In These Times: Practical vs. Follow Your Heart

<p>A student who is unsure of whether engineering is the right major for her should NOT be in a "techy" school. She should be in a university that offers many other options. Some of the best engineering programs are located in universities with very diverse programs, so there is no loss of quality involved in avoiding specifically "techy" schools.</p>

<p>Having said that, I would also urge the "maybe-engineering" student to start college as an engineering major. Engineering is a highly structured program. It's much harder to transfer into it than out of it.</p>

<p>Well, let's say why not major in engineer. If she doesn't like it or can't survie it, switch to another major. If she likes it, and later doesn't want to be an engineer, she can <em>always</em> works in some other fields. I have a friend who went into human resources after being an engineer for couple of years. He's now an HR VP. I can't imagine the reverse situation, though.</p>

<p>My spouse is one generation beyond this and I can share his experience.</p>

<p>His parents required their boys to major in engineering for the same reasons your husband sites. They all also wound up with scholarships, but their parents would not budge.</p>

<p>Of the brothers, none works as an engineer and all wish they'd majored in something else as an undergrad. This was water under the bridge until our kid decided he wanted to major in theater. My in-laws first reaction was to try to talk him to minoring in theater and major in something more practical. My husband put a quick end to that conversation. They meant well, but it certainly did not play out like they had hoped it would.</p>

<p>My experience recruiting at colleges is that students who start out in engineering "because they should" and transfer out take a beating. The coursework is very difficult, and it can extend the time at college.</p>

<p>There's a great book on the topic that a previous poster mentioned about most employees in 30 years being in jobs that don't currently exist. It's "A Whole New Mind" by Dan Pink. His theory is that the 20th Century world needed left-brained people (engineers) during the Industrial and Information Ages, but the 21st Century will require right-brain activity (creativity, design, etc.) for the Conceptual Age. Might be an interesting read for your DH and DD.</p>

<p>We are allowing our D to major in art (visual communications) and minor in Spanish. She is going to college for a lot more than job preparation.</p>

<p>I have read Daniel Pink's A Whole New Mind, and I agree that it is a wonderfully refreshing perspective. It's a very compelling read, even for those without college age kiddos.</p>

<p>Financial advisers repeadetly remind us that we should not make long term investment decisions based on short-term market swings.</p>

<p>I consider a college education to be a very long term investment. I would not let short-term market swings in the economy dictate educational choices.</p>

<p>As for how to handle DH, I laughed thinking about how I try to convince my engineer brother of anything.....take a linear approach!</p>

<p>On the good side, my daughter found tech schools with good arts facilities--so her creative side will have outlets. On the flip side, she chose universities with good engineering.
I am less optimistic about admission to the non-tech schools. At the tech schools, being female is somewhat of a plus, and her humanities and extra curricular strengths are advantageous also. Fortunately she is assured of a safety and safety/match with money (due to test scores and academics). I am hoping that aid won't be affected too much by endowment hits, but we will see. </p>

<p>I wish that this major dilemma (choosing a major, and type of school) could be resolved before financial and admission offers are all on the table--I don't think it should be a completely money-driven decision. I would like it not to be.</p>

<p>Thank you for the book suggestion. I will find it.</p>

<p>I have thought maybe she could use a career counselor. There is none at her high school, and you can't pinpoint one area of strength, or easily eliminate interests. My husband especially dislikes the idea of sampling things because he says she could sample forever and happily do so, and he is probably right about that. </p>

<p>I tell my daughter to "go in the direction of your dreams" which my husband thinks is nonsense. He thinks she should have a clear direction, to ensure that food/shelter/clothing are not just dreams. If you come from not having those things, it's probably more of a driving force than "I just want my kids to be happy."</p>

<p>It is hard to have a clear direction when you are 18. College is a time to explore, that's is why I like liberal arts education. It leaves a lot more options open. My older daughter said someday when she has made a lot of money in finance she is going to open a ballet studio. In my heart, I really hope she will be able to do that.</p>

<p>Yes I come here to cc and find comfort that lots of people see college as a time to explore. But others think it is a luxury to think like that. If you work so hard so your kids can get somewhere, then they better aim to get somewhere in particular, not just go aimlessly to college. Pipmom, last year or so my husband did suggest funeral director. Not so seriously, but I don't see him budging from being practical. Has anyone had luck with college counselors?</p>

<p>How about pretend to apply for engineering and only taking GE the first 2 years. If she still wants to be an engineer than that is fine, otherwise, she at least get 2 years paid. She can borrow the last 2 years.</p>

<p>
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If you work so hard so your kids can get somewhere, then they better aim to get somewhere in particular, not just go aimlessly to college.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I don't know. I figure I've worked so hard so my kids can have the freedom and time to really know themselves in relation to the world. That way they will be more likely to make the best decisions for their future (and for my future grandchildren!). An aimless path may only look that way to someone who has never had the opportunity and encouragement to take a diversion or two.</p>

<p>What you have quoted is a mindset in my husband's family, maybe more likely amongst immigrants? As in, there is no guarantee of a safety net to take diversions, so set your course and work hard to make it happen.</p>

<p>I don't see things the same way. It is what I am contending with, however. </p>

<p>Columbia_Student, GE is general engineering courses?</p>

<p>GE - General Education</p>

<p>I'm an engineer, my just graduated D is an engineer (CS), and my other D is in the middle of getting a CS degree. My just graduated D received a number of good offers and currently has a very good job. My younger D has had very good internship opportunities. I think it's a very good career choice. Regarding 'maxing out' in salary, I suppose this could happen somewhat if one stays doing about the same thing their whole career but many people don't do this - they move into lead positions, higher level design positions, management positions, or sometimes just go ahead and start their own companies. It's up to the individual to guide their career dynamically and not be static.</p>

<p>But - most engineering degrees require a lot of rigorous work compared with many other degrees, especially degrees in the humanities. It's not the type of degree or field one should go into unless they really are interested in the work as opposed to the high starting salaries. If your D is actually interested in one of the engineering fields then it's a good choice. If she's not that interested in it and more interested in non-engineering fields then she'd have a hard time doing well in the major and being satisfied with it.</p>

<p>Also keep in mind that there are a number of different 'engineering' fields - all with different job prospects, growth potentials, and salary potentials. People interested in one of the engineering fields might very well not be interested in another - ex: a CS major may have no interest in Mechanical Engineering who may have no interest in Chemical Engineering, etc. If she's intereste din engineering she should think through which branch of engineering she's interested in and consider prospects for that particular branch.</p>

<p>If you go into engineering, the programs I'm familiar with (S is a junior in EE), you need to enter the college of engineering pretty much as a freshman & take mostly the prescribed courses. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of room to take many GE courses, even if you enter with LOTS of AP & other credits; at least that's what we've found to date.</p>

<p>momof2inca: Ditto to your post #32.</p>

<p>Turns out my son, not an engineering major, is taking math and physics classes with mechanical engineering students this term, is really enjoying it and has signed up for more in the spring. When I asked if he was considering switching majors into engineering, he loudly told me no wayyyyy. I guess he's just in it for the fun.... go figure.</p>

<p>Ditto to post #32 here too. Many of us looked like we knew what we were doing (or didn't) but it sure does help when we have the support to find our passion. I've heard of many who chose a "practical" major/field that they hated & didn't stick with anyway (see thread referenced about college degrees & what folks have done with them).</p>

<p>It is good that your S is taking the math & science because he enjoys it. My niece took advanced calculus for several years because she enjoyed it & went on to major in psychology. Her family is still scratching their heads.</p>

<p>I know someone who majored in ballet because that was where her scholarship was funded but is now trying to figure out how to earn a living. She is thinking of trying to get a teaching certificate, work for a non-profit or something, but doesn't really know. Working at a preschool while she ponders.</p>

<p>Lots of people decided to pursue computer programming because there were so many jobs in that field. But many of those jobs got outsourced. </p>

<p>Job trends change. People change. You do yourself a favor by being well rounded and ready to adapt to change.</p>