Advice for a struggling robotics student...?

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

I’m in my sophomore year majoring in Robotics Engineering-- which in terms of coursework is basically a mix of computer science, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. I originally chose it because I thought it sounded novel and interesting, and for the most part I’ve found that to be true.

However, I’m starting to have my doubts about whether I’ve made the right choice. I’m increasingly afraid that robotics is too specialized of a field for an undergraduate degree, and at the end of my four years I’ll be familiar with three fields but an expert at none. I was even told by an industry professional that it sounded like I’d need a masters to really go anywhere. In addition, robotics engineering has the reputation of being among the most difficult programs at my university, and thus far it has lived up to that billing. The robotics courses are ridiculously lab-intensive, and the time I’ve had to put in has undoubtedly taken its toll on my personal life.

I’ve already put 1 and a half years into this, and I feel like I’m at the point where it would be very difficult for me to change programs and still graduate on time. Like I mentioned, I really do find the work interesting, and I’ve done pretty well academically thus far (3.85GPA). I just feel like I’m putting in too much effort to something that could render me unemployable. I was thinking about trying for a double major in CS, but the window might have already closed on that route as well- I’ll have to talk to my advisor.

I guess my question is, where do I go from here? Do I try to jump ship and change programs, even if it means taking longer to graduate? Is the outlook for a robotics major as bleak as I think? I’m looking for an outside perspective on things-- all this has left me pretty discouraged about my future prospects lately.

2

Do you prefer one of the components (mechanical, electrical or CS) of your studies over the rest, or do you really like the idea of robotics as a whole? Since you’re only part way in and the calc, physics, etc. will apply to all of them, you might not lose much ground switching. Remember though, that’s all secondary to actually figuring out what you want to do. If a switch will put you behind, then you need to weigh that timing against just getting a masters in robotics. Many schools have 4+1 programs where you can get a co-terminal BS and MS in 5 years. The other thing to consider is that you don’t have a very large industry sample regarding the need for an MS. I’d make a broader search. Good luck.

3

The first thing I would ask is whether your program is ABET accredited. If it is then you can likely find a job in a field outside robotics with this degree. yes you learn a broad range of subjects but that is not so bad as it gives you an opportunity to move into a number of different careers. The reality is that employers will have to train all their new employees no matter what their major. S2 got his degree in Electrical Engineering but is working as a software developer in the financial industry. As for getting a Masters, I would recommend that you work for a bit and then decide what kind of Masters degree, if any, is needed to advance your career.