choosing a major: mech vs elec (i know it's overdone)

[yoonalover]

<p>I can't decide. I'm so stuck to the point where I'm deciding on majoring in one and minoring in the other, if I can even choose which one to major in, that is. I've thought through everything I could. I enjoy both equally, and I like both careers that either would lead into (they're similar in terms of potential jobs anyways). I've taken both parts of AP Physics C, and enjoyed/did equally well on both parts. I know elec pays slightly more than mech, but the pay is close enough for me to disregard it, plus I don't want to pick a major based on money.</p>

<p>Mech
-more "tangible" than elec, as in you can see what you're working with for the most part
-you are sort of able to apply your knowledge to everyday things (you can see something and be like "*****, I know the math and physics behind that") whereas in elec, you can't really do that walking around the neighborhood or something
-you learn funner and somewhat more practical applications of physics(?) my fav part of physics class was learning the whole conservation of angular momentum thing where if you spun on a spinny chair with your arms out then brought them in you'd rotate faster.</p>

<p>Elec
-less people do elec than mech so there's somewhat more attention towards you, and you're not just another mech engineer(?) just an impression I have
-solid career potential. there's electricity in everything so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a job I guess
-work more with computers, which is good since we rely on them more and more</p>

<p>I wish I could double major in both, but I know that's almost impossible, especially with the co-ops. I also plan on doing the 4 year option with 2 co-ops, so how is that going to work out with me having a minor? No room?</p>

<p>So yeah, any insights on which major to pick?</p>

[mrfish164]

<p>I can’t give you advice on the engineering part… but co-op won’t affect it at all no matter how many years/co-ops you decide to do. You still have to take the same amount of classes either way.</p>

[neuchimie]

<p>First off, many engineering students find it very difficult to do 4 years with two co-ops, even when they come in with credit. Engineering is one of the subjects that has a ton of non-core classes (meaning you won’t get out of them with AP), so it can be very tough even if you don’t do a minor.</p>

<p>Don’t go in and force yourself to pick one or the other. Electric might sound cool, but it’s really hard for a lot of people. Mechanic may or may not have less jobs (I have no idea and I doubt it is great enough to matter anyway), but the work is COMPLETELY different. The classes are completely different, after you take the required ones that everyone takes. Just start here, take classes in both (required) and then figure it out. </p>

<p>Also, just to remind you, electrical engineering is completely different than computer science. Even computer engineering is completely different. An engineering student may take one or two programming classes, maximum. They can’t code, they can’t work on databases and they can’t QA software. I know a lot of my friends who started out as computer engineers who picked up electrical cause they thought it looked good ended up hating the choice because 1) it’s really hard and 2) they weren’t actually able to do the things with computers that they wanted to do.</p>

<p>I also want you to think about your analysis of the jobs again. You say electricity is in “everything” so it shouldn’t be hard finding a job. But how many industries actually use electricity? It’s obviously not like a financial services company will hire an electrical engineer to manage their electricity usage or something. Computer scientists and IT guys are hired everywhere, but electrical engineers not so much. In fact it may be the opposite of what you’re imaging. At a power plant (or a construction site or whatever), they may need electrical engineers… but maybe only a few will do. Obviously they’ll take the top ones they can get- so it could actually be hard to get a job. Try not to make assumptions about jobs without talking to career services or coop advisors or professors.</p>

<p>Your pros for mechanical are all just about physics. If you like physics so much, become a physics major- although I should point out its one of the hardest majors on campus. Also, mechanical engineers designing cute toys might get to “see” things, but chances are you’ll end up in a job that uses mainly theory or computers or large-scale designs. It’s just sort of a part of getting a job. Every architect wants to build buildings, but most will just design small parts of other people’s buildings. Most journalism majors imagine themselves writing top headlines but most of them will just write for blog websites or fluff stories. So you might love the physics behind it all, but that doesn’t mean your job will be like that. </p>

<p>Pick a major because you like the jobs AND because you want to study it. Don’t just rely on one or the other. And do your research before making assumptions.</p>

<p>Oh, and don’t pick electrical because it “works with computers”. I can promise you that they both use computers in their everyday jobs, even mechanical.</p>

[Colorado_mom]

<p>OP - Are you going to be a freshman at NEU? I think there is an option to go in as undecided.</p>

[neuchimie]

<p>And “undecided” (as said above) means “engineering undecided”. It is different than just being a generic undecided major.</p>