Mechanical Engineering or Microbiology?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process for a student choosing between pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering (ME) or Microbiology. The conversation touches on personal interests, perceived job opportunities, gender discrimination in the workforce, and the relevance of different subjects in relation to the participant's strengths and preferences.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong preference for Mechanical Engineering, citing a passion for physics and practical work, despite concerns about job opportunities and gender discrimination in the field.
  • Another participant suggests considering biomedical engineering as a potential blend of interests, although it is noted that this option is not available in the participant's country.
  • Concerns are raised about the extent of discrimination against women in engineering jobs, with some suggesting it may be moderately to significantly challenging to secure employment.
  • Some participants argue that Microbiology may offer better job opportunities and hands-on work, potentially rivaling Mechanical Engineering in practical applications.
  • A suggestion is made to pursue Microbiology with a focus on biophysics as a compromise, given the participant's interests and the job market context.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of following one's passion despite potential challenges, while acknowledging the difficulties of remaining in a less preferred field.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions, with some advocating for Mechanical Engineering based on personal passion, while others highlight the potential advantages of Microbiology in terms of job opportunities. The discussion remains unresolved regarding which path is ultimately more beneficial.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific challenges related to gender discrimination in engineering fields and the availability of certain educational programs, which may influence decision-making. There are also varying perspectives on job market conditions in Bangladesh.

DarkOni
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hey there...just wondering if I can get some suggestions choosing the sub I want to grad. from..

The thing is that I just finished my high school n now got chance in both Mechanical Engineering n Microbiology...I think I'm pretty good at Physics..n also in Math n Biology...tho I really don't like Chemistry..mostly the Organic part..and I think that it'll really be hard for me 2 study any sub without Physics..n I've always wanted 2 study ME...but now I'm really confused if I will get any good job if I graduate from ME...n in our country(a 3rd world country..Bangladesh) when it comes 2 ME jobs ppl really prefer guys over girls..cause they say we have some limitations n not good enough for outdoor works...but I love practical classes n would love 2 work outdoors...but I heard Microbiology has better job opportunity..now I'm really confused which sub I should pursue...if any1 can please give me some suggestions..
 
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DarkOni said:
if any1 can please give me some suggestions..

Do you guys have bio-medical engineering? I think that's actually a great marriage of your two interests, though I have no idea what the bio-tech industry is like in Bangladesh.

How badly are women discriminated against? Is it moderately harder to get jobs or insanely more difficult? There are lots of labs in microbiology, and you can do field studies, and in the end microbiology may actually have as much/more hands on stuff then mechE.
 
nope..there's no Bio-medical eng. here...n tho I'm good @ Biology, I've no interest
in it. And ME is my dream sub.
story645 said:
How badly are women discriminated against? Is it moderately harder to get jobs or insanely more difficult?
Well u'll get a job maybe..but after the hard time in Eng. college u may not like a low paid job n in my case a desk job. And there maybe a clause like "Will prefer male candidates".

thnx for ur kind reply..
 
Do mechanical engineering if that is what you want to do and then move.
 
DarkOni said:
nope..there's no Bio-medical eng. here...n tho I'm good @ Biology, I've no interest in it. And ME is my dream sub.

That's what always throws people for a loop. Bio-med has a ton of mechE in it, it's just specialized and applied.

I almost always suggest going with what you love and dealing with the consequences later, but I get that in your case it'll probably be torture. If moving isn't an option after you graduate, you may want to do microbiology with a strong biophysics bent, if you have that option. Another option may be chemical engineering with a structural focus.
 
story645 said:
I almost always suggest going with what you love and dealing with the consequences later
maybe I'll do that...gonna try out the luck thingy..I already choose ME over CheE n Electronics & Communications Engineering..so can't switch now...thnx a lot u ppl..
 

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