Possible switching from EE to Math Ed.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision of a college freshman contemplating a switch from Electrical Engineering (EE) to Mathematics Education. Participants explore the implications of such a change, including personal satisfaction, job prospects, and societal perceptions of teaching versus engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a lack of interest in EE and a desire to pursue a career in teaching mathematics, highlighting the appeal of a shorter work year.
  • Another participant suggests that the freshman should explore EE further before making a decision, noting that first-year courses may not represent the field accurately.
  • Concerns are raised about job availability in education, particularly in the U.S., with a mention of potential geographic mobility for teaching positions.
  • Some participants acknowledge the hard work involved in teaching, emphasizing that while it may lack prestige and financial rewards compared to EE, it can be fulfilling if one is passionate about it.
  • There is encouragement for the freshman to choose a path based on personal passion rather than societal expectations or perceptions.
  • A humorous reference is made to a fictional character, suggesting that the decision is subjective and personal.
  • One participant asserts that teaching offers unique satisfaction that may not be found in other careers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of support and caution regarding the switch to education. While some emphasize the importance of following one's passion, others highlight the challenges and uncertainties associated with teaching as a career. No consensus is reached on whether the switch is advisable.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention varying job prospects in education and the potential need for geographic mobility, as well as the differing lengths of summer breaks in different regions of the U.S. These factors may influence the decision but are not resolved in the discussion.

skyzo
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OK, so I'm in a real tough decision right now. I am a freshman in college right now, and am about to register for the spring semester. I originally declared as an EE, but to tell you the truth, it really does not interest me, and working 60 hour weeks does not seem like fun. My school has a real nice Education program though, and they offer a B.S. of Mathematics, Secondary education, which means a math degree with some education classes thrown in there as well. I love math, and would love to teach, especially only having a 9 month work year. But as soon as I told people I was thinking about doing this, they all seemed dissapointed, like I was degrading myself by switching to education. They all tried saying schools have no money right now, and there's no way I could find a job when I got out of college. I am not really worried about the difference in money, I just enjoy math, and would love to have 3 months off every year to travel and spend time with friends and family.
What do you guys think? Is it worth switching?
 
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Have you had a chance to work on any projects as an EE major yet? Perhaps you are stuck in the drudgery of the first year. Now would be a good time to talk with your advisor and see if you can explore the career a bit more as a student.

Regarding education, if it is in the U.S., you will probably have an 8-10 week summer break, not a full three months. I have heard the Northeastern states have slightly longer breaks than the West and Midwest. Jobs for well-educated STEM teachers will still be out there, but you may need to move to get one. Advantages include being able to continue your education, and usually decent salary increases with graduate credits and degrees.

A lot of people may consider education to be 'beneath' engineering. I suggest, should you take that path, that you send them a postcard from your first major summer vacation trip.
 
Teaching is *hard*. If you love it, that's great... but it's amazingly hard work. My wife teaches high school math, and let me tell you, she works for a full year, just packed into 9 months...

There is less money and less prestige in teaching than in EE. If you don't care about this and love to teach, I'd encourage you to switch, despite the current uncertainties in teaching. Of course there is no guarantee you will find a job as an EE right after you graduate either!
 
skyzo said:
... Is it worth switching?

This is really a question that you must answer yourself. As has been suggested in this thread already, it may be wise to wait until you are well into your second year; sometimes introductory courses are not that interesting and can give a false indication of how fun / not fun something is.

Another remark; don't let anyone belittle or look down their nose at you because of your career choice. It is much better to choose something you love to do than it is to follow someone else's path. Teaching is extremely difficult and very respectable.
 
Teaching will give you a satisfaction that you can get no where else.
 

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