Petroleum to Mechanical--wise switch?

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>I'm on the verge of switching majors from Petroleum to Mechanical engineering.</p>

<p>I have a few reasons for doing so. One is, Petroleum engineering seems too limiting for me. I really don't know what it is I'd like to spend the rest of my life doing and I don't want to get stuck in oil and gas if I'm not 100 percent committed. Mechanical attracts me because it is sort of an all-purpose engineering degree, opposed to petroleum which is quite specified. Mechanical offers opportunities in a lot of different industries/sectors, which works well for an indecisive person such as myself. Another reason is location. No offense to the people here living in North Dakota, Oklahoma, Alaska, etc. but these are not desirable places to spend my professional career. There's also the environmental factor and the uncertainty of the future of oil as well.</p>

<p>Would you recommend this switch?</p>

2

<p>well if you want to go to mechanical because it holds your interest go for it! You’d probably have a more fulfilling career with something you like. </p>

<p>the benefits of petroleum are that you’ll make the most money out of all engineering people. The field is also growing on a world stage in countries like Brazil and Colombia. with this growth you’ll see a higher demand and higher salary. not to mention the US has tons of reserves left. so you will get a good job. one thing you may want to consider is that their are American oil companies in countries like Brazil and other parts of south america so it may not be just North Dakota or Alaska</p>

3

<p>It sounds like you already know the answer. Of course this is a good idea. It sounds like it is what will make you happiest, so go for it!</p>

4

<p>I can’t transfer due to enrollment controls. :(</p>

5

<p>Im a mechanical, I wish I could do Petroleum but it’s not offered at my school. Keep in mind Petroleum engineers earn about ~$25,000 more a year than an average Mechanical engineer. That is a A LOT of money to give up. There’s a lot of people that live off $25,000 a year</p>

<p>Whoever told you there was uncertainity in oil is very mistaken.</p>

<p>Look at the largest compnies in the world, they’re all oil. Oil will last for another 100 or so years. These supermajor companies are not just going to flop over and die. They’re going to use their large income and find other sources of energy</p>