment in the lectures than I do the lab. Not to say lab is boring, it's fun just the lecture part I get more enthralled in.

I cannot find a "Reaction" to click , and I do not know how to react. If you believe that Engineering is the choice you want to make, then make that choice and follow the program which your counselors guide you into. You WILL NEED to make your own choices as you go.

Your "engineering background" will just have to be what you do from now until you finally graduate with an Engineering degree. You are starting late, and catching-up is a very difficult thing to do. Much more needs to be said about this; but I am not ready to continue such right now in this topic.

 

[symbolipoint]

My question is how do I find my right engineering focus? What resources can I utilize to better narrow that? Where I am able to learn all the various different engineering focuses. I have time to figure it out but why wait? The sooner I start looking the better. More time to figure out what I want.

Quote is from one of your earlier posts on this topic.
The best way to find what you want to know is, actually enroll in and attend an Engineering program; either directly at your chosen university, or if necessary starting at your local community college (and then later, transfer to a university). Much of what you want to know, nobody can answer for you. You just must study according to the program.

 

[SeasonalBeef]

Quote is from one of your earlier posts on this topic.
The best way to find what you want to know is, actually enroll in and attend an Engineering program; either directly at your chosen university, or if necessary starting at your local community college (and then later, transfer to a university). Much of what you want to know, nobody can answer for you. You just must study according to the program.

Can I attend engineering programs at a university even if I don't attend it and have not yet taken any classes regarding engineering except some math and science prerequisite classes? The community college I go to doesn't really have many programs going on. Especially not since covid.

 

[SeasonalBeef]

You WILL NEED to make your own choices as you go.

Your "engineering background" will just have to be what you do from now until you finally graduate with an Engineering degree. You are starting late, and catching-up is a very difficult thing to do. Much more needs to be said about this; but I am not ready to continue such right now in this topic.

"You WILL NEED to make your own choices as you go."

I'm well aware of this. I've only been asking for the tools abd resources and understanding of how I can better make that choice. Why don't people understand this? I'm simply trying to optimize my information collection to better figure put what I like and sort out which this I want to do and not do and come to a smaller but more optimized and optimal option pool rather than an ocean of options with no idea how to find what I like. Perhaps the degree I should go for is a degree that encompasses a large amount of different engineering focuses. Because I do need to pick a degree to graduate with and then tend to be just under one category of engineering each.

"You are starting late, and catching-up is a very difficult thing to do."

I'm up for the challenge.

 

[hutchphd]

One can obtain a degree in Engineering Physics at many schools. It is not easy, but it is general. You will know much more after a year or so of study...things you cannot possibly know now.

.

 

[symbolipoint]

Can I attend engineering programs at a university even if I don't attend it and have not yet taken any classes regarding engineering except some math and science prerequisite classes? The community college I go to doesn't really have many programs going on. Especially not since covid.

Your community college should (I wish I could say MUST) have the typical common preparatory courses for every engineering student: Calculus 1,2,3,+some additional Math course, Physics of Mechanics, E&M, Modern, likely a couple of Biological Science courses, very likely two semesters of General Chemistry, and probably a small assortment of lower level Engineering courses. All of this would be only required academic preparation. You would find more, much more from a university program when you are ready. Other than the Mathematics courses, nearly all of the other courses come with laboratory components, a very necessary part of any Science or Engineering education.

 

[SeasonalBeef]

Your community college should (I wish I could say MUST) have the typical common preparatory courses for every engineering student: Calculus 1,2,3,+some additional Math course, Physics of Mechanics, E&M, Modern, likely a couple of Biological Science courses, very likely two semesters of General Chemistry, and probably a small assortment of lower level Engineering courses. All of this would be only required academic preparation. You would find more, much more from a university program when you are ready. Other than the Mathematics courses, nearly all of the other courses come with laboratory components, a very necessary part of any Science or Engineering education.

Oh yeah they have that. I thought by engineering programs that meant like where they work on projects outside of normal classes

 

[hutchphd]

Perhaps you will read the whole thing if I repost it. Please don't look for attacks that do not exist:

Your background does not scream "engineering" to me but what the f*** do I know about you. You need to pursue it with energy. If you don't know exactly which flavor then choose the one that has the stiffest math and physics requirements (it will be easier to switch if desired).

Its your decision, not a debate topic, and you need to get going..

 

[Astronuc]

But ultimately I need to choose one path to get a degree in.

So, make a choice -- right now!

do not perseverate

Otherwise, make list of problems, or areas of application, that one finds interesting, and those that one finds uninteresting or objectionable for personal reasons. Then make a choice of engineering field based on the kinds of problems/areas one finds interesting or enjoyable.

 

[SeasonalBeef]

So, make a choice -- right now!



Otherwise, make list of problems, or areas of application, that one finds interesting, and those that one finds uninteresting or objectionable for personal reasons. Then make a choice of engineering field based on the kinds of problems/areas one finds interesting or enjoyable.

"Make a choice right now!"

"make a choice of engineering field based on the kinds of problems/areas one finds interesting or enjoyable"

Honestly I don't know. I mean what I'd really like to do is become a physicists and work on theoretical physics. But some engineering classmates pushed me to go for engineering and make convincing arguments that a physics degree doesn't really get you anywhere and it's progress is SLOOOOOOW. Also the salary probsbly isn't that great. I don't care too much about salary so long as it's over a certain point to where all my bills are getting paid and I have enough left over to spend on decent food and maybe a vacation every so often.

Actually now that I'm talking about it I don't know if maybe I do want to go for being a Physicist. Or theoretical Physicist.

I'm unsure about a lot of things in my life. But I like the idea of problem solving practical problems and honestly I'd really like to work on a project to help reduce head Island effects in cities like Phoenix. Maybe help invent or come up with the concept to create solar cells or something that can be placed on the outside of buildings so not only would it reduce the heat by absorbing it but also it turns it into electricity so it can reduce energy costs.

 

[Astronuc]

But some engineering classmates pushed me to go for engineering and make convincing arguments that a physics degree doesn't really get you anywhere and it's progress is SLOOOOOOW. Also the salary probsbly isn't that great.

I suspect that one's classmates, being students, have little experience to make convincing statements about careers as physicists.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, physicists 2020 median salary = $128,950 per year, or ~$62.00 per hour. Education level is doctoral or professional degree.
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/mobile/physicists-and-astronomers.htm

"The median annual wage for architecture and engineering occupations was $83,160 in May 2020", but it varies according to the engineering field. A table provides an summary of different fields and education requirements, usually an undergraduate degree. However, salary increases if one obtain a professional degree or PhD.
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/home.htm
https://www.mtu.edu/engineering/outreach/welcome/salary/

Actually now that I'm talking about it I don't know if maybe I do want to go for being a Physicist. Or theoretical Physicist.

Follow one's passion.

But I like the idea of problem solving practical problems and honestly I'd really like to work on a project to help reduce head Island effects in cities like Phoenix. Maybe help invent or come up with the concept to create solar cells or something that can be placed on the outside of buildings so not only would it reduce the heat by absorbing it but also it turns it into electricity so it can reduce energy costs.

Well, that seems like a good choice, and an area that could have broader application and impacts. Think beyond buildings, but vehicles as well.

Actually, many groups are already working on that matter.
https://www.science.org/content/art...heir-own-power-thanks-see-through-solar-cells
https://sustainable-now.eu/windows-generate-electrical-energy/
https://www.ibtimes.sg/filipino-stu...ar-windows-that-can-produce-electricity-53580

There is the actual product, then there is the process by which the product is manufactured, economically. With respect to the product, there is the process by which, in this case, produces electricity, but also, the structural performance during the product lifetime. However efficient is the product over it's lifetime? Was is the lifetime? Can such technology be applied to vehicles?

What are related applications?

There are many more useful applications to be discovered.

Edit/update: ps - there is also no reason that one cannot do both physics and engineering. Afterall, engineering is applied physics. There is also a hybrid discipline of engineering physics. I worked for a small company whose motto was linking theory with practice.

 

[jonegrossman]

You're asking the right questions. I recommend you view your career more like a journey than a destination. This takes the pressure off of picking the right thing.

If you start your career as an engineer and turns out you don't like it, it's not a loss. You'll pick up valuable life skills, plus engineering backgrounds are in high demand in roles other than just an engineer. You can go into product development, law, medicine, business, or practically any other field.

I studied chemistry, went to law school, practice patent litigation, and then switched careers to software development. Having the engineering background will make you stand out and being able to think like an engineer and work easily with modern technologies in the office will help a lot. Good luck.

 

[sophiecentaur]

If you start your career as an engineer and turns out you don't like it, it's not a loss.

So true. Almost any level of Engineering training will give you a bit more savvy than the ignorant non-Engineers you will be dealing with. Spotting 'obvious' practical flaws in sales talk can save you a lot of money over the years.