Mining or Mechanical Engineering?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the considerations of choosing between a career in Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Mining Engineering. Participants share their personal experiences and insights regarding job prospects, work environments, and the adaptability of each engineering discipline.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about continuing in Mechanical Engineering due to concerns about job types, particularly the possibility of a strictly office-based role.
  • Another participant asserts that a Mechanical Engineering degree does not lead to a cubical office job, suggesting a variety of work environments.
  • Some participants argue that Mechanical Engineering offers broader job opportunities compared to Mining Engineering, emphasizing its adaptability and employability.
  • It is proposed that one could pursue a Mechanical Engineering major while also taking electives or a minor in Mining Engineering to combine interests.
  • A participant highlights the potential for Mechanical Engineering graduates to be valuable in mineral/resource companies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that Mechanical Engineering provides broader career options and adaptability, while there is some debate about the suitability of Mining Engineering for the original poster's interests.

Contextual Notes

Participants' views are based on personal experiences and perceptions of job markets, which may vary significantly. There is no consensus on the best path forward for the original poster.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a career in engineering, particularly those weighing options between Mechanical and Mining Engineering, may find this discussion relevant.

ajk108
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Hi, I just finished my second year at Virginia Tech in Mech Eng and have been doing a lot of thinking lately about whether or not to stay in ME. I do enjoy it and am doing fine grades wise but just have concerns about what type of job I will get. I grew up on a farm and enjoy figuring out how stuff works and have been doing that my whole life. I also have experience with working at a small gravel mine for a few years and found it interesting; however I don't think I would enjoy underground mines very much. My main concern with mech is ending up with a strictly office job. I am just not really sure if I will able to work in a cubical 40-50 hrs a week for the rest of my life. I could deal with working in an office part of the time but I would much rather be working in a lab or outside. Given this, would mining seem like the better path to take for me. Any insight to what all of your mining and mech eng jobs are like day to day would be greatly appreciated.
 
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trust me you won't be a cubical worker with a mechanical engineering degree.

here is a job site for mechanical engineers.

http://www.mechanicalengineer.com/jobSeeker/JobSearchResults.aspx
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Your options are vastly greater with an ME degree. Don't even think about changing.
 
Mining engineering is a more of specialty, whereas mechanical engineering is broader. One could major in Mech Eng with a minor or electives in Mining Engineering.
 
Have to second the advice to stick with ME. For my money, they might be the most adaptable and employable engineers out there...at least in terms of the knowledge imparted to them throughout their studies.
On top of that, I am sure a mineral/resource company could find much use in a ME graduate.
 

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