Have I over-idealized Engineering?

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>Whenever I'm in a conversation the subject of my major inevitably pops up. After explaining that I'm a freshman that has tentatively settled on Chemical Engineering, I'm asked WHY I'm an engineer and WHAT job I plan on getting after school. Without thinking I provide what I feel is a passionate and well-meaning response, but after wading through some of the topics here and talking to upperclassman, I feel may be more idealistic and naive than anything else.</p>

<p>The reason I'm an engineer, specifically a chemical engineer, is two-fold. First, I'm the stereotypical kid that loves math and the sciences. It certainly helps that I'm good at them (after my first semester I'm maintaining a 3.9 GPA with a courseload that many call ridiculous) and I truly think chemistry and biology are really fascinating. Additionally, I love helping others, cemented by the fact I really enjoy community service. I've always thought of engineers as the men and women that "do stuff" - are the ones out building bridges, creating supercomputers, researching new pharmaceuticals and cures, and it seems like a natural progression of using my love of math and science to help others.</p>

<p>However, one reason I'm not going to be an engineer is for the salary or any financial incentives. As long as I'm not begging on the streets and I could support my family I don't understand why I would need so much money; I value my worth in the fulfillment I will get helping others throughout my life versus the size of the piles of money at my death. So whenever someone jokes that I must be eager to make so much money straight out of college as an engineer I kind of give them a half smile and just agree. </p>

<p>So as for what job I would want when I'm ready to enter the professional world, I always say I would want to go into some sort of research or job where I'm out and about in the world. As I narrow down my interests I'm becoming more and more focused on biotechnology and synthetic biology, and I'm excited that I could one day do research in this, helping to find a cure for some disease or configure some amazing new biological marvel (this is also why I've contemplated double-majoring in Materials Science - for the nanotech/biotech aspect). </p>

<p>But I'm becoming disillusioned with what I keep hearing. A solid percentage of graduating engineers go straight into the financial world, and from these threads it seems that after a short period of time engineers are required to move into some managerial position. This is exactly what I don't want to do. I want to stay in the forefront of the field and make meaningful contributions that help others. My biggest fear isn't that I fail or don't make enough money, it's that my existence was ultimately meaningless and I'm forgotten in the sands of time. </p>

<p>I guess the question I have is, with my passion for helping others and logically oriented mind, is engineering the correct career path? Even if I'm being idealistic, will it give me the opportunity to do what I want with my life? Thanks for taking the time to read through this and for posting your thoughts and insight.</p>

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<p>I’m not sure what other major could prepare you for your goals any better. As for engineers entering managerial positions, I could be wrong, but I believe that happens for financial reasons - they pay better than most research positions. If you don’t mind a smaller salary, I don’t see why you couldn’t stay in research. </p>

<p>“My biggest fear isn’t that I fail or don’t make enough money, it’s that my existence was ultimately meaningless and I’m forgotten in the sands of time.”</p>

<p>Yea, try not to let that happen.</p>

3

<p>The engineers that end up in management positions in firms etc. are ones who really don’t mind doing that. If you want to stay towards the “science” side of Chem.E, I’d say look for research opportunities and internships/co-ops to show employers that you really care about what kind of a career you’re headed towards. Having a stellar resume with tons of lab experience and research will only help you towards where you want to go.</p>

<p>As for the stereotypes related to majors, just ignore them. The undecided kids will keep making random comments on others’ majors because they haven’t made their decision yet. You know what you’re doing and you know where you’re going, that’s really all that matters.</p>

4

<p>According to your Location, you go to Penn, and there is no “State” after it, so I am assuming you are at UPenn. UPenn has one of, if not the, best business schools in the country, and Wall Street banks and other financial companies recruit heavily at Ivys like UPenn, Harvard, Princeton, etc. If what you are “hearing” about engineers going into business is from people at your school, this makes sense. They need smart engineers with a good work ethic for their company. For you though, focus more toward biotech or whatever field you like, and aim towards internships that way. But note that the reason so many kids seem like they go into business is because you are at UPenn.</p>

5

<p>You’re in the right major. All because some or even many of the people you talk to or find complaining about their decisions here on CC end up going into another field or into management doesn’t mean you have to. I’ve worked with and know many engineers who make engineering their career, and do very well. My old boss received a neat little plaque for have x number of patents, was paid very well, and is considered a leader in his field.</p>

<p>To think you must do what others do is not good at all, do what you want. Remember, don’t let shooling interfere with your education, and you guide your own career; make sure you do this or you will end up somewhere you don’t want to be.</p>

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<p>What the hell are you talking about, OP? You sound like a diamond in the rough who is letting all the garbage in the rough take away your shine. You have terrific goals and will be successful if you pursue them for the right reason. Pursuing a degree in engineering solely for financial reasons is despicable and you should be glad you’re not one of those people.</p>

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<p>This sentence, along with your second to last paragraph, brings me to the conclusion that you should contemplate pursuing a doctorate degree. You said yourself that you envision pursuing research, and in the field you are working in, graduate school sounds perfect. Once you get your doctorate, you won’t necessarily have to worry about going into a management or financial position, and you’ll also be in the “forefront of your field”.</p>