My daughter is a freshman at Cornell in the College of Engineering and is very conflicted about what to major in. She thought engineering might be a possible interest so she applied to that college, but realizes how difficult it will be to explore any other career possibilities now that she is overwhelmed with classes. She will be registering in a few weeks and will have to take 3-4 STEM classes next semester if she wants to even consider Chemical Engineering (they have a very rigid schedule). I’ve heard this major is one of the most demanding majors at Cornell and I was hoping she could speak with any professionals in the field to see whether she would actually enjoy this career. I’m afraid she will be giving up on the opportunities to find her true passion. She picked engineering just because she thought it would make sense to start in that college because it’s often difficult to transfer in later. She is also considering Pre-med. Anyone willing to speak with her and give her any insight would be greatly appreciated.
@momofboiler1 daughter is a professional. Maybe she will have insights.
Most/all engineering majors are difficult and structured.
You are right - easier to start and move out but maybe not so easy to figure out what to move into given rigid curriculums.
Know that professionally most Stem/engineers don’t follow the path. So even if she decides to stick with the major, her life isn’t committed to it.
Good luck to her.
Has your D reached out to the career center at Cornell or their chapter of the Society of Women Engineers to see if they could put her in touch with a Cornell chem e?
If your daughter wants to talk to a recent grad working as a chemical engineer from a different school, my daughter would be happy to talk to your daughter. I will pm you.