Accounting vs. Engineering Majors

Engineerjw
Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:04:00 +0000

Well, I know that it is a common query to compare engineering and accounting. I am torn between the two degrees. I know that I could handle either, but the issue is I am truly not sure of the future for each career field.

I love engineering because it works as a springboard for practically anything; however, if I wanted to go engineering and then into accounting, it may prove challenging. I would pursue industrial engineering for the reason that it is close to business. I also love learning about manufacturing, supply chain, and optimization. I am afraid that with engineering my career would plateau, and shifting to a business role would be tough.

Accounting, though, is also a good decision. While generally considered “boring” and lower paid than engineers, I feel that it is an underestimated field. Accountants have sky-high salary potential. I just do not know how common it is for accountants to hit that “sky”. Really I do not know if it is even plausible to do accounting just for a shot at a high salary. I mean, is aiming for a job as an accounting partner like wanting to be a professional athlete? Realistically, dare I say, on average, do accountants do well for themselves? Or perhaps I should go engineering and learn accounting in a graduate degree, but even then I would not be an “accountant”. I do not want to shoot for accounting and be deceived like the many finance majors who think they are going to do investment banking.

Can anyone offer me their opinion? Do you have any experiences with this?

Thanks.