So, I was just accepted into Michigan State University last week (this is where I will be going). I selected my preferred major as Mechanical Engineering. Being a huge over thinker, I am questioning this choice now.
I really enjoy physics and I don’t mind math at all. I actually really love math when I grasp a concept (it can be very frustrating when it doesn’t make sense, as everything is). The issue with mechanical engineering is that I don’t know whether I want to go in it for me, or for other motives. It’s something that my dad introduced to me, and I think his thoughts about it have influenced me a lot. Also, it has amazing pay. I’ve heard that being in it for the pay is the worst idea ever and that I should be in it because I enjoy it, but the thing is, I don’t even know if I enjoy it.
So, I considered switching majors into something with applied physics. Again, I don’t know if this is something that I would enjoy doing for a living.
HOWEVER, the job that I’ve had in mind for the past year or so is an Industrial Designer or similar. Designing things like furniture and home things and little gadgets (like ones from Ikea- tea steepers, can openers, all that kind of thing) has always drawn me in. I have thought about the whole “interior design” path, but what appeals to me more is designing and implementing the things that go into homes and offices, etc. I like working with color and I have always been able to come up with ideas on how to improve life with different knick knacks.
With this information, should I switch a major, and what to? I don’t know whether I would need to stay in MechE or switch to something like Applied Engineering or Engineering-no preference to pursue the career that I have wanted. I plan to possibly minor in psychology or something design-related (lol, opposite sides of the spectrum).
@lnicole my advice would be to get to campus and get the first semester under your belt. It is not uncommon for students to change their major and you have time on your side. Once you get a feel for the academics and what it will take you will probably gain a sense of if its what you really want to do. You also will get an academic adviser. When I was in school, my adviser was very helpful and easy to talk to about my path.
You still are about 10 months away before you will be on campus so I wouldn’t worry too much at this point. Just try to enjoy your Senior year of high school and use this time to focus on the transition to college and what it will take to be successful at MSU no matter what your major is. Finish your Senior year strong, enjoy, and prepare for the next chapter.
@boneh3ad I would like to design consumer products and then put them into “motion” I guess. So perhaps I should double major? Maybe MechE and Industrial Design? Or maybe like Design Engineering? I don’t exactly know how to explain what I want to do, partially because I’m not 100% sure yet. I want to be more interactive with my job instead of sitting at a computer for hours and hours.
Design engineering isn’t a field. It’s more of a job description. Still, what you describe is either mechanical engineering or what some schools call industrial design, which isn’t even engineering. It all depends on what sort of thins you want to design and what part of the design process.
I think students often get confused about design and build. There’s typically very large teams that are responsible for the final product you see on the shelf. For example, Apple has nearly 500 engineers working just on the iPhone camera. So, I’d just start in ME. Get going and then change IF something sounds like a better fit. From your description though, ME sounds right.
Congratulations on your acceptance! Don’t fret to much over this.
As mentioned above, you can refine things once you have some courses under your belt. The first few semesters of engineering are mostly similar courses. I switched from Civil to Mechanical Eng during my sophomore year. (If per chance you end up switching to a non-engineering program, most credits should transfer.)
