Junior in Engineering: Bio, Elec, or Mechanical

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SUMMARY

Javier Olivares, a junior at the University of Illinois at Chicago, is currently majoring in Electrical Engineering but is contemplating a switch to BioEngineering or Mechanical Engineering. He has a background in tech support from his service in the U.S. Air Force and has recently improved his GPA to 3.1 after achieving straight As. Javier expresses concerns about job prospects in BioEngineering and the rigor of Electrical Engineering, seeking advice on how to focus his interests and enhance his skills through personal projects, particularly in SolidWorks and 3D printing.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of engineering disciplines (Electrical, BioEngineering, Mechanical)
  • Familiarity with SolidWorks for 3D modeling
  • Knowledge of GPA calculation and academic performance metrics
  • Awareness of job market trends in engineering fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Research career opportunities in BioEngineering and Mechanical Engineering
  • Explore advanced SolidWorks techniques and applications in engineering projects
  • Investigate online courses in project management for engineering students
  • Learn about the latest trends in engineering job markets and required skills
USEFUL FOR

Engineering students, veterans transitioning to civilian careers, and individuals exploring diverse engineering fields who seek guidance on academic focus and career planning.

JavierOlivares
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Hello. My name is Javier Olivares. I have been a lurker for sometime but decided to finally begin to be an active member. I really want to get some help/advice. I'm currently a junior at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I'm 26 years young where the VA covers my tuition from serving four years of active duty U.S. Air Force. My job titles for the Air Force where tech support for telephones and network admin/desktop support. I basically just got A+ certification and that's what my job had previously entailed. After the service, I had always wanted to do something with Math and Science, and I also always wanted to get a college education. I attended a somewhat prestigious High School for a Chicago public school called Lane Tech so my education background is somewhat moderate (enough fo me to take Calc 1 after a 7 year break freshman year).

After much flip flopping I realized I really do want to be an engineer but I have a dilemma. I keep finding things that interest me like economics, politics, history, physics, all the engineering fields, etc. Not a bad problem but tough when I keep switching around. I never pursued the arts nor will I like to (I have found a very profound interest in cryptocurrency but that's a different story). But right now I am an electrical engineering major. My grades so far have been pretty average where my math and physics not performing too well with a couple B's and a handful of C's. But I am confident in myself to know that I might not have been doing the best I could and can do much better. Last semester, I finally got straight As getting my GPA back up to a 3.1. I took 2 BioEngineering courses and 1 electrical engineering intro (and a GenEd). I really am writing cause I still get worried of my future. I've never known what I want to pursue.A lot of things interest me just not something I don't know how to focus on. I just worry about making a wrong turn now that I am 26 and the youth just keeps getting smarter and smarter it feels like. I hope to get some help in my the rest of my engineering courses but more important advice on what I could do to feel better about myself.
Cliff (Scroll here if above too long):
Recently thought again about switching back to BioEngineering but being afraid of not finding a job. I just feel worried that Electrical is too difficult for me to pursue as many people have said it's one of the more rigorous of all engineering. I even recently considered doing mechanical but who knows. Also, I have one month left before I head back to school any advice for projects that I can do myself or a hobbie please let me know. I been working on solidworks and 3-D printing but that's about it. I look forward to hear back from someone.


Also note I already have a semester of BioEngineering done but switch so switching back would be a faster graduation rate

Javi
 
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Thank you for your service in the USAF!

Go for what you like the most. You will work harder at it, and so become better.
 

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