Need help choosing a major (even those not in engineering if possible)

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    Engineering Major
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting a college major that aligns with the desire to contribute to a greener and more sustainable world. Participants explore various fields of study, including engineering and non-engineering options, while considering financial stability and employability after graduation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests degrees in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or systems engineering with a focus on sustainability, highlighting potential work with renewable energy technologies.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of personal enjoyment and passion in choosing a major, suggesting that exploration of different fields is crucial to finding the right fit.
  • A different viewpoint raises the idea that the choice of major may not directly correlate with making the world a better place, arguing that the application of knowledge is what truly matters, regardless of the field of study.
  • This participant also points out that one could major in petroleum engineering and still contribute to sustainability through innovative practices, illustrating the complexity of the relationship between education and purpose.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the relationship between major selection and the ability to contribute to sustainability. While some advocate for specific engineering disciplines, others argue that the impact one can make is more about the application of knowledge than the major itself. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about how to explore different fields without committing time to the wrong ones, indicating a limitation in their ability to assess their interests and strengths effectively.

Chava27
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This is my first post on this forum, so please advise me if I should be posting in a different section or on a different website. Notably, I have little knowledge on my question, which is why I’m coming to you guys to help me out a bit.

I’m 1 semester into a US university and am trying to find out what major I should choose. I realized that helping create a “green” and more sustainable world would give fulfillment in my life, so I was led to now find out what career path I should take.
Ironically, my grandfather drilled oil for a living, and we all realize what kind of world that has molded for us. So I would like to know what majors (even those not in engineering) would be the safest routes financially, help me get employed after my degree, and help me create a "greener" more sustainable world. Thank you for your time and thoughts!
 
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One such degree would be electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering if your more into that, even maybe systems engineering, with a focus on sustainability. I think then you get to work with solar cells, wind turbines, and what not.

But ultimately do what you find yourself enjoying the most.
 
MathWarrior said:
One such degree would be electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering if your more into that, even maybe systems engineering, with a focus on sustainability. I think then you get to work with solar cells, wind turbines, and what not.

But ultimately do what you find yourself enjoying the most.

Thank you for your help! My only problem is that I don't know how to experience each field without wasting a lot of time in the wrong ones. Regardless, I should definatley put much more time into finding out which one is right.
 
I don't know if this helps, but it seems to me like you're confusing education with career and/or purpose in life.

No one can tell you the answer to a question like what you're asking. You could, for example, major in petroleum engineering, and then use that knowledge to develop greener means of extracting oil from tarsands. You could major in history, and spurn an urban agricultural revolution.

Choosing a specific major is not going to make the world a better place. It's what you do with the knowledge you get that will. So it's best to figure out where your academic strengths and passions are and follow them to the most productive ends possible.
 

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