<p>Hi I'm in my second year of Mechanical Engineering, and I'm considering a switch over into computer science. Here's a little backstory:</p>
<p>When I was still in the university application process, I was basically choosing the program I should enrol in based on something really stupid: prestige. Basically I would disregard or discredit certain programs if their cutoff averages were "too low". When I came across Mechanical Engineering, I thought "Hey that's a pretty high entrance average, so I guess it's a good program. Getting to potentially design in the automobile and aerospace industry sounds pretty cool too. I'm really good at math, and not too shabby at physics either."</p>
<p>Well I ended up doing a lot of growing up since then, and realized that there's a few things I didn't . Academically I can handle things just fine, but what I've really been questioning is "Do I have the drive to succeed?". I mean I do still find aerospace and automotion interesting, but when I compare that interest to others in my class, I feel like a non-believer among obsessed fanatics. When I try to join clubs like the Formula SAE team at our school, the mechanical design aspect just doesn't inspire me. What others see as a design challenge that they are eager to take on, I see as a nightmare I want nothing to do with. When people talk about the great summer internships they got, what's evident is that these people are really passionate about what they're doing. And I just can't compare my level of passion to these people.</p>
<p>That's why I'm looking at switching out of mechanical engineering. In fact, I feel that engineering design in general just isn't for me.</p>
<p>What I'm looking at switching into is computer science. I love math, and when it comes to working on programming assignments, I actually enjoy the challenge. I know that there are probably loads more CSers out there than MechEers, but somehow I feel like I can compete.</p>
<p>But before I make this big decision, I just want to make sure I'm making the right choice. Am I switching for the right reasons? Or am I getting too caught up with the design aspect?</p>
<p>I think that's the best reason of any to switch. If you don't like engineering design, then don't major in engineering design! Sounds like you have a pretty good grasp on what engineering can be all about, and if you've found that you don't like it, and <em>especially</em> if you've found something that you really enjoy, then go ahead and switch! No sense in taking on challenges that you don't enjoy.</p>
<p>You are switching for the right reasons. It sounds like you have thought it out and you are finding something else that fits you better. Good luck.</p>
<p>Well...computer science also involves design, but maybe a different approach.</p>
<p>Also you said you really liked Math and I may be a little baised (being a Math/CS major as an undergrad) but I think you may find some fun challenges as a CS major...especially one who has an emphasis in Math.</p>
<p>Mechanical design and the design in CS are very different. As I read his statement it seemed that he just didn't enjoy the mechanical design but he enjoys CS.</p>
<p>Yeah I understand that CS isn't just programming. CS deals a lot with things like designing efficient algorithms, correct? That's the kind of challenge that sounds fun to me.</p>
<p>Is CS the answer? It depends. When I got my BS CS, the goal of the department was to prepare me for grad school. This was not my goal. I wanted to get the degree so I can work. Look at your schools CS program, What is their mission/goals. Are they the same as yours. </p>
<p>As a Senior, I focused on looking for a job and not which MS/PHD program to go to. With that said, Most of the lucrative job offers were from Defense contractors. For example, we need someone to program the B1B IFF system.
However, I had no interest in the B1B, F14, F15, F18, etc. I found my niche and start with business programming at a considerable lower starting salary but I was positive I made the right choice.</p>
<p>What do you want to do? what would you do with a CS degree?</p>