Now i find myself in a bit of an indecision

  • Thread starter Thread starter theman408
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Bit
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a participant's indecision regarding their engineering career path, specifically between Electrical Engineering (EE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), and Civil Engineering. The participant expresses interest in various aspects of engineering, including design and control systems, and seeks advice on whether to pursue a second major in another engineering discipline.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • The participant initially chose EE but is uncertain after experiencing challenges in their Circuit Class and lacking exposure to Power classes, which they find intriguing.
  • Some participants suggest that the participant should focus solely on EE and consider a career in Instrumentation and Control engineering, which may integrate aspects of Mechanical Engineering.
  • There is a proposal to complete a second BS in Mechanical Engineering after finishing the EE degree, with some participants questioning the viability of pursuing two engineering degrees.
  • One participant reflects on their own switch from Mechanical to Computer Engineering, emphasizing the importance of aligning career interests with academic choices.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on the reasons against pursuing two undergraduate degrees in engineering, expressing curiosity about the implications of such a decision.
  • The participant shares their enjoyment of team projects and outlines their aspirations, including electrical layout designs and involvement in water pump designs, as well as interests in robotics and aircraft design.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus among participants regarding the best path forward for the original poster. Some advocate for focusing on EE, while others support the idea of pursuing a second major in ME. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying opinions on the practicality and benefits of obtaining two engineering degrees, with some citing a lack of examples of individuals with dual engineering degrees. The discussion also highlights the importance of aligning personal interests with career goals, but does not resolve the implications of switching disciplines.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for engineering students contemplating their career paths, those considering dual degrees, and individuals interested in the intersections of different engineering disciplines.

theman408
Messages
94
Reaction score
0
I thought i had made my career decision, after transfering engineering school and going from a Computer Engineering program to an Electrical Engineering program. I thought EE was right for me and i enjoyed my first Circuit Class though i didn't do to well the first time.

I haven't taken any Power classes which is right now my main interest in EE but other than that it seems like I am missing something else.

Other than EE, i really like Mechanical and Civil Engineering, the design aspects of those disciplines really intrigue me. I've been thinking for a month know if i should stay with the EE degree and then do a second major in either ME or Civil which would possibly make me a much more flexibile engineer.

I love all aspects of Engineering, the math, the Physics and the challenge so i know that Engineering is right for me. Which one exactly i don't know, i thought i had figured it out.

What do you guys suggest i do? and is that second engineering major a viable option?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
So what you guys think if i took me 2 more years to complete a BS in Mechanical Engineering after completing one in EE? and i love both.
 
You should stick with EE only and think about a career in Instrumentation and Control engineering. From the way I understand I&C you need to have broad knowledge of the system you are trying to control (Power, Nuclear, Oil&Gas, Utilities, Automotive, Aeronautical etc). Its a good way to get into the Mechanical aspects of engineering. Also, from what I hear, it's only a good idea to get a second BS *If and Only If* the first was non-engineering and the second was.

I switched from Mechanical Engineering to Computer Engineering and now I think I would like to specialize more in Power systems, Processes and Control which is typically the domain of EE's. I will most likely have to do some leg work to land those kinds of positions with a BS in Computer Engineering.
 
What did you like/ dislike about Mechanical Engineering??

The ME that they offer at my college, they have some related classes to EE like Power Plant Engineering, Energy Conversion, Automatic Controls, Systems Dynamics, Energy Auditing.
 
Im curious to know why is it not a good idea to complete the two grades?

Id really love to know as i have all summer to decide if i need a career change before the 3rd year+ engineering classes start to come in.
 
To be honest the switch was more of a "grass is greener" kind of reason but I 110% do not regret the move because it was truly for the right reasons (passions, career interests, academic interests etc). I was also looking for long term creativity in the work I did. I thought software (embedded, scientific, business) might be interesting but I didn't like the long term career prospects.

As for two undergrad degrees I can only ask you to look around. I'm not sure you will find too many people with two undergraduate degrees let alone engineering degrees.

If you don't mind could you tell me the sort of work you would like to be doing in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years etc from now (e.g designing bridges,medical electronics, power plants, refinery plants, car transmission boxes etc). It will help us better understand where your interest lie and how important things like geographic location, salary potential, job security, responsibilty, prestige etc are to you.
 
I really enjoy team projects ever since i started out my engineering degree, i see myself doing electrical layout designs on a building or a housing project but i would also like to be involved in water pump designs in the same building. Id like to see myself in a corp of engineers of some sort, or a firm doing work for the local town or city, big or small projects and it includes power plants/refinieries if it applies to that location.

In addition to that i have interest in Robotics and Control, The design of aircraft also intrigue me.

If there was an Engineering that had everything i have interest in, id be physiqued really.
 

Similar threads

Admissions How Can I Improve My Chances of Getting into a PhD Program in Engineering?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Uncertainty in pursuing Engineering
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
1K
Is a nuclear engineering minor worth an extra semester?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Programs From a Nuclear Engineering BS, will I be able to do MS & PhD in Physics?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
What's the best major between Physics & Chemistry for entering MS in Nuclear Engineering?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Programs Electrical Engineering PhD or Applied Physics PhD?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Programs Trying to decide what program to study (physics or engineering)
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
What Engineering Path Should I Choose for My Career?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Programs What's the Best Option? EE/CS Dual Major vs CE
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Programs Should I Choose EE or CompE for My Interests in DSP, Controls, and AI?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K