<p>OK, so I have a question.</p>
<p>For most engineers they became interested in engineering because they were good at math/(science)... How did you know that you would rather do Engineering(the application of the math and science) instead of the basic sciences in college?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Go to collegeboard.com and take the free my road assessment. It will tell you about your personality type and what some good potential careers are.</p>
<p>Easy, I loved computers since I was little. It seemed like the only natural choice.</p>
<p>I don't neccessarily like engineering, but I really like planes so that's why I'm going Aerospace with the Aeronautics option. Also, engineering is a major that you can apply for a huge variety of jobs and the employer will know that you worked hard to get your GPA. I plan to use my degree as a springboard into another field.</p>
<p>I kind of followed the same logic as kwtortoise, but with structures/buildings instead of planes. I don't necessarily like engineering, but I really like buildings, which is why I went with civil engineering. The other engineering majors (and other science majors too) weren't even a consideration for me. If I didn't do civil engineering, I would've done architecture or urban planning.</p>
<p>thanks! anyone else care to share?</p>
<p>also it's not because u like it. some people never liked it but found out there are plenty of job opportunities. That's why tthey pursue the major and some of them found it interesting once they are in it, not before they choose to be in it.</p>
<p>Ive liked math since I was in elementary school and when I got to high school I found out that I liked computers as well. So Computer Science is where im at ;). The work is challenging, but who doesnt like a challenge every once in a while ;).</p>
<p>Because I am Asian.
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Kidding aside. When I was a kid, I love to watch shows like Transformers and Power Rangers. (I still do now.) I really love the robots in these shows, I tell myself I want to build one when I grow older, that's why I am in EE.</p>
<p>I like math a lot and there are a ton of jobs for EEs where I live. Also, engineering degrees at least prove you're somewhat smart and hardworking, which would be a plus if entering another field. Many other majors can't claim that.</p>
<p>Well, I enjoy math and science. Also, throughout school, I've been well-educated in the humanities, social sciences, and the likes. Also, I've never really been challenged in school or had to work very hard for grades, and engineering gave me a chance for that. It was time for a change and a challenge, basically. Also, engineering is a very flexible degree with which to work.</p>
<p>drum,</p>
<p>One thing to realize is that the stuff we did at NASA this summer was by and large not the usual job of an engineer. I don't remember specifically what you did (except that you got to blow a bunch of stuff up, lucky!) but iirc it was more along the slightly applied chemistry RESEARCH than engineering. A lot of engineers do not end up in research, and I got the impression that the ones that do are really not much different from the scientists, except for research topics.</p>
<p>No Mythbuster fans?? I swear that's why Son decided Chem E over EE. So he can blow things up!</p>
<p>drum,</p>
<p>I think I remember, you were working with creating a new kind of fuel right? Or something along those lines? Anyways, technically you could classify what you did as either engineering or science. becaue you attempting to "engineer" a new kind of fuel with better properties, but you were also researching these properties, so there is a lot of gray area dependig on the field.</p>
<p>My advice to you is this (it is also what I will probably be doing). Do an undergraduate major in the kind of engineerig that most interests you, something you really love. If you end up not liking it, you can always change to a more theoretical science, but it is MUCH more difficult to go the other way. If you decide after you get your degree that you woudl rather work in research the rest of your life, you can get into PhD program in your field just as easily as someone with the theoretical major. The problem is tha if you do an undergrad major in theoretical and lab science, your job prospects are very limited until you get a grad degree, but you can easily get a job with only a BS in engineer if you decide not to keep going to school. You follow me?</p>
<p>In my case, I cant for the life of me decide between an undergad major in electrical engineering, a computer science/philosophy ddouble major, or a double major in physics/math. I probably do one of the first because I could easily get a job as an engineer with either one or job in AI/robotics with the second, but I basically would have to go to grad school with the third. As of know, i absolutly want to get a PhD, but that coudl change in the next four years!</p>
<p>Just remember, if you dont like engineering, you can always change your major</p>
<p>ps. try to get another internship either in very theoretical science or in really hardline engineering (like product development). That will get you a better idea. I am doing an internship at JLab right now and I am able to see the theory guys work with the hardline EE's, it is what really makes want to go into something more theoretical.</p>
<p>Hey ehiunno,</p>
<p>It seems as though we share the same problem....I really enjoy doing basic research(especially when I get to "blow things up" :) ), but the market just cant support researchers i.e. theoretical unfortunately.I would love to do applied mathematics even, but again, I dont want to teach or do financial things, I want to do research. I cant see my self doing manufacturing type engineering- no way. But I could see myself doing some design work perhaps, or doing what some of the engineers in my building last summer where doing(consequently what I was not). </p>
<p>So I suppose I'll probably stick to engineering, at least I have another year or two to decide :)</p>
<p>And to peggy- yes everyone on this board probably loves the thrill of blowingthings up!</p>