And one last career thing - studies show 75% of engineering majors don’t work in engineering. That’s what the headlines say (google it). The article and this headline say STEM - but engineering is a huge portion.
So if you decide not to be a career engineer, that will be an option. But as a degree, it’s a door opener.
One of my son’s internships (second one at the company, based not too far from Vandy) - wasn’t an engineering role I asked him - why did they want you in that role? He said they hire engineers in that group - because they want people that think like engineers.
When I got my MBA, the engineering undergrads seemed to have the most career success.
So that degree - from Vandy, Pitt, wherever - will help open doors but at 18, it’s too early to plan your life.
But let’s be honest - and you note it at the end after you get past the career stuff - you are homesick.
Totally normal - get involved, get a part time job, join clubs, play intramurals - you’ll have a great experience.
One thing I’ll note - you said classes are manageable. Engineering has a 50% drop rate - drop out, change major. Whatever. It’s hard EVERYWHERE. Some parents will say it’s manageable. My kid struggled for two years - even in classes with AP credit (one he had to drop). You got into Vandy - so you’re brilliant - but be glad they are not overloading you too. It may, or may not be the same, elsewhere.
Give it a go - you have a wonderful opportunity in front of you. At Christmas, if you still feel this way, talk to your family and maybe they’ll endorse you throwing an app into Pitt for next year.
Remind them to put prestige aside. My kid had to when he chose Bama over Purdue. At first I didn’t get it. Then he reminded me - companies don’t care - they care about ABET. Rankings are to sell magazines, etc. But it’s a hard thing to overcome - but hopefully your family is flexible to it.
But hopefully more, by Christmas break, you’ll have found your groove and you’ll be in a situation where you are excited to come back to campus in January!!
Welcome to Music City!! I’ve been here 19 years. There’s a reason everyone is moving here. it grows on you!!
What Percentage of Engineering Graduates Actually Work in Their Respective Fields?