Hello everyone, I am a rising senior at an Ivy majoring in Materials Science and Engineering with a great GPA and resume. I’ve interned at GE Aviation last summer and will be in a different division this summer. However, I am struggling to figure out my post-college plans and could really use some advice.
Part of the problem is that as someone majoring in such an interdisciplinary field, I can go into a wide range of fields that are oriented towards mechanical, chemical, biomedical, and electrical engineering among others. Since the curriculum and all that I’ve learned covers a little here and there in each of these areas, I haven’t seen enough to know what being a materials scientist/engineer in each of these fields is really like. Additionally, all I’ve learned so far is theory since very little application was taught. This doesn’t help me to know what I would be getting myself into. Also, I haven’t encountered any area that I truly dislike and would discard from future consideration. At first, I thought I enjoyed more mechanical and chemical related topics, which came easier to me than electrical topics, however, I just recently took a class in electrical and magnetic properties which I really enjoyed and did well in (the professor teaching any course has a lot to do with whether I enjoy a topic or not).
With one year left, and even less to plan my next step, how do I decide what is the best area for me to pursue? I’m considering pursuing an MEng or MS (PhD is not for me), although as you can tell I’m not sure in what field. I am also considering just entering the workforce directly.
What areas of engineering are most in need now and in the next 5-10 years or longer?
Additionally, what are areas of engineering that are big in major cities and not so much in plants in the middle of nowhere?
Any advice on how to go about determining my next step is greatly appreciated.