aibarr

Computer engineering or Electrical engineering would be the majors to look into in order to design computers.

Then I'm not sure why you're ruling out aerospace engineering. Mechanical engineers also design airplanes.

I'm not entirely sure where you're getting this information from. It's incredibly difficult to work for Apple in the first place, and I don't think they're constantly firing the employees that they rigorously screen in the first place. If you want to keep your job, in general, you're going to have to work really hard and be the best at what you do. The world is a competitive place.

Since we're not really getting anywhere in trying to help you figure out a major (are you just now applying to college, or are you *in* college, or are you a lot younger and are just surveying different fields...?) I'd recommend that you get involved in some engineering clubs or activities, see what you like and what you don't, enter college as an undeclared engineering major, talk to some of the professors and students wherever you go, and make a decision from there.

BoelterHall

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KaRin-A

oh...
I dont know. I love driving, I really enjoy it. But fixing cars and mechines is pretty dirty to me. I know it sounds silly, but the working condition for those jobs is not so good according to what I have seen.
Airplanes sound much better though. (all based on my assumption)

KaRin-A

I got accepted by UCSD as a freshman.

furyshade

um, mechanical engineers are not mechanics. mechanical engineers design the cars, they don't fix them.

xjis

well, if you get into testing or manufacturing jobs, it will be very hands-on and you will get your hands dirty....

if you don't like cars and machines, i assume you will also don't like working on turbines and what-not. do you like engines? if not, then working on airplane engines will not also appeal to you.

then it gets pretty limited in ME field on what you can actually work on. you will either want to design airplanes or possibly structural analysis...


you see, i had tons of interviews for ME positions, and more than couple of interviewers asked me, "do you like fixing your car?" (none of them were automobile companies... they were all aerospace)


think it like this. what kind of companies do you want to work for after you graduate?

EE/ CE: Microsoft/ Qualcomm/ Google/ Amazon/
ME/ AE: Boeing/ Lockheed/ Toyota/ GE/ United Technologies


... to tell you the truth, EE graduates can also work in all the companies listed in ME listing. But if a company is computer/electrical-focused like Microsoft, they won't hire MEs... they do hire other majors for Program Manager positions though...

ken285

But they wouldn't be working on the same parts!

The question has nothing to do with cars and everything to do with the idea of fixing and tinkering with things. They can't exactly ask you "do you like fixing your airplane?" It's just a common thing for people around the country to have their own cars, and its just natural for engineers (especially mechEs) to be hands-on. I remember somebody here a while back saying that on a car enthusiasts forum, it seemed like half the people had engineering degrees.

Like others have said, mechEs aren't mechanics, but many like to be their own mechanic for their own cars. Oh and some even build their own! Formula 1 and SAE mini-baja school competitions!

The automotive industry is still only one of many industries mechEs can go into. It's one of the most flexible engineering degrees.

xjis

ken285/ you are totally missing my point. i agree w/ your statement, "The question has nothing to do with cars and everything to do with the idea of fixing and tinkering with things."

However, i mentioned that question specifically because the TC stated he doesn't like such stuff. He is missing that quality you just mentioned. the interviewer asks that question to see if he loves doing hands-on engineering stuff on machines because these traits are essential if you wish to do test/manufacturing engineering for ME companies.

saving the trouble for you, i haven't been asked such questions for in-office design/analysis positions.

Kyt

EE is a very flexible and broad major.

Many ME focused companies will still need EE's. Boeing, Lockheed, Toyota, GE, etc, need EE's to do design circuitry, computers, and control systems.

ken285

Oops, sorry, I misread it.

KaRin-A

Thanks for all the response. I really appreciate that.

I am fine with desinging engines, but I just do not want to be in a dirty or noisy working condition. This is my whole point.

From all these responses, it seems like EE is better for me, doesn't it?

KaRin-A

Oh. Forget about what I just said, I'd still prefer ME after reading other threads about ME and EE.

But the working condition is the major issue that I am concerned.

Designing engines sounds good for me.

Could anyone please give me some more advise? I still need more information on these two majors.

I really appreciate it. Thank you

ken285

Each engineering field has working conditions of all kind. You can work in an office or in the field in EE, ME, ChE, or CE. Just don't take a job that'll have significant field work.

KaRin-A

Actually, I think it is wrong for me to rule out Aerospace Engineering. It is to design airplanes and aircraft, right?
What is the difference between ME and AE?
Does UCSD have a good program on AE? I heard it is ranked highly in ME.

KaRin-A

I have one more question.
I heard UCSD has a better undergraduate engineering program than UCLA.
Why do people still always use "not-far-behind-from-UCLA" to describe it?
I also got into Berkeley, but I chose not to go there since I do not like the city.
Some threads are saying UCLA is better than UCSD when UCB is better than UCLA.

So did I make a wrong decision on this?