Should I change my major?

lnicole
Wed, 12 Oct 2016 13:41:03 +0000

So, I was just accepted into Michigan State University last week (this is where I will be going). I selected my preferred major as Mechanical Engineering. Being a huge over thinker, I am questioning this choice now.

I really enjoy physics and I don’t mind math at all. I actually really love math when I grasp a concept (it can be very frustrating when it doesn’t make sense, as everything is). The issue with mechanical engineering is that I don’t know whether I want to go in it for me, or for other motives. It’s something that my dad introduced to me, and I think his thoughts about it have influenced me a lot. Also, it has amazing pay. I’ve heard that being in it for the pay is the worst idea ever and that I should be in it because I enjoy it, but the thing is, I don’t even know if I enjoy it.

So, I considered switching majors into something with applied physics. Again, I don’t know if this is something that I would enjoy doing for a living.

HOWEVER, the job that I’ve had in mind for the past year or so is an Industrial Designer or similar. Designing things like furniture and home things and little gadgets (like ones from Ikea- tea steepers, can openers, all that kind of thing) has always drawn me in. I have thought about the whole “interior design” path, but what appeals to me more is designing and implementing the things that go into homes and offices, etc. I like working with color and I have always been able to come up with ideas on how to improve life with different knick knacks.

With this information, should I switch a major, and what to? I don’t know whether I would need to stay in MechE or switch to something like Applied Engineering or Engineering-no preference to pursue the career that I have wanted. I plan to possibly minor in psychology or something design-related (lol, opposite sides of the spectrum).