Which engineering degree is best for me?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter iRaid
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    Degree Engineering
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting an engineering major, specifically focusing on computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering. Participants explore job prospects, salary expectations, and the long-term viability of these fields, alongside clarifying the roles of computer engineers.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about which engineering discipline to choose, highlighting interests in computers, programming, electronics, and mechanical systems.
  • Another participant argues that job availability is not straightforward and suggests that all engineering fields will remain viable long-term.
  • A participant mentions that while engineering can be challenging, job security can be achieved through diligence and scholarship.
  • Concerns are raised about the perception of engineers in the corporate hierarchy, with one participant noting that engineering roles may not lead to high executive positions or financial success compared to business fields.
  • Another participant suggests that computer engineering may be a suitable choice, as it encompasses aspects of electrical engineering and has a positive job outlook in the U.S.
  • A later reply provides insight into the typical early career tasks of computer engineers, emphasizing programming and systems testing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on job prospects and the financial rewards of engineering careers. There is no consensus on which engineering discipline is definitively better, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best choice for the original poster.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the variability of job markets and the changing nature of engineering fields, indicating that assumptions about stability and salary may depend on specific circumstances and evolving industry trends.

iRaid
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Well, I have made my choice in deciding to go into engineering. I have 1 problem though, I'm not sure which type to major in. I really like computers, know how to program sufficiently, am good with electronics, and I like mechanical type things. This leads me in three different directions: computer, electrical, and mechanical.

I have 3 main questions.. (please answer from best to least)
1) Which is the easiest to find a job in.
2) Pay
3) Reliability (will be long term, or will still be viable when I graduate)I can pretty much rule out electrical, but I'm not positive yet.

Thanks for any answers.

EDIT: 1 last question, can anyone explain exactly what computer engineers will be doing? Is it programming, hardware design/testing, or both?
 
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1) Meaningless. It is not "easy" to find a job.
2) Google "average engineering salary" if you want an average.
3) All engineering fields are going to be around for a long, long time.
 
I'm in the telecommunications field ... I wish I could do pure science =)
Enginneerring is hard ... needs a lot of mental rigour, however because of my scholarship i am job secured ...

http://www.youtube.com/user/SonOfTerra92
 
fss speaks the truth. I could tell you what is today, but things change.

Some fields are known for being unstable, but that doesn't mean you couldn't build a career with it.

Some fields are known for being tough to get in to. But diligence can overcome that.

As for salary, while you won't starve in this business, you won't make piles of money either. The track from engineer to executive is not easy. Frankly, executives look down upon engineers as the necessary nerds. There is a saying: "To get a product out the door you must first shoot the engineers." Not many firms have built engineering into the culture, regardless of what the marketeers say.

Engineering doesn't sell. The money is in marketing, sales, finance, --the stuff you learn in business school.

That's where the real money is.
 
If you want money just be a lobbyist in DC. If you have no morals then it should be no problem
 
Sounds like you would enjoy Computer Engineering since it does have plenty of Electrical Engineering as well. Mechanical is very different from CompE and EE. Here in the U.S there will be a growth for demand for Engineers, so I wouldn't worry too much about job prospects. As for your 2nd question, follow what fss said. I don't understand your third question. As for your edit1 question, my computer engineering prof told me for the first few years, you will be a systems checker. You will be given a code/design and it will be your job to break it to where it won't work (keep in mind that the code will be very difficult to break since this code is coming from engineers with year's of experience in design). With a few years of that, you would then be able to design your own code/designs. You will program of course and that is how you will design stuff.

If you want to find out more about what CompE's, EE's or what ME's do as well as other information regarding Engineering here in the U.S, I would go to this site:

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm
 

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