<p>Right now, I'm an incoming freshman at Penn. I'm currently in the electrical engineering major. However, I have a great love for history and politics. While I can tolerate math, I dont love it. However, I do like the idea of designing things and conducting research.</p>
<p>I am not going to lie and say that money doesnt matter. It does. My parents are investing more than $160,000 in my education, and I want to see that that money is well spent. I want a job with a decent salary. With engineering, I can acheive that easily (avg. starting salary $50,000). In addition, I can use it as a springboard for almost any pursuit. Also, my mom says that it would be a shame for me to totally turn my back on technology when I'm supposedly "gifted at it".</p>
<p>However, I don't know if I will love it. I know that International Relations will be an interesting field to study, but what can I do with that major, since I don't want to go to law school? How hard is it to find a well paying IR job, and what kinda salaries are we looking at?</p>
<p>One idea I had was to do a dual degree in international relations and engineering. But that's a ton of work, and for what What job would I get? Or should I go for the minor in IR? Gaahhh, and to complicate matters, I'm also looking at an economics minor. I'm so confused right now. Anybody have any advice?</p>
<p>P.S. I know that I seem to be overly concerned about money. Dont worry, there are much more important things in life than money. I just want to lead a living that gives me the freedom to pursue my interests.</p>
<p>The advantage of an engineering/IR major would be the flexibility it could provide you in the job market, especially if you study abroad for a semester in a country where US engineering firms do a lot of business, i.e. China. As you probably know, while engineers make great starting salaries, there is a ceiling for their earning power five to ten years post degree. Proficiency in another language, knowledge of cultural issues, etc are the types of skills that could land you positions that break through that ceiling. GE used to have a program for their new engineers that gave them international experience and training. I am sure other major technical corporations have similar programs.</p>
<p>I was looking to do mechanical engineering and international relations at the beginning of the college process, but I feel like it near impossible to do at a top institution, especially since the majority of the best engineering schools want you to enroll directly into the engineering school or want you to declare your major in engineering by the end of the first year.</p>
<p>But what was most discouraging is that really, to excel in one at the graduate level you all schools have told me to put the other on the back burner. Yo're ever at a top school that's preparing you for the foreign service exam or you're pursuing further in engineering.</p>
<p>It might work if you're not seeking a career in government but with NPOs. If you've really set on doubling, best of luck.</p>
<p>I have an undergrad in Civil/Environmental Engineering, with 12 years working experience with the EPA, and am just now considering a joint masters program in IR and MPA from SIAS and Syracuse, respectively. Just wanted to let you know that it's a possibility to combine an undergrad engineering degree with a masters in IR/IA. However, like the previous post stated...I'd focus on one or the other during undergrad...I can't really see a double major possibility. And that would basically dictate that you spend your undergrad years pursuing the engineering degree (since you can practice the level of engineering necessary for policy jobs with an undergrad, but you can't practice much policy without a masters in IR/IA/PP/PA). If you can remain passionate and committed to your dreams of working in IR/IA while struggling through differential equations and dynamics, then go for it!!!</p>
<p>Anyway, IR/IA and public policy schools are always looking for people with good technical and analytical abilities, who can understand and interpret science-based policy matters.</p>
<p>Check the other threads regarding IR for career descriptions, or the webpages of GWU, SAIS, AU, Georgetown etc... There are amazing jobs in this field, particularly if you have a technical background. </p>
<p>I can tell you from experience (I'm 35 now) to pursue your passions! You will never regret it. I hated engineering school and had no idea why I was there, except that I was talented in math, and my dad suggested that it'd provide a solid foundation and readily available employment (similar to your current situation). Passion is not something that is easy for parents to understand especially when dealing with young adults. But, if you're in a tough program you'll need passion to motivate you and get those grades. The truth is that you'll find employment at a decent pay level if you are truly in love with what you do regardless of whether that is engineering or IA/IR. But, the IR will likely require a masters eventually, whereas you can practice engineering with a bachelors and PE certification.</p>
<p>I'd recommend that you do the undergrad engineering with a minor in a foreign language/culture, or if you already speak a second language, consider a minor in international development (your technological background could be put to use there).</p>
<p>As for the money...you'll need to get a masters eventually if you're planning to get into the IA/IR field. This will cost another $120K if you go to a decent school and have to fully fund yourself (accounting for inflation). But, your getting your undergrad for free, so don't worry about that cost.</p>
<p>I guess it's a question of how committed you are to IR and whether you can get funding for grad school. I'm still struggling with all of these issues myself. Good to talk about it...helps focus on what's important.</p>