Is Engineering for Me?

JBVirtuoso · 06-29-2008, 04:42 PM

I thought I had decided on Economics for a major, but of course I'm now reconsidering. I'd like to enter the workforce as quickly as possible upon graduation, and I'd like to have a degree that will prepare me well for that. Engineering is appealing to me because they are highly recruited by companies, and quality engineers are often difficult to find.

However, I also wanted to learn a new foreign language and study abroad in college, and I'm not sure if an engineering degree will allow me to do that. Is it possible to obtain an engineering degree in four years, while spending a semester abroad and taking a foreign language class each semester? I'd like to use my four years in college in efficiently while still obtaining a quality degree.

seesys · 06-29-2008, 06:37 PM

My roommate and good friend of 4 years studied Computer Science, went abroad to England in the fall, and graduated this past winter, 1 quarter early. He didn't take any languages though.

DocT · 06-29-2008, 06:38 PM

Do you like engineering and are you good at it?

nshah9617 · 06-29-2008, 06:43 PM

First, I feel that you should venture into engineering if you have a natural desire or some sort of interest in the field. Did you enjoy physics or math classes in high school?

Sure, engineering will provide you good money out of college, but if you hate the job, it won't be worth it.

Now at most universities, engineering is a 4 year (or more) degree and unless you have significant AP credit, you might be pressed for time to finish it in that time span. In addition, engineering degrees have stringent prerequisites and might not have enough space for Foreign Language classes or to stud abroad.

ish718 · 06-29-2008, 07:32 PM

Well don't go into engineering because its favored by companies lol, you have to be somewhat passionate about engineering to be successful in it...

gstein · 06-29-2008, 07:55 PM

That's the wrong reason to go into engineering. Consider what you like, your strengths/weaknesses, etc.... and then evaluate what major you wish to pursue to obtain your goal of entering the work force asap.

Taking a foreign language every semester is not really doable unless you already have a significant amount of college credit. Engineering majors require alot of hours and are sometimes difficult to accomplish without summer school or taking many hours/semester or going over 4 years without prior credit.

With that said, engineering abroad is very possible. At my school, we have a branch campus in Qatar that has engineering.

ExplorerCY · 06-29-2008, 07:59 PM

the answer to your question can be answered by the same person who can prevent forest fires: only you.

JBVirtuoso · 06-29-2008, 08:26 PM

I loved Physics, even though I had a horrible teacher. And I love Math even more. I'm also great with humanities, hence Economics. I'm willing to do anything that isn't Biology or Chemistry, since I hate both of those with a passion.

The reason I asked this is not because I don't know if I'll like engineering itself, but I don't know if it will be possible because of scheduling. My school doesn't offer AP courses, and the only test I've taken is the AP Lit test. So I'm not going to get any help that way. If I were to go for an engineering degree, I would probably go for civil, mechanical, or operations research. So I'm not talking about the impossible ones, but I still am unsure if an engineering major is right for someone who wants to take a wide array of courses in college.

ExplorerCY · 06-29-2008, 08:27 PM

industrial is the business engineering. maybe you would like that more? idk. my bff jill.

gstein · 06-29-2008, 08:46 PM

Quote:

but I still am unsure if an engineering major is right for someone who wants to take a wide array of courses in college.

You can take a wide array of courses, but with little to no incoming credit... expect to be taking more than 4 years in engineering to graduate (which is common.)

JBVirtuoso · 06-29-2008, 09:58 PM

Does an extra semester translate to a lot of extra money?

stimpsonjkatz · 06-30-2008, 01:20 AM

Depends on the school. If its in state public, obviously not. If its an expensive private university, it will.

I would recommend that if you decide to stick with engineering, that you go to a school that has strong humanities so that when (if) you decide to change to humanities you will have that option. In other words, not georgia tech or a school like that.

nshah9617 · 06-30-2008, 09:47 AM

If you go to a state school and get scholarships or the necessary PSAT score, an extra semester will be very cheap. Private schools on the other hand can set you back a great deal of money.

JBVirtuoso, yes it is entirely possible to study-abroad and learn a foreign language while being an engineer. Is it easy and timely? Probably not.

Since you are interested in Economics, I'd suggest that you look into Industrial Engineering, Operation Research or Financial Engineering. Most engineering programs do offer study abroad programs--just make sure you plan your schedule sufficiently. A better option would be to gain an internship/co-op in a foreign country.