I got accepted into UPenn early decision and have begun thinking about which major I should pursue. I narrowed my choices down to either ME or EE, but am having trouble deciding. I plan to do a job shadow over the summer to help me decide. But none of that really has to do with my main question.
Is it worth pursuing a minor in engineering in order to gain knowledge of business principles, so I can be better prepared for higher level and managerial positions closer to graduating college? I can’t tell whether I should simply use my free electives to take some business courses, pursue this minor, or simply gain the knowledge after college in the field.
Does anyone have any opinions on which is more worth my time? Does anyone who has gone down any of these routes want to discuss their point of view and experience?
I think there is a typo in your question and so it makes it hard to answer… do you mean to say is it worth pursuing a minor in Business (you said to pursue a minor in engineering)…
To clarify- which school were you accepted to SEAS or CAS or Wharton? And are you hoping to work in engineering or business after college (many engineers from Penn do go straight to the investment banks).
No typo, Engineering Entrepreneurship is a minor from SEAS.
First determine your placement into math, physics and chemistry. You will learn that there are ‘engineering sections’ of these classes with entrance exams so so not assume that you can automatically use your AP credits. Register for first semester classes which will likely include an introductory course for EE or MEAM. First find your passion for one of the SEAS departments; as years and many hours will be spent there.
The entrepreneurship minor is not difficult to weave into coursework as you move through your major requirements. EAS 203 Engineering Ethics is a general SEAS requirement and counts as an EENT minor. Many of the EENT course options are higher level courses (some count as engineering electives) and cannot be taken freshman or sophomore year. You can also take ECON in the college to fulfill your humanities requirements.
Give it time, find your passion. Yes you will gain tremendously from either route by exploring the business world as an undergraduate. Having the exposure to see how technical and non-technical individuals approach using financial and IP assets, will be very valuable. Engineering Economics is the college course I have used most in life. Our SEAS student has the opportunity to explore at a much deeper level; makes the 70K a little easier to bear.