Engineering, industrial design, and building stuff

College Search & Selection
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<p>Anymore, it seems like engineering is either overly theoretical or based entirely in designing for manufacture. (I am primarily talking about mechanical engineering here.)</p>

<p>Meaning, an engineer doesn't actually build and repair stuff anymore, as one did roughly a hundred years ago, but instead designs plans for it on a computer, then ships it off to some manufacturing plant in China.</p>

<p>Is this accurate or am I entirely wrong?</p>

<p>I ask because I am very interested in building things, electronics, models, etc. Stuff like Hack</a> a Day But it seems as if engineering is too displaced from actually building "stuff" with your hands anymore. </p>

<p>I looked into industrial design aka product design, but it's either too artsy (lacking function) or is entirely based on making consumer junk. There's only a few subfields that seem interesting (medical devices, etc.) but that doesn't seem like it's enough for me to jump in.</p>

<p>Can you think of any careers or programs that cater towards what I like? Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Construction</p>

3

<p>An undergraduate degree is not really enough to have exactly the kind of career or job you are looking for. Mechanical Engineering is a huge discipline, and depending on your interest, you can either chose design or manufacturing or CAD, and then zone in. From your post, it seems to me you should opt for Mechanical Engineering and then get a masters in Industrial design</p>